But There’s A Special Message Inside Of Each Of Them.

Shows

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham Back-to-School Special Education Q&A: IEP Meetings, Teacher Certification, and Advocacy TipsIt’s August, it’s hot, and it’s time to talk about starting the school year strong! In this special Ask the Advocate Q&A, Karen Mayer Cunningham — the Special Education Boss® — answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates on everything from calling IEP meetings to checking teacher credentials.You’ll hear how to:Identify real reasons to call an IEP meeting (and avoid wasting time)Make sure accommodations start the first day of schoolHandle uncertified or unqualified staff in special ed classroomsTrack down teacher and para credentials in your stateUnderstand comparable service plans and timelines...

2025-08-1258 min

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham From Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave TransitionFrom the classroom to the conference table—today’s episode is one of full-circle purpose.Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is joined by the amazing Rachel Mottern, a former special education teacher turned full-time national advocate, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t forget.Rachel shares her journey from struggling with dyslexia as a child to becoming a teacher, earning her master's at Vanderbilt (yes, the #1 program in the nation), and eventually realizing she could serve students better outside the system.What started with a two-day training inside the Special...

2025-07-3134 min

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham How to Request and Navigate Special Education Testing & EvaluationsHow to Request Special Education Testing + What Happens NextSpecial Education Boss® Podcast | Hosted by Karen Mayer CunninghamConfused about how to get your child tested for special education services? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.In this powerhouse episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, breaks down what every parent, educator, and advocate needs to know about requesting and navigating special education evaluations.📚 We’re covering:✅ How to request an FIE (Full Individual Evaluation)✅ IDEA timelines and eligibility basics✅ 504 vs. IEP...

2025-07-301h 02

Special Chronicles Podcast Special Olympics Illinois: Summer Games Audio Documentary In this special audio documentary episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games in Normal, IL! From the powerful Tribute to Champions Reception, to the walk with his SEASPAR team, inspiring Opening Ceremony speeches, and his personal reflections after an intense Bocce competition—this episode brings you along for the full journey. Daniel placed 4th in an incredibly close match that went into overtime—coming down to just 1/8 of an inch! Hear the sounds, the emotions, and the inspiration of the Summer Games throu...

2025-07-211h 27

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham The Testing Talk: How to Get Your Child Fully Evaluated for Special EducationIs your child struggling in school, and you're wondering if special education testing is the next step?In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the entire process of requesting and navigating special education testing—from suspected needs to formal evaluations.If you've ever been told "your child doesn’t qualify" or "we don’t think there’s a learning disability," this episode is for you.📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:Who qualifies for special education testingWhat ages are eligible (starting as early as 2.5!)The 8...

2025-07-1530 min

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham How to Make a Formal Special Education Request (Say This Exactly)Parents: If you think you’ve made a request for special education testing, but it wasn’t written, clean, concise, and clear… you didn’t.In this short but powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, walks you through exactlywhat a formal request is — and what it isn’t.No more:🚫 "Hey Bob, can you check on that for me?"🚫 "I’m on the PTA, they’ll take care of it."🚫 Phone calls that go nowhere.✅ You’ll leave this episode knowing exactly what to wri...

2025-07-1103 min

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham Hot Topics + Hot Deals: July Q&A with the Special Education Boss®July is heating up—and so is the conversation! In this live Q&A episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest questions on IEPs, 504s, eligibility, state complaints, ABA therapy, inclusion, and more.Plus, she announces exciting news:📕 Karen’s long-awaited special education book is finally done—and pre-orders with bonuses are coming soon!🔥 For the first time ever, the 2-Day On-Demand Advocacy Intensive is 50% off through July 31 with code: JULY📍 The final in-person 2-Day Intensive for the year is July 19–20 in Melbourne, Florida📆 The only Mas...

2025-07-0958 min

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham From Classroom to Advocacy: Cindy’s Journey from Teacher to Special Education AdvocateIn this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham welcomes Cindy—a former teacher of 27 years, literacy specialist, MTSS leader, and now a full-time special education advocate. What led her to pivot from teaching to advocacy? The answer may sound familiar: burnout, frustration, and an unshakable belief that kids deserve better.Cindy opens up about the emotional and professional toll of navigating a school system that often prioritizes compliance over support. She shares how parenting a child with autism, advocating within her own district, and witnessing systemic failures led her to leave the classroom. Her tur...

