Catherine Whitcher
Special Education Inner Circle
The Special Education Inner Circle podcast is hosted by Catherine Kahl, M.Ed, founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Get your notebook ready as Catherine brings you real-world strategies for everyone at the IEP table. With her family's experience in the disability community and her journey from Special Education classroom teacher to IEP expert, Catherine knows what it takes to prepare students and families for the future. Get ready to be inspired and learn actionable steps you can take immediately to change your special education experience.
Author
Catherine Whitcher
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Podcast website
Latest episode
Sep 26, 2025
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Episodes
236. 3 Buckets of End of the Year IEP Concerns 10.05.2024 17:32
End of school year chaos got you frazzled? Let me walk you through how to brain dump your concerns, create your 3 buckets, and give you insights on 3 situations I'm coaching parents and teachers through right now inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. If you're struggling through concerns like placement changes for next year, building transitions, and prepping for high school transition service...
235. Your Secret Sauce to a Better School Year Next Year 02.05.2024 13:58
Special Education Teachers and Parents, Was this school year easier than expected, or more difficult than you imagined? In this must-listen episode, I share eye-opening poll results, guide you through identifying your true desires for a better next school year, and 3 must-have steps to get there! Plus, discover the opportunity to become a Master IEP Coach® through my summer mentorship! Send me a...
234. Curriculum in the IEP? Yes! 25.04.2024 9:28
Chaos erupted on my Instagram when I asked if teachers and parents list curriculum in IEPs. 75% said no, fearing issues if a student moves districts or the curriculum stops working. But I'm here to set the record straight! Listing curriculum (in areas like present levels, not goals) provides crucial context on what worked before. It doesn't lock you in - we can make adjustments as needed. And if y...
233. Parents Never Have "No Concerns" 17.04.2024 12:03
Let's be honest - that parent input section inside the IEP is often left blank, filled with a weak "no concerns" statement, or a dumping ground for complaints. Not on my watch! Let's flip that section into the heart and soul of the entire IEP. Parents, get ready to level up your input inside your child's IEP. Teachers, learn how to ditch the guesswork of what goals to choose for a child and tap in...
232. Decision Making for Middle School 11.04.2024 7:25
Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a big IEP deal, friends. There are so many decisions to navigate that it can leave parents feeling totally overwhelmed. But in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing insights from a mom I'm coaching through this process. You'll hear how she's ensuring she can observe the proposed middle school placement, how she's getting crucial su...
231. Non-Negotiables for IEPs: Even on the Bad Days 07.04.2024 5:48
It is to have certain non-negotiables in place for every child's IEP. Because let's face it - not every school day is sunshine and rainbows. There will be those chaotic, hectic, downright bad days where nothing seems to go right. Listen in and then start the conversation with your IEP team to find the non-negotiables ASAP! Because when the wheels come off, at least you'll know every child will be...
230. Don't Give Up On This School Year Yet! 4 Questions for Special Education Teachers and Parents 29.03.2024 8:57
Are you feeling straight-up depleted from your IEP and special education struggles? Waking up in a full-body cringe over the challenges you're facing? It doesn't have to be this way! The school year isn't over and you can still turn things around in a major way. On this episode, I'll walk you through getting super honest with the three biggest obstacles that are blocking your joy and progress. Thi...
229: Second Guessing Special Needs and Inclusion 21.03.2024 14:24
Sometimes I get scared to call myself a "special needs sibling" or talk about what "inclusion" looked like for my brother who thrived in a private therapeutic day school. If you've ever filtered yourself and the words you say because you're worried about what the "loud" people might say to you... this episode is for you. Get more IEP resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
228: Sneak Peek: Green Flags in Special Education 14.03.2024 13:04
🟢 I just finished recording an IEP workshop for a National Autism Organisation. Here's your sneak peek of 3 Green Flags I'm helping parents find inside their child's classroom. Teachers, if you've got these 3 things... celebrate! Parents, if you see these 3 things... breathe a sigh of relief! If you don't have these 3 things, it's time for us to work together. Learn More: www.masteriepcoach.com...
227. 3 Essentials for Your Next IEP Meeting 07.03.2024 9:17
Please stop saying "Let's put that in the parking lot" during IEP meetings! Instead bring these 3 essential strategies to your next IEP meeting and help everyone know their expertise and perspectives are a priority. Learn More and Get Your 12 IEP Questions at: www.masteriepcoach.com
226. Celebrating your Wins is Necessary 28.02.2024 7:25
When is the last time you paused, reflected, and SHARED your wins? Not just the big wins, but the little wins that are so important to you and all the things you are doing. Take a few minutes to listen to this episode and then send me a message on IG to tell me your latest win . 🎉I want to celebrate with you! Check out the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship here.
