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Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersDelegating Tasks to Paraprofessionals with Clarity and RespectWelcome back to our July podcast series all about working with paraprofessionals!Last week in Episode 217, we talked about making the mindset shift from boss to leader. And this week, we’re building on that foundation with one of the most practical skills you can master as a special educator: delegating.If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just easier to do it myself,” or if you’ve assigned a task and then felt frustrated when it wasn’t done right—this episode is for you.In this episode, Jennifer shares:Why delegat...2025-07-0911 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersHow to Lead Paraprofessionals with Confidence (Even If You’ve Never Been Trained)Welcome to a brand new month on the podcast! July is all about working with one of the most essential (and often most misunderstood) members of your classroom team—your paraprofessionals.In this episode, Jennifer kicks off the series by discussing one of the most important shifts you’ll ever make as a special educator: moving from a boss mentality to a leadership mindset. If you’ve ever struggled with managing adults, felt unsure about how to delegate, or dreaded para drama more than your to-do...2025-07-0211 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers5 Quick Wins for Back-to-School Prep (That Won’t Steal Your Summer)Let’s be real — August sneaks up fast. The to-do lists pile up, caseloads change, para schedules shift, and IEP meetings seem to pop up before you’ve even unpacked your room.In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actionable prep tasks you can tackle this summer — without spending hours in your classroom or losing your well-deserved rest. These are quick wins that can be done in short bursts of 15–30 minutes to give you a major head start when back-to-school season hits.In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ Why tiny prep task...2025-06-1809 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersBefore You Close the Door: Reflecting on The School YearIn this first episode of our Summer Strategies for Special Educators series, we’re taking a pause before the full summer reset begins. Whether your classroom is already packed up or you're heading into Extended School Year, this is the perfect moment to reflect on the past year. What went well? What could have gone better? And what absolutely crashed and burned?Jennifer walks you through a simple, reflective framework designed just for special educators. You'll review key areas like paraprofessionals, instruction, routines, IEPs, and communication—then identify what worked...2025-06-0411 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersReal Talk, Real Tools – Burnout Prevention from the Special Ed CommunityThis week’s episode wraps up our teacher burnout series with a powerful collection of real-world advice from real special educators. In Episode 212, we hear from 14 special educators from the special education community who share their own burnout prevention strategies—no fluff, no theory, just real talk and real tools.From setting boundaries and saying no, to reclaiming your time, creating meaningful routines, and finding ways to recharge with movement, mindset, and joy—this episode is filled with practical wisdom you can start using today. Whether you're new to the field or a season...2025-05-2819 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersHow to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops YouBurnout isn’t just being tired—it’s about feeling empty. And most likely, it's something we all face at some point in our career.In this episode, we discuss the emotional, physical, and mental weight of teacher burnout—especially in the world of special education. From the never-ending paperwork to the emotional energy required just to make it through the day, it’s no wonder so many educators are running on empty.In this episode, Jennifer shares 5 key “buckets” of real, restorative strategies to help you lighten the load, reconnect with your purpose, and feel like your...2025-05-0718 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersBreaking Down Barriers to InclusionInclusion sounds amazing in theory—but in practice? It can feel scary, complicated, and even a little overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m addressing into the real-world barriers that can stand in the way of building inclusive classrooms… and sharing what we can do to push past them. From time constraints and unclear roles to limited resources and resistance from staff, we’re talking about the tough stuff—and how to respond with creativity, teamwork, and intention.You’ll walk away from this episode with a knowledge of common barriers keeping us from implement...2025-04-2318 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers15 Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas for Your Paras This Holiday SeasonIn this episode of Special Education for Beginners, Jennifer shares 15 gift ideas to help you show appreciation to your paraprofessionals and support staff this holiday season. From completely free options to more personalized gifts, this episode has something for every budget. Tune in to discover thoughtful and practical ways to make your team feel valued and supported.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why showing appreciation to your staff is essential for building a cohesive and positive team.Five creative and meaningful free gift ideas that don’t cost a di...2024-12-1111 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Part 11: Challenging Behaviors + Assistive TechnologyIn this episode of Special Education for Beginners Jennifer is joined by her co-host Paul to discuss the essential topics of de-escalation in the special education classroom and incorporating assistive technology into IEPs. Learn about how to handle extreme challenges educators face when students become overwhelmed and practical de-escalation strategies that you can implement today. "How do you handle very challenging behaviors in the classroom?" - Amber Consistent routines Identify and track triggers Consider a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to guide interventionsBuild trust through one-on-one time focused on positive