Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers

Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Do you wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Are you challenged by disruptive classroom behaviors or found yourself scouring the internet searching for how to meet the diverse needs of each student, how to progress monitor , how to write IEP goals and on and on? Are you...

Welcome to 6th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul,  answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: Yesenia asks “When applying, what interview questions should I expect and what should I ask?" From Mark..."I don't understand how to progress monitor and keep up with all tha...

As we approach the end of May, you may be already enjoying your summer break or eagerly counting the days until you can. This episode is dedicated to the importance of summer breaks for special education teachers, offering a time for rejuvenation and reflection after a year filled with unique challenges and triumphs. What's Included: The Importance of Summer Break: Summer provides a crucial p...

Today's guest  is Kristen Andujar from the Special Education Clubhouse and is here to discuss the importance of collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers.  When both educators work together, they can share insights, resources, and strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students. Effective teamwork not only enhances the educational experience, but it...

Have you ever been formally trained on how to work with paraprofessionals? No? Me neither! Unfortunately, this critical aspect of special education preparation—paraprofessional training--is too often overlooked.  In today's episode, we explore why effective training isn't just beneficial, but essential for everyone involved: You, your district, fellow teachers, the paraprofessionals, and...

In this episode, we discuss how to maintain your professionalism when faced with tough moments in the classroom. Everyone loses their cool now and then, but it’s how we handle these situations that truly shapes our teaching environment. Early in my career, I learned a costly lesson about controlling my reactions and to this day serves as an important reminder that our reactions have consequences....

Welcome to 5th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul,  answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: Megan asks “What are some fun End of Year educational activities? My principal said we still have to do educational things in our classes but my kids are off the walls." From Heather.....

Have you begun the summer countdown yet?  As we approach the end of the school year, many of us in special education are feeling the familiar strain of end-of-year fatigue. Testing, changes in student behavior, loosened discipline, and a packed meeting schedule can leave you feeling drained and ready for a break. In this episode, I explore practical strategies to manage this overwhelm, ensuring yo...

In honor of Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance Month, this week's episode features a discussion with Heather Hall from Embracing Autism about the statement, "Autism is not a choice, but embracing it is." This  conversation addresses critical misconceptions, such as the belief that all individuals with autism are cognitively low and that their behaviors are uniform.  Heather and...

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by guest Alicia Tripp to discuss the frequently overlooked but prevalent issue of comparison in special education. Alicia recounts her personal journey, starting from the inspiration she received from her brother with Down syndrome, to her own development as an educator who confronted and triumphed over the challenges of comparison. Together, they discuss strate...

Welcome to 4th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul,  answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: What do I do when my paras aren't getting along- Margaret Is it okay to teach my students math facts?- Sara Managing Paraeducator Conflicts Key Points: Address conflicts immediately for ef...

In today's episode, I have a guest to help me discuss one of my favorite topics: supporting paraprofessionals. These unsung heroes play a pivotal role in our classrooms, and it's crucial we acknowledge their contributions.  Joining me is Lydia Hunninghake, an experienced teacher in special education, who shares my enthusiasm for this cause. As a passionate special education teacher and e...

When a former student approaches you after 25 years, thanking you for lessons long past, it hits in a way that words can't quite capture. That's the essence of the latest Sped Prep Academy podcast episode—stories that demonstrate the unforeseen and lasting impacts we special educators have on our students. The focus of this episode are 3 heartwarming anecdotes from my personal journey in...

Today we are discussing something that is coming up here pretty quickly in the world of education and typically has a greater level of impact on our students than general education students and that is the super fun time of state assessments.  There are many opinions on state testing...We need to know where our students are academically in comparison to their peers, but are we creating an environm...

Welcome to 3rd segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul,  answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: How do I work with so many different levels of students at one time- Andi How can I help a student with autism who doesn't engage with other kids learn how to play with other kids? -Tyler...

Welcome to another episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast with your host, Jennifer. Today, we explore the Spring IEP season, a period of time in the field of special education known for its intense demands, hectic schedules, and unique challenges.  Jennifer shares her expertise and offers practical strategies to help special educators navigate and overcome these seasonal hurdles with confidence...

In this episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, we take a break from instructional content to share a deeply personal experience that reignited Jennifer's passion for special education.  Join Jennifer on this special episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast as she shares her transformative experience volunteering at the Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine event.  Amidst the daily cha...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, where we continue our discussion on supporting paraprofessionals. A few weeks ago, in episode 148 we worked on mindset around the fact that you most likely didn't go to school to be the boss and you don't have the knowledge or skillset to lead anyone. I shared how, in spite of not having any training, you ARE the lea...

Welcome to the Sped Prep Academy Podcast! In this engaging episode of our "Ask Us Anything Series," Paul and I give practical tips on behavior management and effective collaboration with general education teachers in an inclusive setting. Tune in as we navigate these crucial aspects of special education and share our firsthand experiences. Episode Highlights: Handling Challenging Behavio...

Today, we have a special treat! I had the incredible opportunity to chat with another fellow presenter from the Sped Summit.   Our guest today is Lois Letchford. Her story is both personal and inspiring. Lois's journey with dyslexia began at the age of 39, a journey that started when she faced the challenge of teaching her son, Nicholas.  This experience was a turning point, leading her to ex...

I couldn't believe it when one of the teachers I coach came into my office and said she had signed up and listened to my presentation at the Sped Summit without knowing I was presenting. She said that, even though she doesn't want anyone to struggle, it really validated her to know that I struggled as a beginning teacher too. What I want you to know is that we ALL struggle at some point....

Today's episode engages in a great conversation with Lisa Parnello, the founder of Parnello Education and the host of the podcast, Dyslexia Devoted.  In today's conversation, Lisa dispels common misconceptions about dyslexia, emphasizing that dyslexia is not a vision problem but a result of how the brain processes language.  She stresses the importance of early intervention and offers va...

In this insightful episode, we delve into effective strategies for managing disruptive behavior in the special education classroom. Our expert guest, Rachel, shares valuable insights on what works and what doesn't, drawing from her wealth of experience. Key Takeaways: What Doesn't Work: Engaging in power struggles or losing your cool is a counterproductive approach Proactive Strategies t...

Welcome back to the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, your go-to space for all things special education!  In our last episode, Episode 144 , I discussed "Seven Questions to Help Special Education Teachers Reflect." If you haven't had a chance to listen, go back and check it out. it's a perfect way to set the tone for the New Year. Today, I'm joined by my fantastic co-host with a...

In the final episode of 2023, I want to guide you through self-reflection with seven crucial questions. As Maya Angelou wisely said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." This quote encapsulates my approach to working with teachers—continuous growth through self-awareness. Before diving into the questions, let me share a bit of personal reflec...