Special Educators Resource Room Podcast: Real Talk for Special Education Teachers

Special educators know how important data collection is to monitor student progress, BUT how do you fit it all in? This podcast episode is FULL of suggestions to collect informal data points each and everyday during your classroom instruction.   Listen to these real-life tips and plan on adding 1, 2, or ALL of them! Looking for more data tracking ideas? Check out Special Educators Resource Room Ep...

All educators have heard the sage advice "Build Relationships." But HOW exactly do we do this? This podcast episode is full of practical tips you can start implementing TODAY. Looking for more? Check out the blog post: https://positivelylearningblog.com/building-relationships-a-special-educators-guide/ If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resource...

Imagine opening ONE file and finding exactly what you need for your role as a special education teacher in ONE place. Is it just a dream? It may be easier than you think to get organized and conquer that paperwork stack! In this short episode, I'll walk you through exactly how to make a SWIPE FILE for those every day tasks. IEP Meeting? Data Collection? Lesson Planning? Which swipe file will...

Special Educators, how do you introduce the resource room to your students during back to school? In this episode, you'll learn what routines you can put into place right from the start AND what activity works well for the first visit.   Here's what is covered: transitioning from the general education classroom to the resource room, exploring the new space, and participating in an introd...

It's back to school time! As special educators - whether inclusion or resource - it can feel super awkward. What are we supposed to be doing the first week? In this episode, I dive into what worked for me those first few days. I'm also sharing these "adventures" in short video clips all month - come find me to connect there! Positively Learning on Tik Tok https://positivelylear...

Do you have a system for collecting student work samples? Not yet? I think this episode of Special Educators Resource Room will convince you to get started TODAY! Learn why this form of data collection is so effective and how easy it is to collect a variety of work samples every day or week.  Here's some helpful links to get started collecting student work samples this school year: IEP Task B...

Special educators, how many times have you sat through professional developmental that didn't seem to apply to your role? I know I'm not the only one! This podcast is just for YOU! Learn about amazing PD learning opportunities that are catered to topics that really matter. There are four "PD Playlists" to choose from - pick your favorite and then come back for more when you&apo...

Back to School is coming soon and there's already a lot of buzz about classroom decor and set-up! If you're looking to save time and money by reducing decision fatigue (and building the classroom environment of your dreams) - listen to this quick episode BEFORE you set-up!   In Episode 30 of Special Educators Resource Room, you'll hear about a Classroom Space graphic organizer. Down...

Do your students track their own data? Or do you do it ALL?  In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, learn more about all the positive benefits to incorporating student data tracking and creative ideas to get started. Keep listening to learn about a few more factors to consider to make sure it's right for your students. Ready to see examples of data tracking pages for student data...

Maybe you're reflecting on your classroom space or thinking ahead to next year's theme and decor. In this episode, I'm sharing my top 4 ways to create a print-rich environment (without investing money!). Be sure to check out this blogpost mentioned in the episode so you can add these visuals to your classroom: https://positivelylearningblog.com/phonics-activity/ If you're a bus...

Are you using task boxes in the resource room? This episode is going to BUST some common misconceptions about how to incorporate student task boxes into your independent work system. Ready to try out hands-on learning tasks with your students? Download a FREE set here to get started! https://positivelylearningblog.com/free-task-boxes-for-special-education/ When you're ready to build your task...

This is not your typical Back to School To-Dos. I created this NON-teaching list to help the return to the school routine run smoothly. Follow 2, 3, or all 10 tips to help you transition from an extended break to returning to the daily school routine. Looking for more helpful tips AND want to check out some special education freebies? CLICK HERE - https://positivelylearningblog.com/non-teaching-ba...

You just got hired as a special educator! Congratulations! Now what? Here are the top 10 tips shared by special educators for preparing for Back to School. Been teaching awhile? These tips are for you, too!   https://positivelylearningblog.com/advice-for-new-special-educators/ If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I'...

What exactly is errorless learning and why should special educators consider incorporating it? In this episode, I share what errorless learning tasks include, provide examples, and even admit some of my own hesitations with using this approach with my own students. Check out the Errorless Tasks Bundle - the previews provide a glimpse at different options for incorporating errorless learning. These...

Calm Down Corners or Chill Zones are a very helpful strategy for students in all ages - so why am I suggesting NOT using one? In this episode, I share why I reevaluated using a calming area and what I used instead. (And don't worry - you don't have to completely stop using one!) Here's more details on what we did instead of a Chill Out Zone: https://positivelylearningblog.com/chill-...

Do you ever wonder if a new education tool is really worth it? Is there something out there that's more engaging than what you're already using? If you know things can be improved, but not sure where to begin... this fun episode is for you! I'm sharing all the different things I've tried and the RESULTS! Get ready to play a quick round of This or That: Special Educator Edition!...

Special educators are ALWAYS looking for ways to save time and work smarter. I can't wait to introduce you to these Special Education Scripts that are designed to tackle BOTH. Tune in to discover how these scripts can be a time-saving tool for your upcoming IEP meetings. Free Special Educator Scripts for IEP Meeting Prep: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/IEP-Meeting-Prep-FREE-Speci...

Special Educators - the end of year is in sight! But first - let's tackle the paperwork and pack up the resource room. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how I handled all the tasks we have at the end of the school year, from filing to packing the room in a way that wouldn't make me cry when I came back after summer break. Be sure to listen to Episode 19 - End of Year Tips for Thr...

Believe it or not, I LOVE the end of the year. Not just for the obvious reasons (summer break), but I also felt that we were THRIVING those last few 4-6 weeks in the resource room setting,  In this episode, you'll learn how we handled the somewhat-chaotic end of year, including spring cleaning and increase student engagement. These tips are super simple and I relied on them each and every sch...

Need IEP writing help, but not sure where to find it or who to ask? This special education podcast episode is for YOU! One of the most important parts of writing a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) is accurately describing the student's current levels of educational performance. In this episode, you'll learn exactly what to include (and several shortcuts along the way...

Differentiated instruction does NOT mean creating additional lesson plans! Instead, try out these tips to maximize learning AND your time. These are the exact steps I used in my own teaching and what I teach other special educators as an instructional coach. The BIG question is - what will you do with all the time you save? Read more about differentiation tips here: https://positivelylearningblog....

What exactly are replacement behaviors and how can they support our students? In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we're breaking it all down. By the end, you'll be ready to fine-tune those classroom behaviors that may be impacting student learning. BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIE - a Replacement Behaviors Cheat Sheet! Grab your own copy here: https://positivelylearnin...

Let's shower our paraprofessionals with appreciation on their special day AND all year long! It's quick and easy with these simple teacher appreciation gift ideas. All of the ideas you'll learn in this podcast episode use a set of FREE printable sticky notes. Grab your own set here: Free Paraprofessional Appreciation Download Special education teachers, why wait for Paraprofessional...

Saving time is always on special educators' minds, but is Chat GPT - or any AI tool - the right approach? I'm weighing in on this 🔥 topic!   In this episode, I'll be sharing 10 time-saving tips that Chat GPT suggested for special education teachers and then I'll be adding my own personal opinion about these tips! Spoiler Alert: some are great and some are not for me!   Be sure...

Data Collection is... a lot. I promise I'm not adding MORE to your plate,  but instead sharing some ideas for using basic skills checklists as part of your regular data tracking. Learn how these checklists can help move things along even faster as you're able to gain a more holistic approach. Special Educators  - be sure to listen to the end for a major time-saving BONUS tip! Read more a...