2025-06-1724 min

Special Chronicles Podcast Special Father's Day Episode On this heartfelt Father’s Day episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, we revisit a meaningful conversation with Adam Smrokowski, proud father of our very own award-winning host, Daniel Smrokowski. Adam opens up about the journey of raising a son with special needs, the early challenges and triumphs of fatherhood, and the profound impact the Special Chronicles platform has had on their lives. We also explore how their story continues to change lives within the Special Olympics movement and beyond. Join us for this inspiring and personal tribute to all fathers making a di...

2025-06-1540 min

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham From Gym Class to Game Changer: How Adaptive Fitness Empowers Young Adults with Disabilities with Mike Lutey, Franchise Owner – Special Strong HoustonPart 1 of 2 This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Mike Lutey, franchise owner of Special Strong Southeast & Northwest Houston, to talk about the power of adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities—and how the right workout can change everything.Mike shares his personal journey, inspired by his sister with Down syndrome and his mom’s advocacy work in Montana, to becoming the very first Special Strong franchisee. What started as a LinkedIn message became a mission to serve others through fitness, inclusion, and community-building.From o...

2025-05-2023 min

Special Chronicles Podcast A Conversation with Pete Beale-Delvecchio, CEO Special Olympics Illinois | Ep.754 On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois to reflect on his first year and introduction to Special Olympics. We talk about his Accomplishments and Challenges, Leadership Style, Vision for future of Special Olympics Illinois, Inclusivity Goals, Program Highlights, Athlete Impact, Athlete Leadership, Voices, Community Engagement, and Corporate Partnerships. We look forward to his Future Goals, Challenges Ahead, Personal Growth, Memorable Moments, and Pete gives his advice for leaders stepping into a leadership role within a Special Olympics program. Episode 754 ShowNotes & Links: 🎧 Lis...

2025-02-101h 06

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers Back 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 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 106. Dyslexia: What Is It & How Special Education Teachers Can Help Struggling Readers with Melanie BrethourHey Special Ed Teacher, In today’s episode, we have special guest Melanie Brethour. Melanie Brethour is a resource teacher from Montreal, Quebec, dedicated to dyslexia awareness and the science of reading. Her commitment was sparked by her son Benjamin's dyslexia diagnosis at age 9. To better support him and her students, she earned Orton-Gillingham associate-level certification and became a CERI structured literacy teacher. Melanie founded Decoding Dyslexia Quebec and Soar With Dyslexia on social media to provide resources and support. She also volunteers for Dyslexia Canada, helping parents navigate dyslexia. Guided by the motto "when yo...

2024-08-1338 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 101. Need Admin Support? A Principal’s Perspective on How to Collaborate as a Special Ed Team with Dr. Patricia CorralHey Sped Teacher, Have you wondered how to ask your administrators for support? Are you looking for tips on how to build a strong relationship with your admin as a special education teacher? I am so excited to have a very special guest on today’s episode! We are joined by my principal, Dr. Patricia Corral, who is sharing some incredible insight on building a great special education teacher - admin relationship and how special ed teachers can work collaboratively with their administration. If you are looking to have your admin more actively involved in sp...

2024-07-0934 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 100. Reflecting on 100 Episodes! Memories and Lessons Learned with Stepping into Special Education the PodcastHey Special Ed Teacher, We made it to 100 episodes of the Stepping Into Special Education podcast. I cannot believe it! I am beyond excited and so grateful for each and every one of you for tuning in each week! When I started this podcast, I knew I wanted to provide a resource for special educators who were looking for support, tips, and community. I have truly been blown away by the incredible support I have received and the amazing community that has been built around this podcast. I am so grateful and truly blessed! Join...

2024-07-0218 min

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers Welcome 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 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 93. The 1 Thing I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Special Ed Teacher!Hey Sped Teacher, Curious about what a veteran special education teacher wishes she knew before beginning her special education teaching journey? Do you wish you had insider knowledge before beginning your own journey as a special ed teacher? I’m sure I am not alone when I say that after getting some experience as a new special education teacher, I found myself thinking about all the things I wished I had known before because I guarantee I am not the only one who felt thrown right into it all feeling completely unprepared. So to help ou...

