Shows
Ask The EducatorsThe Importance of Early Intervention ServicesThis episode offers a deep dive into early intervention services. Peggy Bud interviews Tamara Jacobson, her Ask the Educator partner, about her experiences as a parent of a child with significant special needs. Tamara gives a detailed account of her journey as a mother and educator navigating the early intervention process. 2025-08-0613 minAsk The EducatorsTrust + Transparency = AuthenticityThis episode will discuss how and why it is crucial to build genuine connections through open communication. The mantra of Ask the Educators is Trust is a Must. Trust is trusting ME to tell the truth. Trust is trusting YOU to tell the truth. And Trust is YOU believing ME and ME believing YOU. Authentic, data driven conversations build trust through honesty and transparency.2025-07-2312 minAsk The EducatorsParent-Input and the IEP ProcessParents’ input is crucial, which is why Ask the Educators invited Sivan Hong, parent and noted author, to be their special guest. This podcast discusses the importance of parents having a voice in the IEP process, which special education law specifically outlines by saying parents are equal members of their child’s IEP team. Many times,parents feel their voices are not heard or validated, leading to feeling intimidated by the process. Sivan shares her story and perspective regarding parent-input and its impact on her child’s learning.2025-07-0913 minAsk The EducatorsPre-meetings Foster EngagementBud and Jacobson introduced an original concept, the pre-meeting in their book Navigating Special Education. This episode discusses the importance of pre-meetings as laying the groundwork for active participation between parents and educators during the IEP process. Pre-meetings build trust and lead to parent engagement.2025-06-2516 minAsk The EducatorsConsensus vs. an Unhappy MinorityReaching consensus prevents meetings from turning adversarial. This episode focuses on the importance of meshing ideas during the compromise process so that parents and educators can support the decisions even if they don’t totally agree, which Bud and Jacobson define as “reaching consensus.” An example of the antithesis of reaching consensus is a school district telling parents ‘This is the program we offer for students with your child’s learning needs.’ In this case, parents feel their voices don’t matter and become ‘the unhappy minority.’ The goal is to find a path to consensus.2025-06-1114 minAsk The EducatorsCompromise: The Art of Meshing IdeasTo Bud and Jacobson compromise is not a ‘dirty word,’ and they define it as the meshing of ideas instead of being a process that requires each side to give something up. In this episode they discuss how conversations open new possibilities and can lead to creative ways to address the child’s needs. Honing the art of compromise leads to everyone feeling heard and respected.2025-05-2812 minAsk The EducatorsCultivating Parent – Teacher PartnershipsBuilding parent-teacher partnerships leads to student success. In this episode, Bud, and Jacobson use Justin’s story, from their book Navigating Special Education, to highlight the importance of parents and teachers working together to support the student. Cultivating these partnerships is crucial for all parents.2025-05-1413 minAsk The EducatorsUnlocking Dialogues: The Art and Science of Meaningful ConversationsThis episode brings to light Bud and Jacobson’s vision of parents and educators forging partnerships; working collaboratively and cooperatively to ensure the child gets what they need to be successful. It’s all about the conversation, which must be a dialogue, not a monologue. Asking questions, perspective taking, and active listening are the core elements of an effective conversation. Conversations will lead to productive meetings and encourage everyone to have a voice. Peggy and Tamara share real case studies to highlight the importance of conversations. Being willing to have open, honest, and transparent conversations will have a positive effe...2025-04-1613 minAsk The EducatorsBuilding Bridges: An Effective Communication Framework for Success!In this episode, Bud and Jacobson present the 5-C Model of Communication, an original communication framework, which they first introduced in their book Navigating Special Education, the Power of Building Positive Parent-Educator Partnerships. During this podcast, they discuss the key components of their model: conversations, collaboration, cooperation, compromise, and consensus. Using their framework ensures everyone’s voice is heard and valued, which will help parents be active participants in the IEP process.2025-04-1613 minAsk The EducatorsYesterday’s Dream and the Grieving ProcessThis episode presents an often-overlooked aspect of parenting a child with special needs, the grieving process. Bud and Jacobson discuss the Five-Stages of Grief as outlined by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Parents grieving influences how they communicate with educators. Bud and Jacobson offer practical insights regarding the grieving process as it impacts not only families,but the education community. Awareness and empathy are the path to building collaborative parent-teacher relationships.2025-04-1511 min
Inclusive Education Project (IEP) PodcastNavigating Special Education with Effective Communication with Peggy S. Bud, MS, and Tamara L. Jacobson, MS, EdD candidateIt’s the perfect time to give parents tips and best practices in navigating IEP meetings and working in collaboration with your school team. THE most important aspect of that collaboration is effective communication, and we have not one, but two communication experts joining us for today’s episode. Join us to learn more!We are joined by Peggy S. Bud and Tamara L. Jacobson, the co-authors of Navigating Special Education: The Power of Building Positive Parent-Educator Partnerships. Together Peggy and Tamara have over 60 years of experience. Their book provides “a foundation for building proactive, positive partnerships that w...2023-09-2629 min
Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, NeurodivergentNavigating Special Education: The Power Of Building Positive Parent-Educator RelationshipsUnlock the power of positive communication with the IEP team with Tamara Jacobson and Peggy Bud as we talk through creating a third voice in the landscape of Special Education. In this conversation you’ll discover the 5 C’s to positive relationships and how your approach and partnership with the IEP team benefits your child. This is truly one to not skip!
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Positive Communication Is Powerful:
Be Mindful Of The Third Voice: Come together as a team to build a positive partnership. Whether you’re a parent or a professional, we can keep the student at the fo...2023-02-071h 02