Be The Exception In Special Education

This episode dives deep into common challenges faced by special education teachers when traditional teaching methods stop producing results. We explore signs of ineffective strategies, introduce fresh approaches, and invite listeners to join our free summer training. Are you ready to take a deep dive into common challenges faced by special education teachers in the classroom? Sometimes traditional...

Templates are designed to make life easier…something we all need in the special education classroom, am I right? And if you are anything like me, the more templates you can use the better…why recreate the wheel every time you have to send that email asking for input?    In this week's episode I'm sharing all about the templates that I use. I will explain why I think templates are important, the ty...

Ever taught a lesson that was a total flop? You found your students unengaged, the goals of the lesson were just off and everything seemed to go wrong. It happens…to all of us! But there are things that you can do if this seems to be happening to you on a more regular basis.    In this week's episode I'm sharing three things to consider   In this episode you will learn:   Signs Your Current Method...

Dr. Christine Reeve is a seasoned educator and a leader in developing strategies and resources for students with autism. With a passion ignited by her extensive experience, she founded Autism Classroom Resources, a platform dedicated to supporting educators and families. In this week's episode she is sharing all of her knowledge with us, including some incredible tips for those new teachers. In th...

Welcome to Episode 214 of "Be The Exception In Special Education," where we dive into essential end-of-year activities for special educators. Host Dawn Ellis guides you through a strategic approach to close the school year with strength and prepare for the next. Whether you're tidying documents or reflecting on the year's progress, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring insights. What...

A visual in the classroom is an object, photograph, sign or picture that is used to communicate in some way. In the special education classroom they can be crucial to learning and mastery for our students.   In this week's episode I am chatting with Kristin from Special Education Clubhouse about all things visual…what they are, how to use them and why they matter. In this episode you will learn:  ...

Can you believe that summer is almost here??? If you are anything like me, the countdown has been on for a few weeks now and the excitement continues to grow. However, there still seems to be so much left on the to-do list!   In the week's episode I am sharing some ideas on things you need to get you through! There are resource ideas, checklists and more. Links and Resources Morning Meeting Slides...

In this episode of "Be The Exception" we delve into the intricacies of behavior management with Sam Parmerlee, also known as The Ed Queen. Drawing from her experience as a former self-contained ED teacher and current behavioral consultant for multiple schools, Sam shares invaluable insights and practical strategies to navigate behavior challenges in the classroom. Throughout the episode, Sam addre...

Today, we're tackling one of the most crucial aspects of a special education teacher's role: the Individualized Education Program, or IEP, meeting. These meetings are the cornerstone of supporting our exceptional learners, but they can also be overwhelming. And it doesn't seem to matter if you are a newbie or have been doing this for years…sometimes an IEP is just challenging. That's why I'm excit...

Paraprofessionals are an absolute must in the special education classroom. It is imperative to make sure that you are maximizing the support for both you and your students.  In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Emeka from E Henderson EduConsulting, who shared invaluable insights on working effectively with paraprofessionals in special education. You will hear Emeka stress th...

Earth Day, originating on April 22nd, 1970, is now a global event, annually observed by millions worldwide to raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for conservation efforts. And it can be easily celebrated in the special education classroom! You can read books, plan special activities like planting seeds and complete adapted assignments that are made for your students. In this we...

Welcome to "Be The Exception," the podcast dedicated to providing practical insights and strategies for educators in the special education community. In today's episode, we're diving into Autism Acceptance Month with our special guest, Laine Shields, a passionate special education teacher with a unique perspective as someone who is neurodivergent. Throughout this episode, we'll explore practical s...

Join us in celebrating the unsung heroes of education – paraprofessionals! 🌟 In this episode of Be The Exception, we're diving into creative ideas to show appreciation for these invaluable members of our team on their special day, April 3rd. Because we all know we can't make it without them! Learn about the history of Paraprofessional Appreciation Day and why it's essential to recognize their con...

In this episode of Be The Exception, I am exploring creative and impactful activities for promoting autism acceptance in schools and classrooms. From sensory-friendly events to interactive learning experiences. There are practical strategies and inspiring ideas for creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and celebrated. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference...

Spring is always a super busy time for me as a special education teacher, with what feels like one million IEP meetings. If I go into this time of year unprepared, unorganized, it just makes it that much more difficult. Doing a little work before my meetings makes all the difference in the world.   In this week's episode, I am sharing 10 essential pre-meeting steps for special education teachers....

As we approach World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, we're excited to shine a light on Down syndrome and celebrate the beautiful diversity of individuals with Down syndrome. Join us on a special episode of the "Be The Exception In Special Education" podcast as we explore ways to promote inclusion, spread awareness, and make a difference in our classrooms and communities. In this episode, we'll di...

In today's show, we're diving into the world of March-themed activities tailored specifically for special education classrooms. From St. Patrick's Day crafts to springtime science experiments, we've got you covered with creative ideas to keep your students engaged and inspired.  In this episode you will learn:   Different activities/crafts for St. Patrick's Day Different spring science experiments...

There are so many misconceptions in the world of behavior..are rewards a bribe? Does the student just not like me? Why am I not seeing improvements even though I am doing everything "right"? How do we overcome these misconceptions so that we can truly make a difference in our classrooms in terms of behaviors?    In this week's episode, I am chatting with Chelsea Marelle about how to target and imp...

Aggressive, and sometimes confrontational, parents is a thing that at some point in your career you will have to deal with. This type of parent can make it where IEPs cannot be successful and keep the student's best interest at the front and center.   In this week's episode, we are sharing with you 8 easy tips for dealing with aggressive, confrontational parents.    In this episode you will learn:...

Dealing with behaviors in the classroom is something that every teacher deals with…whether you have been teaching for a year or 20 years. We always have students who push and test and we have to find a way to address what is happening each day.   In this week's episode, I am chatting with Shannon Dobson. She is a behavioral expert with so many ideas, processes and improvements to share. She is giv...

What is backward chaining? Backward chaining is such an important idea in the special education world. Basically, you teach a student a skill by starting at the end and then slowly backing up each step until they are able to complete the task on their own. This technique can cut down on frustration, allows for more visuals or hands-on learning and often helps students reach independent levels more...

In this episode, we're joined by Tiffany Atkinson and Jessica McWhorter from Mane, a non-profit specializing in equine-assisted learning activities.  They discuss how Mane, established in 1994, has evolved to support children and adults with a variety of disabilities. We delve into their therapy programs, learn about the process of matching horses to learners, and hear touching success stories.  T...

When students with disabilities face academic or social challenges for which they feel ill-equipped, some give up, avoid tasks, or act out. These students, especially those with neurodiversity or trauma history, may exhibit poor executive functioning skills or struggle with resiliency, the ability to overcome and adapt to challenging situations. IEPs that ignore trauma history may interfere with s...

In this episode of Be the Exception Podcast, we have  Malia Hollowell, a renowned educator and advocate for the Science of Reading, joining us again. With two decades of experience, Malia shares her journey from confronting the stark reality of unpreparedness to developing a comprehensive, effective approach to teaching reading. Key Highlights: Malia's transformative journey in education. Introduc...

As we step into January 2024, we understand that the transition from holiday break back to the classroom comes with its unique set of challenges. In today's episode, we're focusing on strategies and tips to help you refresh your teaching approach and reconnect with your students. So, let's turn the page to a new chapter filled with opportunities and growth! Remember that your dedication and passio...