Be The Exception In Special Education

As a special education teacher, burnout can feel like an inevitable part of the job. The demands of supporting students with diverse needs, managing paperwork, attending endless meetings, and giving your all every single day can leave you feeling drained, overstimulated, and completely exhausted. If you've been there (trust me, I've been there too), you know how hard it is to keep giving when you...

If you're an educator looking to bring more tech into your classroom that not only engages your students but also gives them the tools they need to succeed socially and academically, this episode is for you! In this episode, we revisit the team at RoboKind and explore their recent pivot to virtual avatars and how this shift is benefiting special education classrooms.   In this episode you will lea...

The holiday season is a busy time for educators, but it's also a great opportunity to engage your students with fun, festive learning activities. In this episode, I'm sharing how my Special Education Christmas Activities bundle can help special educators maintain a structured, engaging classroom while celebrating the holidays. Learn how math, literacy, social skills, and even fine motor activities...

In this week's episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we dive deep into the power of growth mindset in the classroom, especially for special education teachers. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I want to challenge you to shift your mindset from task-driven to student-focused. Learn how to refocus on the why behind your work and gain practical tips for overcoming the stress and overwhe...

Join me as I sit down with Toby Karten, an inclusion facilitator and author, to discuss the critical role of collaboration in special and general education. Discover the common threads that unite diverse student populations and learn practical strategies to enhance inclusive practices in your classroom. In this episode you will learn:   The importance of collaboration between special education and...

This week I'm sharing low-prep, highly engaging Thanksgiving-themed activities that special education teachers can implement in their classrooms. Make this season a time of gratitude and learning in the easiest way ever!    In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to implement gratitude journals in your classroom. Create a Thankful Tree to celebrate what students are thankful for. Organize a Thanksgiv...

In this episode, we're joined by Rachel Garcia, a dedicated special education teacher who has developed innovative methods for teaching counting to nonverbal students. Discover how to engage your learners with multisensory techniques, foster communication, and build confidence in their counting skills! In this episode you will learn:   Effective modeling techniques for counting. The importance of...

In this final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively.   In this episode...

This week we are continuing our chats about all things AAC. Last week we covered the basics about what they are and why our students need them. In this episode, we take a closer look at how to choose and customize AAC tools to fit the unique needs of each student. Learn how to assess your students' communication needs with help from an SLP, and discover tips for selecting between low-tech and high...

In this episode, we kick off AAC Awareness Month by exploring the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn what AAC is, the types of AAC systems, and why it's so crucial for non-verbal and minimally verbal students in special education. We'll also discuss real-life examples of how AAC has transformed the classroom and fostered student independence.  Don't miss this foundat...

A few years back I set up a coffee cart with my students. I had no idea just how much change and academic growth would come from this one project!  This week I'm sharing my experience of setting up a school coffee cart. You will discover how this project not only enhances functional academic skills but also builds social and emotional growth among special education students. I'm providing practica...

Cultural competency is all about being able to interact with various cultures. As teachers, this is such a vital thing that has to occur for the success of our students in the classroom.  In this episode, Alexis shares her insights on integrating cultural competence into the self-contained classroom. With over a decade of teaching experience, Alexis provides actionable strategies for creating an i...

In this episode, I'm diving into effective strategies and resources for teaching science and social studies in a self-contained special education classroom. I'm sharing about the importance of adapted curriculum, hands-on activities, visual supports, differentiation, and fostering a collaborative environment. Discover how my comprehensive Adapted Science and Social Studies Bundle can make your tea...

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we're joined by Jenn from Teach Love Autism. She is a specialist renowned for her innovative strategies in teaching students with autism. Jenn takes us through the essential elements of setting up and managing independent work stations in the classroom, shedding light on why these tools are vital for fostering independence and supporting di...

Starting a new school year is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and this year has been no exception. With a few weeks under our belts, it's clear that this school year is like nothing we've experienced before. We knew it would be a unique challenge, and now that we're in the thick of it, I can say with certainty—we were absolutely right! As teachers, we're always learning, growing, and a...

Welcome to Episode 228 of Be The Exception in Special Education! In this inspiring episode, host Dawn Ellis sits down with Lucy Altway, a passionate educator and author of " The Room With The Rainbow Door. " Lucy shares her incredible journey in education and dives deep into her new book that celebrates inclusivity and neurodiversity. In this episode you will learn:   The Inspiration Behind the Bo...

Alternate achievement standards, also known as AAS, are academic standards that different states, like Alabama, use for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in general assessments.    These standards are aligned with grade-level academic content standards, but may be less complex, deep, and broad. The goal of alternate standards is to help students achieve...

Do you have non-verbal students in your classroom? Are you ready to help them communicate in a way that works for them?    In this week's episode, we dive into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with our special guest, Marisa.  In this episode you will learn:   Introduction and Background: Marisa shares her journey into the field of AAC, explaining what inspired her to f...

Back to school can always present its own set of challenges each year. But, going in with an organized classroom can make life so much easier.    In this week's episode, I am sharing my top tips, including some Amazon must-haves, to create an organized, welcoming environment for your students. In this episode you will learn:   My favorite tools to keep your classroom organized How to make things c...

Inclusion is allowing all children to have access to the general education setting with their peers. It is not always appropriate for every student, but there are almost always pieces that you can insert into a child's schedule throughout the day.   In this week's episode, I am chatting with my friends Audra from ABA in School and Caitlin from Beltran's Behavior Basics about all things inclusion. ...

In this episode, we welcome back Ashley Lutz to discuss the importance of CORE vocabulary in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). Ashley shares her expertise on incorporating play to enhance learning, using visuals effectively, and modeling CORE vocabulary for students. Join us for practical tips, success stories, and a special freebie that will support your classroom implementation. In this...

If you are anything like me, you can't survive without your paraprofessionals. They are absolutely essential to everything that happens inside my classroom. But sometimes, we fall into routines that are not effective or that are not maximizing their benefits.  In today's episode I'm sharing practical tips for paraprofessionals working in special education. Whether you're new to the role or looking...

In this episode, we welcome back Heather C. to discuss effective strategies for teaching writing in special education. Heather shares her expertise on Predictable Chart Writing (PCW) and integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support diverse learners. Tune in to learn about engagement techniques, customization for different needs, and practical tips for getting started wit...

In this episode, Dawn Ellis shares essential strategies for setting up your paraprofessional team for success right from the start. Learn how to establish clear expectations, communicate effectively, and provide comprehensive training that empowers your paras to thrive in their roles. In this episode you will learn:   The importance of setting clear roles and responsibilities for paraprofessionals...

Comprehensive curriculum planning is a written plan that guides the design of learning and development goals for children, the experiences they will have to achieve those goals, and how adults will support their learning. But how do you start? What do you include in a comprehensive curriculum plan?    In this week's episode I am sharing exactly how you create a comprehensive curriculum plan and th...