activitiesSeek additional support when needed: invo...2024-11-0624 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Part 10: Difficult Parents + Progress MonitoringOn today's segment of Ask Us Anything with my co-host, Paul Hubbard we answer two common challenges faced by special education teachers: handling difficult parents and figuring out how often to progress monitor students.How do you deal with difficult parents?Jennifer and Paul both emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with parents and maintaining professionalism during tough conversations. Jennifer recommends practicing what you want to say ahead of time, paying attention to body language and tone, and ensuring that communication is consistent and clear to build trust before conflicts arise. Paul highlights...2024-10-0221 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersSolving the IEP Mystery: How to Connect the Dots for Student SuccessWelcome back to Special Education for Beginners! In today’s episode, Jennifer draws a fun and insightful parallel between writing an Individualized Education Plan and solving a detective case. Just like detectives use boards with pushpins and strings to connect clues and evidence, special education teachers need to ensure that every part of an IEP is linked seamlessly to the next. From present levels of academic and functional performance (PLAAFP) to services, goals, and accommodations—each piece must flow together to create a solid plan for student success.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to treat...2024-09-1808 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers5 Powerful Mindset Shifts for Special Education TeachersIn this episode of Special Education for Beginners, Jennifer discusses the vital role of mindset in the life of a special education teacher. This isn’t just another pep talk about staying positive—Jennifer tackles the real, sometimes overwhelming challenges that come with the job and shares how adopting the right mindset can make all the difference. From embracing the new school year as a fresh start, setting goals and practicing self-compassion, she offers five powerful mindset shifts that can help you navigate the ups and downs of teaching with resilience and purpose. Tune in to l...2024-08-2816 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Series: Part 8- Elements and Organizational Tools for Special Education ClassroomsWelcome to the August segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of the special education classroom.Today's Questions:Maggie from Michigan: "What elements do I need to make sure I have before setting up my classroom this fall? I'm an over-planner and I don't want to forget anything."Tina from Illinois: "What are some organizational...2024-08-0738 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Series: Part 7- Recommended Materials + Optimizing ParasWelcome to the July segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of the special education classroom.Today's Questions:Katie from Florida: "I am a brand new teacher starting this fall in a resource classroom, but I also will have some students who have higher needs and are with me a lot of time during the day. What...2024-07-0325 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersOrganize Your Way to Special Education Success with a Caseload PlannerIn today's episode, Jennifer shares her personal journey with organization (or lack there of) and the challenges she faced throughout her career, and introduces a transformative tool for special educators—the Special Education Caseload and IEP Planner.Key Points:The Importance of Organization:Jennifer discusses the overwhelming nature of a special educator's daily tasks, from writing IEPs to managing classroom behaviors and communicating with parentsShe emphasizes how a lack of organization can feel like drowning in responsibilitiesPersonal Struggles with Organization:Jennifer shares her past difficulties with staying organized, illustrating th...2024-06-1909 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersWelcome to Special Education for Beginners!Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Do you wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Are you challenged by disruptive classroom behaviors or found yourself scouring the internet searching for how to meet the diverse needs of each student, how to progress monitor , how to write IEP goals and on and on? Are you frustrated that it seems no one in your family truly understands what it means to be a special educator? If this sounds like you, you’ve landed yourself in the right spot...2024-06-0603 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Series: Part 6- Interview Questions + Progress MonitoringWelcome to 6th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask.Today's questions:Yesenia asks “When applying, what interview questions should I expect and what should I ask?"From Mark..."I don't understand how to progress monitor and keep up with all that data."Talking Points:Interview Tips for Special Education Teachers:Importance of asking about interview panel members.Significance of having special ed teachers in the interview pro...2024-06-0526 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersMaximizing Summer: 3 Strategies for Special Education Teacher Self-CareAs we approach the end of May, you may be already enjoying your summer break or eagerly counting the days until you can. This episode is dedicated to the importance of summer breaks for special education teachers, offering a time for rejuvenation and reflection after a year filled with unique challenges and triumphs.What's Included:The Importance of Summer Break: Summer provides a crucial period for special education teachers to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect on the year's challenges and successes.Permission to Relax: Give yourself permission to take a...2024-05-2910 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersHelp Your Paraprofessionals Feel Confident and CompetentHave you ever been formally trained on how to work with paraprofessionals?No? Me neither!Unfortunately, this critical aspect of special education preparation—paraprofessional training--is too often overlooked. In today's episode, we explore why effective training isn't just beneficial, but essential for everyone involved: You, your district, fellow teachers, the paraprofessionals, and most importantly, our students.Key Points Discussed:Startling Statistic: Only 11 out of 50 states have established professional development programs for paraprofessionals aiming to achieve highly qualified status. We discuss the implications of this and why it’s vit...2024-05-1508 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Series: Part 5- End of Year Activities + Hard TransitionsWelcome to 5th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask.Today's questions:Megan asks “What are some fun End of Year educational activities? My principal said we still have to do educational things in our classes but my kids are off the walls."From Heather..."I’ve had a student for 5 years and this is my first experience with transitioning a student to middle school. How can I prepare the student for the t...2024-05-0125 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersCounting Down to Summer? 