2024-05-1411 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 80. Are You Returning Next School Year? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Leaving Your Special Ed Teaching PositionHey Special Education Teacher, Have you thought about the possibility of not returning to your current role next school year? Has the thought of leaving special education altogether crossed your mind? Before you make any decisions, I encourage you to tune into this episode! Choosing whether to stay or leave is not easy and many factors play into the decision. Research shows that 25% of special education teachers leave their positions each year which is significantly higher than teachers teaching in traditional classrooms. Our job is hard! And if you are thinking about leaving your current...

2024-02-1313 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 79. Which Teaching Credential or License Is Right for You? 5 Types of Special Education Specialty AreasHey Sped Teacher, Are you a special ed teacher looking to choose the right specialty area for your passion? Is deciding which credential is the best fit feeling overwhelming? Do you know the opportunities and responsibilities that come with each credential? Join me in this episode as I break down the 5 different types of specialty areas in special education. As special educators, it can be confusing and stressful to decide which license or credential we want to pursue. Oftentimes, we may not even fully understand what each one means or the opportunities that we will...

2024-02-0614 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 78. Don’t Do These 5 Things with Parents of Special Needs StudentsHey Special Ed Teacher, Are you supporting parents of special needs students in the best way possible? Have you wondered if there are things you can do to build stronger relationships with your students’ parents? In this episode, we’re diving into 5 things to avoid when building strong relationships with our students’ parents. As busy special education teachers, it can be so easy to forget how important paying attention to the little details of communication is but these little details can make a big impact on our relationship with parents. We need to ensure we are bei...

2024-01-3013 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 75. How to Collaborate and Maintain a Good Relationship with Your Special Needs Parents!Hey Special Education Teacher, How do you work with parents of your students with special needs? What do you say when you first introduce yourself? How do you keep your special needs parents' relationship going strong? In today’s episode, I’ll share how I collaborate and keep a good relationship with my special needs parents! That first impression is crucial in building a relationship with them. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way to make it a better supportive experience for the person it benefits the most….the child. Take Care...

2024-01-0912 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 69. Re-Release Ep 20 “Am I Doing a Good Job?” 4 Questions to Ask Yourself to Feel Validated as a Special Education Teacher!Hey Special Ed Teacher, Today’s episode is a re-release of episode 20! Are you up late, worried? Thinking if you’re doing a good job? Are you wondering what qualities make a good special ed teacher? You just heard that ONE negative comment or critique about your teaching. Now you’re up late at night, thinking if you have what it takes to be a sped teacher. Today I share 4 questions to ask yourself to get that validation you need as a special education teacher! These questions will help you look more at the po...

2023-11-2120 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 64. My 8 Favorite Special Ed Teaching Strategies That I Use for My Students with Learning DisabilitiesHey Special Ed Teacher, Do you need more teaching strategies to use as a special education teacher? What are ways that a teacher can help their students with special needs? Do you need to add more to your list of intervention strategies for sped students? In today’s episode, I’ll share effective teaching strategies that I’ve used in my special ed classroom to meet the needs of our mild to moderate special needs students. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, these strategies are packed with practical and actionable tips to add...

2023-10-1015 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 59. Student Relationships: 4 Reasons Why Connecting with Your Students with Special Needs Are NECESSARY!Hey Special Ed Teacher, Why are building relationships with students with special needs important? What is the first step to building relationships? How can Special Education teachers improve their connection with students? In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 4 reasons why connecting with your special needs students is NECESSARY! As teachers, we want to jump into academics right away. But we often forget about the benefits of building relationships with our students first! Listen in as I explain the importance of relationships over rigor! Take Care, Michelle Resources Ment...

2023-09-0514 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 58. Paraprofessional Training 101: 4 Main Areas You Need to Train Classroom Support Staff, Special Ed Assistants, One-On-One AidesHey Special Education Teacher, Wondering how to train paraprofessionals in your special ed classroom? How do you manage special education assistants in your class? What do you teach classroom assistants to support students with special needs? In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing the 4 areas you NEED to train your sped instructional assistants or classroom support staff in! At the beginning of the school year or getting a new hire does not leave a lot of time to train your teacher assistants. These main areas will quickly get your classroom in order for a succ...

2023-08-3011 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 57. Back to School Special: Best Episodes to Start Up Your Special Education Classroom NOW!Hey Special Education Teacher, Are you ready for the new school year? Do you need help with organizing your classroom? Are your routines and small group lessons planned? In today’s episode, I will be sharing the best episodes to get your special ed classroom set up and ready to go NOW for the new school year! Whether you are a new teacher coming in or a veteran teacher, you will gain new ideas from these 8 episodes! So let’s get this year started right! Take Care, Michelle Resources Ment...