225. IEP Systems for Parents and Teachers 22.02.2024 17:44
What's better than a checklist when it comes to remembering all the things you need to do inside the Special Education system? Your own system! Special Education Teachers and Parents, You can swipe my system for your biggest Special Education struggles when you join us inside the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Find the next Mentorship date and more resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
224. Visual Supports in the IEP with Molly Johnson 14.02.2024 19:53
🛑 Ever seen the phrase: "Visual Supports" inside of your child's or student's IEP? 🖇Learn why you need to change that phrase and how to use visual supports that grow with a child to build independence. ✨Connect with Molly Johnson https://www. theautismconsultant.us https://www.instagram.com/ theautismconsultant/ 🔥Learn about the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/...
223. Two Important Questions I Get About Master IEP Coaches® 07.02.2024 22:57
Could you be a Master IEP Coach® and do you have to fight at the IEP table? I'll share with you 7 VERY different reasons why parents, teachers, admins, and therapists chose to become Master IEP Coaches® and change the outcomes in Special Education. Get my favorite 12 IEP questions and learn more about becoming a Master IEP Coach® at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/info
222. 12 IEP Questions for Teachers and Parents 30.01.2024 17:38
I've been using this list of 12 IEP questions for over a decade and I want you to have it! Use these questions before, during, and after your IEP meeting to work together and change Special Education. Download the 12 IEP Questions Guidebook here. Learn how to become a Master IEP Coach® here.
221. 3 Takeaways from the Master IEP Coach Mentorship 23.01.2024 7:43
Hey there 👋 I just wrapped up a training for Master IEP Coaches and wanted to share some major aha moments from the session - straight from the perspective of NEW Master IEP Coaches®! 💡 The first big takeaway was getting general education teachers more involved in the IEP process. 👩🏫 Often there's a divide between gen ed and special ed in schools. It doesn't have to be that way! Inside the M...
220. 5 Questions to Ask When an IEP Isn't Working 18.01.2024 10:28
Before you jump into "fix it" mode when you see things going wrong with an IEP, ask yourself these 5 questions! Special Education Teachers and Parents, When you slow down and ask these 5 questions you can get out of the cycle of IEP struggles and band-aid fixes. Learn More IEP Strategies at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
219. Learn how to get MORE and BETTER Special Education Services 12.01.2024 15:13
Tired of fighting through the IEP process and feeling like you get peanuts for your child or your students? Let me show you 3 steps to help you get MORE without activating your "fight or flight" response every time you step into an IEP meeting. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
218. IEP Meetings - What's In and Out in 2024 03.01.2024 5:48
👋 Let's chat about what's IN and OUT for IEP Meetings in 2024.✨ * Parent Input Statements: In: 😍 Beautifully crafted statements showing a parent's vision AND incorporating their priorities throughout the IEP Out: 🚫 Generic "no concerns at this time" * IEP drafts and reports: In: 📝 Sharing documents ahead of time, with open communication for questions and collaboration Out: 🙅♀️ Surprises and...
217. Stop Doing THIS in Special Education in the New Year 27.12.2023 13:56
This year, give yourself permission to stop what's not working at the IEP table and simplify the process to get better results. 1. First, stop signing paperwork you don't fully understand. Never assume. Ask questions until you're 100% clear. Teachers, know what you're responsible for if your name is on it. 2. Next, stop thinking more volume means more value. Quality over quantity! Core, focused go...
216. 3 Unfiltered Truths about Special Education in 2023 20.12.2023 18:34
What are we going to do about staff shortages, technology, and ugly threats at the IEP table? Tune in to find out what solutions you can use starting immediately at your own IEP table! Get More Master IEP Coach® Resources Here Learn How to Become a Master IEP Coach® Here
215. Special Education Resources I Love! 13.12.2023 15:55
You've got a lot of resources to choose from when it comes to getting results in Special Education - I'm sharing the resources I LOVE! Delight Station: An app providing streaming educational content for adults and students with disabilities. https://delightstation.us/ Coupon Codes: INNERCIRCLE - good for 25% off for 3 months if a user selects a monthly subscription INNERCIRCLEYEAR - good for 25%...
214. Inclusion in Hollywood: Meet Diane Strand 08.12.2023 12:49
I had the absolute joy of sitting down with the remarkable Diane Strand. Diane's journey is nothing short of WOW – from facing dyslexia head-on to creating magic behind the scenes of iconic shows like "Friends" and "General Hospital". She's even worked behind the scenes for legends like Barbra Streisand! But here's the heart of Diane's story: she's passionately dedicated to empowering adults with...
213. 3 Ways to Get General Education Involved in IEPs 01.12.2023 10:02
Often, general education teachers feel unprepared and disconnected from the IEP process, especially at meetings. Let's explore three strategies to involve general education teachers more effectively in the IEP process without overwhelming them. Strategy 1 : Ensure that the IEP's "supports for school personnel" section is checked and filled out inside the IEP paperwork. This box is frequently overl...
212. IEP Deadlines Missed - Fix It Fast! 22.11.2023 16:16
It's time for a cozy conversation Special Education and what to do when deadlines are missed! Here's what we're unpacking today: A Real-Life Story: Sit down with me as I share an insightful experience from a one-on-one consult with an amazing mom from our Master IEP Coach® community. Discovering the Overlooked: Ever wonder how small details can make a big difference? We'll explore how communicatio...
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