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Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersWhere Do I Even Start? 3 Priorities for Special Educators This Back-to-School SeasonWhether you are ready or not, back-to-school season is knocking on the door!And if you're feeling a little frozen in place, like a deer in the headlights, you're not alone.In this episode, I'm sharing the three high-impact areas you should focus on first to minimize overwhelm and set yourself up for success as a special education teacher. Whether you’re brand new to the field or returning for another year, these priorities will help you go from stuck to strategic—without trying to do everything at once.We’ll cover...2025-08-0613 minSpecial 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 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 Teachers5 Boundaries Every Special Educator Needs to Prevent BurnoutIn this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re continuing our focus on teacher burnout—and today’s topic might be the most practical yet.As special educators, we often pour from an empty cup. We overcommit, stay late, skip lunch, and carry the emotional weight of the work home with us. But burnout doesn’t just happen because of how much we’re doing—it happens when we don’t have boundaries in place to protect our time, energy, and mental health.In this episode, I’m sharing 5 realistic boundaries you can start...2025-05-2111 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 TeachersBeyond the Buzzword: 5 Inclusive Practices Special Educators Should PromoteInclusion is a word we hear constantly—in IEP meetings, PD sessions, and school mission statements. But for many special educators, inclusion still feels more like a buzzword than a practical reality.In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, I discuss what inclusion really means—and why it’s more than just placing a student in a general education seat. I share my personal perspective on the true purpose of special education, offer real-life stories that bring inclusion to life, and outline 5 inclusive practices that special educators and paraprofessionals can use to...2025-04-0212 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersHow to Support English Language Learners in Special EducationWelcome to a new month here at Special Education for Beginners! All February long we will be discussing a topic that many special educators encounter but don’t always feel fully prepared to support—English Language Learners.In this introductory episode, we’re breaking down the basics of English as a Second Language (ESL) and how it intersects with special education. Many special educators encounter English Language Learners (ELLs) but often struggle to distinguish between language barriers and learning disabilities. 🎧 Listen in to learn about...✅ ESL vs. ELL...2025-02-0511 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersStudent Led IEPs in Action: A Special Educator's ExperienceThe theme for January 2025 has been all about learning how to implement student-led IEPs. To wrap up this series of episodes, I'm joined by a teacher who works within my district and who has been implementing student-led IEPs for the last 2 years. Listen in as Bristol Bale and I discuss the real-life application of this transformative practice. Key Discussion Points:Why Student-Led IEPs?Bristol shares her initial motivations for shifting to student-led IEPs, highlighting the lack of student awareness about their own IEPs and the need for greater self-advocacy in middle s...2025-01-2914 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Part 12: A Rapid-Fire Farewell with PaulWelcome back to Special Education for Beginners! Today’s episode is a special one as we close out our beloved "Ask Us Anything" series with my incredible co-host, Paul. After two amazing years of working together, including 11 months of answering your burning questions about special education, Paul and I are wrapping up this chapter of the podcast.We’ve tackled everything from scheduling nightmares and behavior strategies to managing paraprofessionals and navigating IEPs. Through it all, we’ve shared laughs, tears, and plenty of honest, real-life insights into the world of special education.This series has be...2024-12-0529 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Part 12: A Rapid-Fire Farewell with PaulWelcome back to Special Education for Beginners! Today’s episode is a special one as we close out our beloved "Ask Us Anything" series with my incredible co-host, Paul. After two amazing years of working together, including 11 months of answering your burning questions about special education, Paul and I are wrapping up this chapter of the podcast.We’ve tackled everything from scheduling nightmares and behavior strategies to managing paraprofessionals and navigating IEPs. Through it all, we’ve shared laughs, tears, and plenty of honest, real-life insights into the world of special education.This series has be...2024-12-0531 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersAsk Us Anything Part 12: A Rapid-Fire Farewell with PaulWelcome back to Special Education for Beginners! Today’s episode is a special one as we close out our beloved "Ask Us Anything" series with my incredible co-host, Paul. After two amazing years of working together, including 11 months of answering your burning questions about special education, Paul and I are wrapping up this chapter of the podcast.We’ve tackled everything from scheduling nightmares and behavior strategies to managing paraprofessionals and navigating IEPs. Through it all, we’ve shared laughs, tears, and plenty of honest, real-life insights into the world of special education.This series has be...2024-12-0431 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 TeachersStreamline Paperwork Using Templates with Caroline KoehlerIn this episode, Caroline Koehler from Celavora Education and Sped Up Paperwork joins me to discuss the ever-pressing issue of paperwork in special education. Listen in as we share effective strategies and tools designed to help special educators manage your documentation more efficiently. This discussion is essential for anyone looking to reduce the administrative burden and focus more on teaching.Key Talking Points:Caroline’s Professional Background: From kindergarten to special education, Caroline brings a wealth of experience and insight into the unique challenges of the field.Ov...2024-10-2322 minSpecial Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education TeachersHandling the Unexpected: Emily's Story of Embracing Challenges with a Positive MindsetIn today’s episode of Special Education for Beginners, I share an inspiring conversation I recently had with a new special education teacher, Emily, who demonstrated an incredible capacity for resilience and optimism in the face of a challenging situation. When Emily was unexpectedly assigned a new student with complex needs, she chose to embrace the challenge with positivity and grace rather than frustration or overwhelm.As special educators, we often find ourselves in situations that test our patience and resilience. This episode is a reminder that, while we can’t control the challenges we face, we can...2024-10-1606 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 TeachersBack to School Tips for Special Educators with Angela RivasWelcome back to another episode of Special Education for Beginners. As we start thinking about the back-to-school season, I thought it would be good to get our mindset right and give you some strategies to get you started off on the right foot! Today’s guest is Angela Rivas from The Sped Tech Teacher and she is here to share some valuable advice to help you thrive in your role as a special educator.Talking Points:Building Strong Relationships with ColleaguesStrategies for fostering positive re...2024-08-2227 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 min