2023-08-1515 min

Special Chronicles Podcast Real Magic of Coca-Cola and Special Olympics LIVE From Berlin | Ep.536 On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski speaks at a Coca-Cola Luncheon, Recorded From Berlin, Germany. Daniel talks about the REAL MAGIC of the partnership of Special Olympics and Coca-Cola, which is a Founding Partnership of Special Olympics and has been supporting our Movement since 1968. Coca-Cola's support of our athlete leadership program has provided opportunities for our athletes to be be leaders both on and off the field and break down barriers of disability. Coca-Cola brings moments of joy, opportunity and inclusion to our athletes and their f...

2023-07-2515 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 54. Co-teaching Models: 6 Methods Used for Students with or without Special NeedsHey Special Education Teacher, What are co-teaching models in special education? What are the different types of co-teaching? Wondering what are your roles and responsibilities as a co-teacher? In today’s episode, you’ll get an overview of the 6 co-teaching models used for both students with special needs and without special needs. You’ll get a better understanding of how to be a co-teacher and work with your general education teacher the right way. This will prepare you for what to expect when you co-teach for the first time this year! Take Care, ...

2023-07-1816 min

Autism Classroom Resources Podcast: A Podcast for Special Educators What are the Special Education Professional Development Opportunities in the Academy?Is it possible for your job as a special educator to be easier while your teaching is more effective? The simple answer is yes! I am so passionate about using my knowledge and experience to help other teachers thrive in their special education classroom with as little stress as possible. I created the Special Educator Academy to provide incredible educators with the support and confidence they need to bring joy back to their classroom.The Special Educator Academy is filled with courses, printables, trainings, resources, and more! There are workshops that you can request special education professional...

2023-07-1811 min

Special Olympics World Games Podcast Series Berlin Together Daily Show LIVE From Special Olympics World Games 2023On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Berlin Together Daily Show series: Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski report on the events, people, and places at Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Recorded From Berlin, Germany. Listen along below! Guests Featured on this series: (see timestamps below when each segment begins) 1:20 — German Volunteer Therese Heidenreich: Episode One 6:00 — Volunteers from U.S. Dylan and James from The Warfaring Band—Episode Two 10:45 —Healthy Athletes with Andreas Batstatos, a Clinical Director for Fun Fitness—Episode Three 18:00 — Episode Four: Claudia Southwell–Sports Development Coordinator with Special Olympics...

2023-07-041h 01

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 50. How to Handle Challenging Behavior from Students with Special Needs with Dr. Christine ReeveHey Special Education Teacher, How do you manage behaviors in your special ed classroom? What about handling challenging behaviors from your students with disabilities? Wondering how to get your team on board with the behavior support plan or behavior intervention plan? In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Christine Reeve. From running Autism Classroom Resources and the Special Educator Academy to creating teacher resources on TeachersPayTeachers, her driving goal has always been about bringing special educators together and helping them serve their students in the best ways they can. With a doctorate in...

2023-06-2045 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 42. 5 Must-Dos before the Ending of the School Year for Special Ed Teachers!Hey Special Ed Teacher, Are you a special education teacher feeling overwhelmed with the end of the school year approaching? I have some great news for you! In this week's episode, I discuss five must-dos for special education teachers before the end of the school year. As a former sped teacher, I know how stressful the end of the school year can be. I remember having to stay on campus for weeks after the last day of school due to unfinished paperwork. That's why I want to share my personal experience and provide some helpful...

2023-04-2510 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 41. 6 Steps to Get That Special Education Position You Want!Hey SPED Teacher, Are you wondering how to apply for a special education teacher position? Thinking about making a change in your special ed career? Wondering what special education teacher jobs are out there? In today’s episode, I will be sharing 6 steps to Get That Special Education Position You want! Whether you’re wanting your first teaching position or looking for a career change, you need to be prepared before going into that interview room. Take Care, Michelle In this episode you’ll learn: What steps you need to...

2023-04-1815 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 39. Have Anxiety about All Things Special Ed? 6 Ways to Lessen Your Stress as a Special Education Teacher!Hey Special Education Teacher, Are you feeling anxious about all things special education? Do you stress about the different responsibilities you have? Do you worry thinking if you’re doing the right thing? In today’s episode, I will be sharing 6 ideas of what you can do to lessen your stress. Special education is hard! It is not all sunshine and rainbows. We will have our great, amazing days and we will have difficult, hard days. Please do not feel like you need to do this alone! There are ways and people that can help guide...

