The Intentional IEP Podcast

Let's talk about the one thing you  always  need more of: time. In this episode, Stephanie walks through how to  intentionally create a schedule that supports your students and protects your time. Whether you're in a self-contained, resource, or inclusion setting, you'll hear strategies to make your day run more smoothly without sacrificing your evenings. Scheduling isn’t just about...

In this episode of  The Intentional IEP Podcast , host Stephanie cuts through the noise and gets straight to what actually helps at the start of the school year. No fluff. No perfectionism. Just three grounded, practical strategies that special education teachers can put into place right now. These aren’t new ideas or trendy hacks—they’re the kind of moves that create real breathing room and...

Paraprofessionals do so much more than we often give them credit for. They're not just an extra set of hands—they’re part of the backbone of our classrooms. But even with the best intentions, collaboration with our paras can fall flat if we don’t take time to build it on purpose. In this episode, Stephanie shares five practical ways to create a stronger, more aligned partnership with your classroo...

If you’ve ever stared at a blank IEP and wondered where to start with writing meaningful goals, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most helpful tools for special educators—IEP goal banks. Stephanie breaks down why using a goal bank doesn’t mean IEPs are cookie-cutter. Goal banks give teachers a strong starting point so they can spend less time figuring out what to wr...

What does it really mean to use AI ethically as a special education teacher? AI is everywhere—but how do you use it without losing your professional judgment or risking student privacy? If you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of AI in special education, sharing why AI can support your work but never replace the human c...

What does “sensory-friendly” actually mean? In this episode, we’re breaking down the what, why, and how of creating a sensory-friendly classroom. Spoiler: it’s not about buying all the things—it’s about designing a space that helps students feel safe, supported, and regulated. Every student has a sensory system. And every single one can benefit from a classroom that’s calm, intentional, and respon...

In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down some of the most common (and frustrating) misconceptions about IEPs—the ones every special education teacher has heard at some point. If you’ve ever been told “that’s just how it is,” this episode clears the air and sets the record straight. What You’ll Learn: – Why special education does  not  mean separate education – What happens when an IEP...

In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach teaching during Extended School Year (ESY) with purpose and clarity. If you're walking into a summer classroom wondering what to actually  teach, this episode breaks it all down—so your time is meaningful, manageable, and data-driven. What You’ll Learn: – The true purpose of ESY (hint: it’s not content coverage) – Where to start with each stud...

Accommodations and modifications aren’t the same thing—and knowing the difference is key to providing the right support. In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down what each one means, how they impact student learning, and why getting it right in the IEP matters. Here’s what you’ll hear: The difference between  how  a student learns vs.  what  they’re expected to learn Clear e...

In this episode, Stephanie dives into one of the most common questions she hears from educators: “How many data points do I actually need?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, she walks listeners through how to think about data collection in a way that’s practical and purposeful. Stephanie shares what to do after the data is collected—how to organize it, what to keep, and how to graph it so...

In today's episode, Stephanie breaks down 7 different types of IEP goal criteria   and explains how to use them effectively. She walks through concrete examples to help you understand how to measure student success. Stephanie covers criteria like accuracy, frequency, duration, and more, while reminding listeners that mastery means a student can perform the skill across different settings...

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the core of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. Hint: accommodations like extra time or special seating don’t count as SDI. She walks through the three essential elements of SDI: the what (content), the how (methodology), and the who/where/when (delivery). Stephanie also clears up t...

Welcome to the first episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re kicking things off by diving into Extended School Year (ESY) and what it truly means for students with IEPs. We’ll walk through the criteria for determining eligibility and explore why ESY services are so important in helping students maintain their progress and prevent regress...

I vividly remember being a special education classroom teacher, and every single one of my memories revolves around IEPs. Whether it was sitting at my desk staring at my screen trying to come up with IEP goals, writing the IEP the night before the meeting, or drowning in piles and piles of what seemed like never ending paperwork… I always knew I wanted to make a difference, to truly support my stu...