Special Education Inner Circle

Parents and teachers—this one IEP mistake happens all the time. The Parent Concerns section is often left blank or filled with "No concerns at this time." That's not just wasted space—it's a missed opportunity to shape the entire IEP. When the Parent Concerns section is used the right way, it does what IDEA law is meant to do: meet a child's unique needs and prepare them for further education, emp...

What should parents and teachers do when a child is removed from the classroom? Whether it's a hallway break, a move to another room, or a more significant removal, immediate collaborative advocacy is crucial! In this episode of the Special Education Inner Circle Podcast , I'm sharing four quick IEP advocacy steps to help you navigate this situation effectively. You'll learn how to: Recognize and...

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? You're not alone! In this episode, I walk you through four simple prompts to help you clear your mental clutter, free up time, and finally tackle the tasks that matter most. Whether you're a parent, teacher, admin, or therapist, these strategies will help you find more time in your day—so you can focus on what truly moves the needle. Plus, get a sneak peek i...

IEP meetings can be tense, but small shifts in communication can make all the difference. In this episode, I'm sharing two common phrases that create unnecessary conflict at the IEP table—and what you should say instead. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, these simple yet effective strategies will help you keep conversations productive and focused on student success. Plus, if you're r...

If you've been struggling with the "do we need a 1:1 aide" conversation with your IEP team... this quick episode with strategies and perspective is for you! Free Resources at Master IEP Coach® Contact Catherine

As 2024 enters its final quarter, it's time to take stock and plan for a peaceful finish! In this episode, you'll be challenged to reflect on your IEP practices and personal goals. Learn why these last 90 days are crucial for setting yourself up for success in 2025. Whether you're a parent, educator, or administrator, discover how to evaluate your current IEP process, make timely adjustments, and...

In this episode, I'm sharing the real deal on how I help parents and teachers inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship set up their businesses. We'll cover: How I run my business mostly from my phone (which was a lifesaver when my stepson broke his arm recently) A simple way to host webinars that connect you with potential clients My approach to streamlining communication that keeps things professi...

Ever wondered what kind of IEP solutions other people are finding? In this episode, we're dishing out some clever strategies straight from our Master IEP Coaches®. Hear how one simple idea got a struggling student the therapy they needed, and find out why Assistive Technology isn't just about iPads. These are the kind of practical tips that make a real difference in designing successful school day...

Ever felt like you're supposed to do something more to help create change in Special Education? You're not alone. I'm taking you behind the scenes of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship that's turning the tables on traditional special education advocacy. Discover how everyday parents and educators are becoming powerful change-makers, transforming stress-filled IEP meetings into collaborative problem-...

Discover the journey of Sandy, a mom who transformed her frustration with the special education system into a mission to help others. From struggling to secure an IEP for her autistic son to becoming a respected Special Education Advocate and Master IEP Coach®, Sandy's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal experience. Learn her strategies for turning "no" into "yes" at the...

I've been presenting IEP Workshops at PTAs nationwide and these two concerns from parents and teachers keep creeping up... The "What Curriculum?" Conundrum: Because winging it just doesn't cut it anymore. The Inclusion Illusion: Spoiler alert - it's not just about sharing a classroom! In this episode I serve up: Leadership hacks that'll make your head spin (in a good way!) Mind-shifting strategies...

Inclusion of children who receive Special Education services is not a luxury we can afford to delay. Let's challenge the common practice of postponing inclusion until "routines are established." Discover why inclusion should start on day one and how waiting can be a huge set back for children with IEPs. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or administrator, you'll gain valuable insights on creating t...

Are you tired of the communication breakdown between school and home in Special Education? In this episode, I'm sharing two game-changing strategies that will transform how you handle IEP updates.  Discover why sending weekly reports on Fridays might be sabotaging your weekend, and learn a simple shift that could make all the difference. Plus, I share an innovative approach to daily updates that n...