2023-04-0415 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 37. Low on Resources & Materials for Your Special Ed Classroom? 10 Tips to Get the Supplies That You Need as a Special Ed Teacher!Hey Special Ed Teacher, Are you running low on school supplies for your special needs students? Are you wondering where can you get free supplies? How can you find other teacher resources? In today’s episode, I will be sharing 10 tips on where you can get the school materials you need for your special ed class. Low supplies in classrooms located in low-socioeconomic areas are a sad reality for educators. This is why teachers are the most creative people I know since they work with what they have. But there are ways to get the re...

2023-03-2114 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 34. Feel like You’re Not Doing Enough for Your Students with Special Needs? 7 Signs to Know That You ARE Doing Your Best as a SPED Teacher!Hey SpEd Teachers, Are you feeling like you’re not doing enough for your special needs students? Do you ask yourself, “Am I doing my best as a special education teacher?” Are you wondering if anyone is even noticing all your hard work? In today’s episode, I will be sharing 7 signs that you ARE doing your best as a special ed teacher! As educators, we have our good days and our bad, and it can be a struggle to find those little moments of feeling like you’re doing enough. Today you will know where to l...

2023-02-2817 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 27. Need a RESET in Managing Classroom Behavior? 7 Ideas to Get Your Special Ed Classroom Back in Order Again!Hey Special Ed Teacher, After the winter break, did your students with special needs forget what it’s like to behave in the classroom? Are you wondering what are the best classroom management strategies? How can I improve my classroom management skills as a special education teacher? Today I will be sharing 7 ideas for you to re-establish the foundational behavior systems in your sped classroom! You will learn the first steps it takes, to manage your students with disabilities and special ed assistants. A RESET is needed, so your special education classroom can be up an...

2023-01-1020 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 25. 3 Things I Learned as a Special Education Teacher in 2022 + 3 Goals for 2023!Hey Special Education Teacher, Reflecting on the past year, what have you learned with being a special ed teacher? What worked in your classroom? What did not? What are your New Year’s resolutions for your career & your personal life? With the 2022 year coming to an end, I will be sharing 3 important lessons I learned about the past year as a special education teacher. Also, what goals I have for the New Year coming up! Reflection is the best way to improve our skills in the classroom for our students with special needs, but also to...

2022-12-2714 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 20. “Am I Doing a Good Job?” 4 Questions to Ask Yourself to Feel Validated as a Special Education Teacher!Hey Special Education Teacher, Are you up late worried? Thinking if you’re doing a good job? Are you wondering what qualities make a good special ed teacher? You just heard that ONE negative comment or critique about your teaching. Now you’re up late at night, thinking if you have what it takes to be a sped teacher. Today I share 4 questions to ask yourself to get that validation you need as a special education teacher! These questions will help you look more at the positive side of education, but also humble yourself to know...

2022-11-2219 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 17. 6 Steps to Lesson Plan For Your Small Group Instruction in Special EducationHey SpEd Teacher, Are you wondering how lessons are implemented for small group instruction for students with disabilities? Need small group lesson ideas for your mild/moderate special education classroom? What are the best strategies for small group instruction? Today I share 6 steps to lesson plan for your small group instruction! As special education teachers, we are always needing various ideas on how to teach our lessons. We need to think on our toes about adding accommodations and modifications to the lessons for our students to access the curriculum. Small group instruction is necessary for o...

2022-11-0116 min

A Special Kind of Chaos Moving Through Grief with Special Guest and Fellow Special Needs Mom~ MiriamSpecial Kind of Chaos – A Podcast about all things Special Needs. Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together. 2020 was tough, but imagine going through all of the struggles of 2020 with Covid, quarantine, isolation, special needs impacts....AND losing a loved one. Miriam not only loses 1 loved one but 2! She lost her dad and her brother within a week to Covid-19. Miriam graciously shares her personal story of how she has dealt with loss and grief in a pande...

2022-10-2154 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 14. Are You Feeling Alone in Your Special Education Journey? 4 Places to Make Connections & Build Relationships to Get That Special Ed Support You Need!Hey Special Ed Teacher, Do you often feel alone when it comes to being the special education teacher on campus? Do you know where to get special ed support? Do you feel like you’re on an island all by yourself? Today I share that you don’t need to be alone going through this sped journey. You’ll learn of 4 places you can make connections and build relationships to get that special ed support YOU need! After the pandemic, we need to build a community for ourselves more than ever! With the transition of our ne...

