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

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.masteriepcoach.com

Latest episode

Sep 26, 2025

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Episodes

#111: Anything is Possible! 22.12.2021

In the Special Education and disability communities, we have to remember, almost ANYTHING is possible! Yes, we have data. Yes, we can make educated guesses about the future. But hear me when I tell you: predictions aren't set in stone! These things only give us guidance on the next steps to take in a child's IEP goals. Hard things can be possible with Hope & Determination. Always.   Now is the tim...

#110: Be Kind to Everyone with Jackie Moore 15.12.2021

Be Kind to Everyone-- a simple message with a BIG impact. What once started as a way to teach job skills to her daughter with autism, quickly took off into a movement for Jackie and Jordyn Moore. @SummerShirtProject is showing what's possible when individuals with disabilities are given the proper modifications, support, and opportunities.   Follow Jordyn and Jackie on Facebook, Instragram, and Ti...

#109: New Executive Functioning Skills with Mike McLeod 08.12.2021

"Mom, where's my ______?"  Messy backpacks, hyperactivity, and daydreaming might be signs that your student needs to be taught more executive functioning skills. Lean in and listen as Michael McLeod from @GrowNOWTherapy brings BOLD ideas and breaks down executive functioning into three core skills: Self-Regulation, Self-Motivation, and Self-Evaluation. Plus, we're talking all about updating your I...

#108: AAC for Beginners with Ms. Lucy 01.12.2021

Assistive technology doesn't have to be intimidating! Introducing assistive communication technology and strategies in early childhood is a game changer for students struggling with communication and Lucy is here to share them all. Lean in and listen as Ms. Lucy walks you through the AAC tools your entire IEP team could be using.   Connect with Ms. Lucy IG: @thealternativewaytoprek Website: http:/...

#107: Chaotic Behaviors with Dayna Abraham 24.11.2021

Have chaos in your classroom or home? It's okay to not know what to do! Dayna Abraham, from Calm the Chaos, is here to help shift your perspective on meltdowns and take in the bigger picture on spiraling behaviors. Her mission is to help your family enjoy your time together again!   Connect with Dayna: www.instagram.com/lemonlimeadventures www.meltdownmastery.com www.lemonlimeadventures.com   Read...

#106: Exploring Dyslexia with Meredith Mitchell 17.11.2021

Dyslexia: You may know what it is, but do you know how to support a student struggling with it? Master IEP Coach® Meredith Mitchell dives into the coping skills she used growing up with dyslexia. Lean in and listen to the tips and free resources that can help you support your child with dyslexia.   Resources for Dyslexia Support: https://al.dyslexiaida.org/ https://alsrlcenter.org/ https://aldysle...

#105: Feeling Out of Options and Stuck 10.11.2021

Feeling like you're stuck and out of options? You are not alone! Here's two steps to evaluate and adjust the approach to your child's education without calling ANOTHER IEP meeting! BONUS: I have a very special announcement you're going to want to hear! Get the IEP help you need:  www.iepchecklist.com   Want to talk about today's episode? Join the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speci...

#104: 3 Things Bri LOVES about Her Classroom! 03.11.2021

Teacher of the Year Bri Shoulders is bringing the REALNESS to her Moderate Intellectual Disabled (MOID) K-2 Classroom. Her joy in the face of challenges and her passion for purposefully written IEPs is contagious! Listen in as Bri shares 3 things she LOVES about her classroom! Get in touch with Bri: Insta - @spedteacherbri Blog - https://spedteacherbriblog.wordpress.com/   Become a Master IEP Coac...

#103: IEP Goal Writing for Parents 27.10.2021

Special Education Parents, you are the expert on your child. You know your child better than anyone else. Still, IEP goal writing can be stressful for parents. Lean on the education experts to help you create meaningful goals that will support your student in further education, employment, and independent living. Listen in as I give you 3 steps to ensure your child's goals prepare them for the fut...

#102: Special Ed DMs that Made Me Cringe 20.10.2021

I LOVE connecting with my followers through my DMs, but it's not all positive. Today, I'll share 2 messages that need some clarification. I'm sharing these so that you have the knowledge of what is incorrect in this feedback because misunderstandings can derail an IEP team so quickly. Success is in the details. Download 12 IEP questions you need to ask before your next IEP meeting at www.iepcheckl...

#101: Transform Your Perspective with Jillian Benfield 13.10.2021

"Parenting a child with a disability is the hardest thing that I've ever done AND it is also the greatest joy of my life." Lean in and listen as Jillian Benfield describes how changing her perspective and her language helps advocate for the needs of her son with Down Syndrome. Jillian's work has been featured by The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, PLUS her first book is set to release in spri...