Feeling overwhelmed by back-to-school prep? I've got a box you need to check that could make a huge difference this year. It's all about that assistive technology box the IEP - you know, the one that's often ignored? Let's chat about what it really means and how it can help a child with communication, independence, and safety. Learn More about Master IEP Coach® Visit AngelSense

Did you know that the Time Timer® we all know and love started with a paper plate? In this episode, I chat with Heather from Time Timer®, a visual timer that's been helping students manage time for 30 years. We chat about the big WHY, explore their product line (from classic timers to smartwatches!), and discuss creative ways to use these tools both in and out of the classroom. You'll learn how Ti...

Listen in for an eye-opening journey into the world of Special Olympics' Unified Champion Schools! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a revolutionary approach to inclusion that's sweeping through schools nationwide. You'll hear from Haylie, about Special Olympics' global education initiatives, and Hannah, a Special Olympic athlete whose story will challenge you to dream bigger. Wha...

Hey there, parents and teachers! Join me for a chat with the creative minds behind Calm Strips. We're exploring how these nifty textured stickers are making a real difference in classrooms and beyond, helping kids (and adults!) with focus and anxiety. Learn about their simple design, many uses, and why students and teachers are loving them. We'll also tackle those back-to-school butterflies with s...

🖱️ In this episode, Catherine interviews Parker, the inventor of the Hoglet - the world's first fidget computer mouse. Discover how a former tech professional turned special education teacher invented a much needed assistive technology! 🚀 Key highlights: Parker's journey from tech to teaching 📚 The classroom experience that sparked the Hoglet idea 💡 The thoughtful design process behind this inn...

Hear me out on why sending a recap letter after an IEP meeting is crucial, even when everything goes smoothly. Learn how this simple strategy can prevent misunderstandings, document important agreements, and keep the collaborative spirit alive. I'll walk you through the key elements of an effective recap letter and explain why it's more than just an email. Whether you're a parent or an educator, t...

Ever feel frustrated with the words being used at IEP meetings? You're not alone! In this episode, Catherine shares 5 critical language shifts that'll transform your IEP conversations. Whether you're a parent trying to express your child's needs or an educator aiming to build better plans, these strategies are key to simplifying the process. We're talking fewer words, with more impact. Specific st...

Ever walk into an IEP meeting and struggle to show up as your best self? You know the conversation is going to be tough and you are just crossing your fingers hoping you can say and do the right things.  In this episode, I'll give you practical tips on finding support, preparing effectively, and managing your emotions during meetings. Learn how to show up as your best self with integrity and confi...

It's time to break free of unnecessary stress at the IEP table and courageously hit refresh.  Finally, give yourself permission to let go of methods or programs that just aren't working - even if you poured tons of effort into them initially. Whether it's a teaching approach, therapy plan, or accommodation, if it's causing more headaches than progress, let it go!  Hitting refresh also means a shif...

Are you constantly striving and achieving at the IEP table, only to crash from burnout shortly after? I've been there, and in this episode I'm sharing how the concept of "high performance" changed everything for me. You'll learn the 6 key habits around clarity, energy, productivity and more that allowed me to raise my baseline to a consistent state of joy and engagement - even amid major life stru...

Burnout, exhaustion, and that "never again" feeling after an unsustainable IEP year? Let's get real about the tendency to overload IEPs with too many goals, accommodations, and responsibilities - leaving teachers, therapists, parents, and children overwhelmed. Prioritization is crucial for sustainable IEPs that drive real progress. Stripping back IEPs to the highest-impact, "needle-moving" areas i...

What three words would people use to describe you after an IEP meeting?  Maybe you owned traits like "caring," "patient," and "collaborative" - or maybe there's room to level up. As the school year ends, I share examples from Master IEP Coaches® striving to be a "lifeline," "data-driven," and "calm" for families. What three words do you wish defined your approach to getting the most out of IEP mee...