2022-10-1111 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 13. IEP 101: What Is an IEP? How an Individualized Education Plan Is Used in Special Education!Hey Special Ed Teacher, Did you go to school for special education, but still confused with what an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is actually for? Do you know the different uses of how to use an IEP in special education? What important information does an individualized education plan contain to the student’s educational life? Today you will learn an overview of what significant information can be found in an IEP. I share the different uses with how you can use this document in your special ed and general education classrooms. This episode will give yo...

2022-10-0413 min

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 07. The Parent Perspective: How to Best Support Our Special Needs Parents!Hi Friend, Are you struggling with connecting with your special needs parents? Have you wondered what experiences they go through? Want to support your student’s parents, but don’t know how? In today’s episode I have one my most favorite people in the world as my guest, Lorena Diaz! Lorena is a business owner, wife, mother of 4 and about to adopt 2 more children! But most importantly, she is a special needs parent. Today she will be sharing her amazing story of what it was like as a parent, to have her son with Autism...

2022-08-2334 min

Special Olympics World Games Podcast Series REBROADCAST: LIVE from Special Olympics Unified CupOn this week’s bonus episode of the Special Chronicles Show Recorded LIVE from the First-Ever Special Olympics Unified Cup in Chicago 2018. Tune-in as we bring you unique coverage and empowering conversations with: Team SO Ecuador Athlete Kevin Casco SOCheerleaders Team SO United Arab Emirates Team SO Kansas/Missouri-USA Coach Vaughn Airy & Athlete Walter Hayes Team SO Germany Head Coach Erik Hogreve & Athlete Max Bauer SO Volunteer James Boon from Nalco Water Company Unified Rhythmic Gymnastics Dance Team Team SO Brazil Head Coach Tiago Rangel & Athlete Emanuelle de Souza International Ch...

2022-08-021h 15

STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management 02. 6 Tips to Set Up Your Special Education Classroom EnvironmentHey Friend, Are you moving into your new special ed classroom? Or moved into a new classroom? Overwhelmed and not sure what to do first? Today you will learn 6 tips to get your special education classroom environment set up quickly. Just simply adding certain areas and the placement of furniture will make the biggest difference in the flow and structure of your class. These tips will help make the school year run smoother. Take Care, Michelle In this episode you’ll learn: How to quickly set up...

2022-07-2608 min

Special Olympics USA Games Podcast Series Orlando Daily Show LIVE From Special Olympics USA Games 2022On this week’s episode of the Special Chronicles Show Recorded LIVE from the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida: join Special Chronicles Podcast Host and Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski as he hosts the Orlando Daily Show and reports on the events, people, and places at the 2022 USA Games. Tune in to a special audio program of the Orlando Daily Show! In the audio program of the Orlando Daily Show, Daniel talks to: Shawn Kirby and Alice Hoekstra, Bocce Venue Games Committee [starts at 2:00] Kevin Colman, Sr. Director of...

2022-06-2853 min

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers Episode 88: 5 Skills Good Special Educators HaveEpisode 88: 5 Skills Good Special Educators HaveSo by recording this episode, I hope that I’m able to reach those individuals who are ready to go the extra miles that it takes to be a good special educator. After doing this job for almost 3 decades, I feel there are some essential skills that special education teachers need to either have, or learn quickly so that they can set themselves up for success right away and have a long, fulfilling career in this field.Listen in to hear the 5 skills that "good" special education teachers ha...

2022-05-2514 min

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers Episode 61: When Your Job Imitates Your Life: A Special Conversation with a Special EducatorEpisode 61: A Special Teacher Wowza!! Grab your Kleenex before pushing play on this one!What an amazing and impactful episode this is.This week’s guest is another fellow podcaster and special education teacher. I didn’t have any idea when I created my podcast that there were so many podcasts hosted by special education teachers, but this podcaster has a different story from the majority of us.Paul Hubbard is a special education teacher, but he is able to see the field of special education through a different lens...