#100: Meet Catherine's Brother, Robert! 06.10.2021

Meet my brother, Robert! He's 44, has Down syndrome, and surprised me with the sweetest words at the end of this episode. Find out what he loved about high school and who is a better golfer, me or him! Want to know the 12 questions I would ask if I was sitting at the IEP for my brother? Grab them at www. IEPmasterclass.com

#99: 3 Surprising Insights from an Emotional Support Classroom Teacher 29.09.2021

Special Education Parents and Teachers: You are not alone when dealing with challenging student behaviors fueled by emotions. Students in Jenny Walmsley's Emotional Support classroom are intended to only be temporary visitors, always working towards "graduation" out of these extra services. Join Catherine and Jenny as they share 3 surprising insights from an Emotional Support classroom. Connect wi...

#98: Behavior Charts Begone 22.09.2021

Can we all please agree that behavior charts in the front of the room are not appropriate behavior management tools in the classroom? Don't forget to grab your free weekly IEP training at www. IEPmasterclass.com  

#97: Becoming a Lifelong Reader with Dr. Cleary 15.09.2021

Dr. Cleary has experienced being an Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and parent to a daughter with a disability. Throughout all of her different perspectives at the IEP table, the lack of reaching reading goals and access to technology to support reading has been a common theme. Hear how she adapted reading for her own daughter and how she is working to help others! Contact Dr. Cleary directly...

#96: Prepping for Inclusion is Prepping for Real Life 08.09.2021

A little prep work goes a long way when including a child who learned differently in many different environments. Not only will the child be more successful in their school community, but they will also find more success in the REAL WORLD! Love this episode? It's your time to become a Master IEP Coach® www.masterIEPcoach.com  

#95: IEP Funding and Teletherapy with Kelly 01.09.2021

Teletherapy was a new concept for many of us during the past two years, but what if instead of being limited to an only virtual option or an only in-person option, we actually built teletherapy options into IEPs long-term? It's possible and it might be the right solution for many students and schools! Plus, listen in as we have a bonus conversation on IDEA funding and how you might be able to help...

#94: Staff Shortages in Special Education 25.08.2021

Staff shortages are a reality for 2 out of every 3 districts this school year. Use these 3 steps to help build the bridge for students who do not have a complete IEP team. With all the struggles of staffing, it's critical to get surrounded by like-minded IEP team members. Get the next free IEP training at www.iepmasterclass.com  

#93: Kind Words Make a Difference 18.08.2021

"I see you" can be one of the greatest compliments a parent and teacher can give each other. Listen in to more kind words that have been exchanged between IEP team members. These words can make a huge difference in building trust and confidence within your IEP team! Surround yourself with positive IEP team members inside of the Special Education Inner Circle and get the IEP trainings you've been l...

#92: Keeping Speech Therapy Fun with Hallie 11.08.2021

Keeping students engaged in speech therapy as they reach middle school and beyond can be tough, but it also can be FUN! Get ready to take notes as Hallie drops strategies you need as a teacher and parent to keep kids engaged! Connect with Hallie: Web: https://speechtimefun.com Podcast: http://bit.ly/SLPcoffeetalk FB: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun Download your free 12 MUST Ask IEP Questio...

#91: School Evals with Charm Mosley 04.08.2021

School evaluations can be complicated, confusing, and seem to take forever to complete! Learn from Charm how we can prioritize and simplify the process to get better data on each and every student. Connect with Charm: Phone: 219-315-9700 Web: www.superpsychedllc.com Learn in the Special Education Inner Circle EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Charm! www.specialedinnercircle.com  

When Teachers Need More Parent Involvement 28.07.2021

We often hear about parents being loud at the IEP table, but what happens when a parent is not involved with the IEP process? Use these 3 steps to help parents become an active, engaged, equal member of the IEP process. Ready to become a Master IEP Coach®? Download your free Welcome Guide at www.masterIEPcoach.com

#89: Dads at the IEP Table with Jamiel 20.07.2021

Ready to see more dads at the IEP table? As a Father of a 12-year-old who is on the Autism spectrum, Jamiel Owens is truly an advocate for his son Shayne. After missing many IEP meetings in the beginning, Jamiel is ALL IN with helping more dads get to the IEP table! Connect with Jamiel:  Email: theausomeshow@gmail.com Podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-ausome-show Download 12 IEP Questions every teach...

1:1 Aide Support, Is It Possible? 14.07.2021

If you've ever struggled with the conversation about 1:1 aide support during the IEP process, here are 3 steps to help you get unstuck! Follow on Instagram: @catherinewhitcher Free IEP Trainings at www. IEPmasterclass.com

Rare Beginnings with Madeline 07.07.2021

Madeline, host of The Rare Life Podcast, shares with us the insights of how an IEP meeting looks and feels for a parent new to the IEP process and how parents and teachers can truly build trust and confidence with each other. Whether you're new to the IEP process or seasoned in the system, you'll want to hear how Madeline is navigating her experiences.  Connect with Madeline:  Website: therarelife...

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