5 Strategies to Stay Stress FreeHave you begun the summer countdown yet? As we approach the end of the school year, many of us in special education are feeling the familiar strain of end-of-year fatigue. Testing, changes in student behavior, loosened discipline, and a packed meeting schedule can leave you feeling drained and ready for a break. In this episode, I explore practical strategies to manage this overwhelm, ensuring you can finish the year strong while continuing to make a positive impact.5 Strategies to Stay Stress FreeKeep Students Engaged: Modify teaching methods to cater to various l...2024-04-2418 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersCelebrating Autism Through Inclusive Education and Innovative Strategies with Heather HallIn honor of Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance Month, this week's episode features a discussion with Heather Hall from Embracing Autism about the statement, "Autism is not a choice, but embracing it is." This conversation addresses critical misconceptions, such as the belief that all individuals with autism are cognitively low and that their behaviors are uniform. Heather and Jennifer explore effective educational strategies that can significantly benefit individuals with autism such as:Structured routinesVisual schedules Affirmations and celebrations Innovative practices that enhance social and vocational skills but also incorporate academic learning in a pr...2024-04-1730 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAre You Comparing Yourself to Other Teachers? Break out of the Comparison TrapIn this episode, Jennifer is joined by guest Alicia Tripp to discuss the frequently overlooked but prevalent issue of comparison in special education. Alicia recounts her personal journey, starting from the inspiration she received from her brother with Down syndrome, to her own development as an educator who confronted and triumphed over the challenges of comparison. Together, they discuss strategies for educators to overcome feelings of inadequacy and fully embrace their distinct paths in the profession.Key Points Discussed:Theodore Roosevelt's Quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy."Alicia opens up about her struggles wi...2024-04-1021 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Series: Part 4- Para Arguments + Teaching Math FactsWelcome to 4th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask.Today's questions:What do I do when my paras aren't getting along- MargaretIs it okay to teach my students math facts?- SaraManaging Paraeducator ConflictsKey Points:Address conflicts immediately for effective resolution.Open communication and setting clear expectations are vital.Utilize preventive measures at the start of the year to m...2024-04-0326 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Series: Part 3- Managing Rotations + Peer InteractionsWelcome to 3rd segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask.Today's questions:How do I work with so many different levels of students at one time- AndiHow can I help a student with autism who doesn't engage with other kids learn how to play with other kids? -TylerEpisode Highlights:Managing Diverse Learning Levels: Jennifer and Paul discuss the challenging task of catering to various l...2024-03-0626 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers9 Tips to Help Special Educators Survive Spring IEP SeasonWelcome to another episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast with your host, Jennifer. Today, we explore the Spring IEP season, a period of time in the field of special education known for its intense demands, hectic schedules, and unique challenges. Jennifer shares her expertise and offers practical strategies to help special educators navigate and overcome these seasonal hurdles with confidence and effectiveness.Episode Summary:We discuss WHY the Spring season is notoriously challenging and provide 9 Essential Strategies for Success:Organize and Prioritize: Tips for managing t...2024-02-2817 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersRediscovering Our Why: A Night to Shine ExperienceIn this episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, we take a break from instructional content to share a deeply personal experience that reignited Jennifer's passion for special education. Join Jennifer on this special episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast as she shares her transformative experience volunteering at the Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine event. Amidst the daily challenges of special education, Jennifer's involvement in this celebration of inclusion and empowerment reignited her passion for the field of special education and was reminded of the profound impact educators can have on their students' li...2024-02-2108 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersSped Teacher Small Talk: Transitioning Students to a New TeacherWelcome to the 5th installment of the Sped Teacher Small Talk series with co-host Paul Hubbard, where we dive into a randomly generated topic each month.But because Paul wanted to be a rebel this month, he asked to choose the topic instead of spinning the spinner.Because the end of this school year is closing in quickly, Paul asked to discuss transitioning students to a new teacher.Listen in as Jennifer and Paul give helpful tips about:Importance of parent involvement Having end-of-year conversations with st...2023-05-0324 min