2021-11-1745 min

DanTalks DanTalks: Keynote at Special Olympics US CEOs MeetingSpecial Chronicles Founder and Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski gives the Opening Keynote at the Special Olympics US CEO Meeting. Pre-recorded from Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago in front of a live audience, Daniel talks about his backstory in Special Olympics and Athlete Leadership, and how his challenges led to his passion by podcasting on Special Chronicles. Tune in to one of Daniel's latest keynote speeches! …… Show Notes for this week's episode: http://specialchronicles.com/Podcast453 Support SpecialChronicles by becoming a supporter today at http://SpecialChronicles.com/give The #Speci...

2021-11-0929 min

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers Episode 59: The Letter I Wish I'd Had as a 1st Year Special Education TeacherEp. 59 The Letter I Wish I'd Had as a 1st Year Special Education TeacherAs a veteran special educator, I can look back on my career and think, “Holy crap...I have come a long, long way since that first year.”In fact those first 5 years were pretty cringy if I say so myself. I think I was still trying to fit into some kind of mold of what a special education teacher should look like based on the perception of special educators as a society.Those first few year...

2021-11-0314 min

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers Episode 39: Delaying Access to Special Education: How Parents and Special Educators Can Work Together to Prevent It#39 Delaying Access to Special Education: How Parents and Special Educators Can Work Together to Prevent ItOn last week’s show, I talked all about how to build relationships with parents and how to work together as a team for the benefit of the child so I thought having a parent on the show and getting their perspective and their input would be beneficial.Today’s special guest is Aaron Wright. As the parent of an autistic teenager, Aaron Wright's daughter was initially denied access to special education support. So he began a quest to e...

2021-06-1548 min

Special Olympics USA Podcast Road To SOKazan2022: Managing Special Olympics World Games (Ep.420)Special Olympics Chief of Sport and Competition Louis Lauria joins the podcast bringing you behind the scenes of the world’s largest sport and humanitarian event: Special Olympics World Games! We’re celebrating 300 Days to Kazan World Games and hear firsthand about managing a global event. Access the ShowNotes for this episode at https://specialchronicles.com/Podcast420 Subscribe to our Special Olympics USA Podcast Series: https://specialchronicles.com/specialolympicsusa The Special Chronicles Show is streamed LIVE every Monday at 6pm (central) on Special Chronicles at http://SpecialChronicles.com/Watch/Live New epis...

2021-04-061h 48

Special Olympics World Games Podcast Series Road To SOKazan2022: Managing Special Olympics World GamesSpecial Olympics Chief of Sport and Competition Louis Lauria joins the podcast bringing you behind the scenes of the world’s largest sport and humanitarian event: Special Olympics World Games! We’re celebrating 300 Days to Kazan World Games and hear firsthand about managing a global event. Access the ShowNotes for this episode at https://specialchronicles.com/Podcast420 Subscribe to our Special Olympics USA Podcast Series: https://specialchronicles.com/specialolympicsusa The Special Chronicles Show is streamed LIVE every Monday at 6pm (central) on Special Chronicles at http://SpecialChronicles.com/Watch/Live New epis...

2021-04-061h 47

Special Olympics USA Podcast Road To SOKazan2022: Managing Special Olympics World GamesSpecial Olympics Chief of Sport and Competition Louis Lauria joins the podcast bringing you behind the scenes of the world’s largest sport and humanitarian event: Special Olympics World Games! We’re celebrating 300 Days to Kazan World Games and hear firsthand about managing a global event. Access the ShowNotes for this episode at https://specialchronicles.com/Podcast420 Subscribe to our Special Olympics USA Podcast Series: https://specialchronicles.com/specialolympicsusa The Special Chronicles Show is streamed LIVE every Monday at 6pm (central) on Special Chronicles at http://SpecialChronicles.com/Watch/Live New epis...

2021-04-061h 47

DanTalks Mission Moments Speech Special Olympics U.S. Programs CEO Biweekly CallSpecial Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski joined the biweekly call of Special Olympics U.S. Programs CEOs on Tuesday, 02 March 2021. Daniel presented an encore appearance of his impactful final "Mission Moments" speech he originally delivered during the SO Illinois Board of Directors Meeting in February 2021. ShowNotes & Links Mentioned on this episode podcast page: https://specialchronicles.com/ssigmpodcast2march2021 Subscribe to Listen: https://specialchronicles.com/SSIGMJournalPodcast Support This Podcast: http://specialchronicles.com/Give Shop on Amazon: https://specialchronicles.com/shop Send audio or email feedback to...

2021-03-0207 min

The Special Chronicles Show A Board Orientation To Special Olympics Illinois (2021February)Join us for the live recording of a Board of Directors Orientation to Special Olympics Illinois. Presented by Daniel Smrokowski with SO Illinois Board Chair Karen Wilson and SO Illinois Leadership Team, we explain the mission and vision, who Special Olympics serves, interacting with athletes, why our movement is relevant, Scope of SOILL Programming from sports to health to leadership and sustainability, and much more! Episode Page: http://specialchronicles.com/Podcast411 Subscribe to Listen: http://specialchronicles.com/Show Support This Podcast: http://specialchronicles.com/Give Shop on Amazon: https://specialchronicles.com/shop

2021-02-151h 21

The Georgia and Daniel Show GeorgiaandDanielShow Ep39: New Years SpecialJoin us for our New Years Podcast! On this Season 5 Premiere: We spend Christmas Eve Together and New Years Holidays Apart, Reflect on the year that was 2020, look ahead to 2021 sharing our Personal, Relationship and Podcasting Resolutions for 2021! Access the podcast, video, show notes, links and more mentioned on this episode at https://specialchronicles.com/GDShow39 Support This Podcast! Join Our Supporters and make your gift today at: https://specialchronicles.com/Give Shop Amazon: When you shop at Amazon or purchase Kindle Books or sign up for Prime, Audible, or Music using our...

2021-01-0300 min

The Georgia and Daniel Show GeorgiaandDanielShow Ep.38: Our Annual Christmas SpecialJoin us for Our Annual Christmas Special: Memories of Christmas Past, Family Christmas Traditions, Virtual Christmas Celebrations, DriveIn Holiday Movies, Baking Christmas Treats, Meaning of Gifts, On Air Gift Exchange Same Gift, Plus a LIVE After Show Gift Exchange Coming Soon, Daniel's Mom Linda calls in to explain our gift, share tips for joy-filled virtual holiday gatherings, 2020 Brings Back Simple Holiday Activities, and what Christmas Means to us, and we conclude with Georgia's Christmas Holiday Trivia. Grab a mug of hot cocoa and tune in for some holiday fun! Access the podcast, video, show notes...

2020-12-2400 min

The Georgia and Daniel Show GeorgiaandDanielShow Ep34: Our Virtual Thanksgiving SpecialJoin us on a special Thanksgiving Episode: Georgia travels to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving as Daniel hosts a Virtual Zoom Thanksgiving, we talk about Being Thankful, and our family calls in to talk about the meaning of Thanksgiving and play a special Thanksgiving-themed Trivia game! Access the podcast, video, show notes, links and more mentioned on this episode at https://specialchronicles.com/GDShow34 Follow Daniel and Georgia: Send a Text Message to Daniel! 630-280-3082 Facebook: https://Facebook.com/DanielandGeorgia Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DanielandGeorgia Twitter: https://Twitter.com/DanielGeorgiaS ...

2020-11-2600 min

The Special Chronicles Show #SpecialChronicles12 Year Celebration 2 Hour Special LIVE Broadcast (Ep.400)Join us for Our 400th Episode 12 Year Celebration, a 2 Hour Special LIVE Broadcast! In Hour 1: we present you with two Highlight Video Reels Celebrating Our 12 Year Anniversary. In Hour 2: we are joined by a few of our team members--Adam, Jose, Chris, Georgia, Diane & Erin to talk about: Special Chronicles Impact on Community, Favorite Memories, and we conclude with a fun #SpecialChronicles12 Trivia Game in celebration of our 12 Year Podiversary, or our podcasting anniversary! Help us reach our $12,000 Goal and Give Now at: http://specialchronicles.com/celebration12 Access the podcast, video, show...

2020-11-162h 04

The Special Chronicles Show LiveWithJoseTV Conversations with Special Olympics Athletes Feat. Daniel SmrokowskiA Special Crossover Episode of The LiveWithJoseTV Show, Conversations with Special Olympics Athletes Featuring Daniel Smrokowski, Early Years, The High School Years, Challenges & Accompaniments, Best Buddies Unified Floor Hockey, The University Years, Origin Story of Special Chronicles, Beginnings of Special Olympics Journey, Becoming An Athlete Leader, Becoming International Global Messenger, & much more! Access show notes for this week’s podcast: Episode Show Page: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast383 Send audio and email feedback to feedback@specialchronicles.com Send Daniel a TEXT Message to 630-280-3082 https://my.community.com/danielsmrokowski Su...

2020-08-161h 13