Hey there, teacher friend! 👋 Ever feel like you’re on an island in your special ed classroom? You’ve got IEPs stacking up, routines to run, and a caseload that never seems to quit. We get it—and you’re so not alone. In this episode, Dawn is diving into the heart of what keeps us going: community and collaboration. Because while teaching special education can feel isolating, the truth is...you don’t have to go it alone. 🙌 Here’s what we’re chatting about: ✨ Why building a SPED support system is...
Jul 03, 2025•15 min
Hey there, amazing educators! 👋 Feeling that mid-summer "I should probably start thinking about school stuff..." tug? You’re not alone—and I’ve got just the thing to help you ease back into prep mode without sacrificing your poolside peace. 💦☀️ In today’s quick and power-packed episode, I’m spilling all the details on the Summer Launchpad Challenge—your shortcut to an organized, smooth, and actually doable back-to-school season. 🙌 We’re talking: ✅ Why summer overwhelm hits hard (and how to st...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
Let’s be honest—most PD just doesn’t get special ed. If you've ever sat through a training that had nothing to do with IEPs, visuals, or the beautiful chaos of your classroom… same. That’s why this week, we're ditching the fluff and diving into three totally free PD options made just for special ed teachers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the scene, these resources are built to support your unique classroom, your time, and your sanity—no death-by-PowerPoint included. What You’ll Learn: ...
Jun 19, 2025•10 min
Creating adapted resources is a must in a self-contained classroom—but how do you make sure they’re actually useful, not just cute or overwhelming? In this episode, Dawn Ellis breaks down how to avoid common pitfalls when adapting materials and how to keep your resources simple, functional, and effective. From hands-on elements to visual supports and using Canva to streamline your workflow, you’ll walk away with practical, time-saving tips you can use right away. What You’ll Learn: The 3 most co...
Jun 12, 2025•18 min
In this episode, I’m taking a deep dive into the key differences between teaching and prompting—and why understanding this distinction is essential for effective instruction. Whether you're in a classroom, therapy setting, or working with learners one-on-one, prompt fading is a powerful tool to foster independence and skill mastery. I’ll walk you through exactly what prompt fading is, why it’s critical (and non-negotiable), and how to implement it effectively—without overcomplicating the process...
Jun 05, 2025•17 min
In this episode, I’m taking a deep dive into why so many IEP teams face challenges when it comes to collaboration. While it’s easy to blame scheduling conflicts or differing opinions, the root issues often go much deeper. I’m uncovering the hidden barriers that prevent meaningful teamwork and show you how to lead your team with confidence, clarity, and compassion. You’ll learn how to recognize the early warning signs of miscommunication, how to proactively set the tone for productive meetings, a...
May 29, 2025•12 min
In this episode, we’re giving you the tools and strategies you need to walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or simply want to lead with more intention, you’ll learn how to set a positive and productive tone right from the start. We’ll walk through how to navigate challenging dynamics with professionalism and empathy, and share practical pre-meeting tools that will help you stay organized, prepared, and in control. By the e...
May 22, 2025•15 min
In this episode, I’m sharing how to lead a team that actually feels like a team. You’ll learn how to define roles, open up communication, and support your paras and therapists so they can support your students. Key Highlights: How to define roles without micromanaging Quick wins for better communication Pep talk for leading with confidence If you’re tired of doing everything alone and ready to build a team culture that works, this episode is your playbook. Links and Resources End of the School Y...
May 15, 2025•14 min
In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to tools that make IEP team collaboration not only doable—but enjoyable. From goal-setting templates to weekly check-ins, learn what’s working in real special ed classrooms right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What real collaboration looks like Tools to simplify team communication One story that proves these systems work If you're tired of chasing people down for input, or feeling like you’re doing it all alone, these tools will help you lead your tea...
May 08, 2025•10 min
This episode breaks down the messy truth about IEP team dynamics and gives you actionable steps to lead with confidence. Dawn shares why teams fall apart and how a simple tool—the IEP Team Input Survey—can help restore clarity and collaboration. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Top 3 reasons IEP teams fall apart Why proactive planning is your secret weapon How to use an input survey to cut down on surprises Links and Resources Parent and Teacher Input Surveys (Printable + Digital) 5-Day Spring...
May 01, 2025•11 min
Let’s be real—IEP meetings can sometimes feel like a lot. But with a few simple strategies, they can actually be super productive and way less overwhelming. In this episode, we’re chatting about why taking minutes is more important than you might think, how to keep your notes focused (without writing a novel), and ways to use data to make smarter decisions for your students. We’ll also share some of our favorite tools and tips to keep your meetings on track and your team all on the same page. If...
Apr 24, 2025•16 min
Do you feel like you’re always scrambling to get ready for IEP meetings? 📝 What if you could walk into every meeting feeling confident and organized—without the last-minute stress? In this week’s podcast episode, I share the secrets to simplifying your IEP prep What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the right tools matter: Discover how the right tools and templates can save you time, reduce stress, and make your IEP meetings more productive. The best tools for IEP meetings: Learn about the esse...
Apr 17, 2025•15 min
In this episode, we’ll cover proven strategies for IEP meeting prep, including organizing data, setting clear goals, and encouraging team collaboration. I’ll also share time-saving tips and resources to make your prep efficient and stress-free. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to align your team and ensure they’re prepared. The importance of organizing meaningful data to support decisions. Simple tools and strategies that make IEP prep easy and effective. Links and Resources Special Educat...
Apr 10, 2025•19 min
In this episode, Dawn Ellis shares her top strategies for streamlining IEP meetings to make them more efficient, collaborative, and less stressful. By preparing effectively, using the right tools, and boosting collaboration, special educators can transform the IEP process and set their students up for success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Importance of Preparation: How being prepared with templates, visuals, and organized data saves time and reduces stress. Tools and Templates to Strea...
Apr 03, 2025•18 min
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares practical tips for organizing visual supports in your classroom to ensure they’re always easily accessible. Visual supports play a crucial role in special education, and keeping them organized can save you time, reduce stress, and help your students thrive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Visual Organization Matters: Learn how organized visuals improve student engagement and reduce frustration. Best Storage Method...
Mar 27, 2025•14 min
In this episode of Be The Exception, I am exploring creative and impactful activities for promoting autism acceptance in schools and classrooms. From sensory-friendly events to interactive learning experiences. There are practical strategies and inspiring ideas for creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and celebrated. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference and be the exception in special education! In this episode you will learn: Bulletin Board ideas for ...
Mar 20, 2025•18 min
Not all visual supports work the same way for every student. Customization is key to ensuring students benefit from visual schedules, cue cards, and behavior charts. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why generic visuals don’t always work, how to modify them for different disabilities, and the best tools for creating personalized supports. Plus, I’ll give you a free customizable visual schedule template to help you get started today! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why one-size-fits-all visu...
Mar 13, 2025•25 sec
Struggling with student engagement, transitions, or behavior in your special education classroom? Visual supports could be the game-changer you need! In today’s episode, we’ll break down why visuals are essential, the different types of visual supports, and how you can start using them today. Plus, I’ll share a real-life story of a student whose entire school experience improved thanks to a visual schedule and reinforcement board. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review! What You’ll Le...
Mar 06, 2025•15 min
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis dives deep into the often intimidating world of behavior data. She explains why it’s so critical, how to collect it, and most importantly, how to use it to inform effective interventions. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by student behavior, this episode will provide the clarity and tools you need to turn things around in your classroom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to collect behavior data with simple tools like fr...
Feb 27, 2025•10 min
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares simple and effective SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities that every special education teacher can implement to help students build emotional awareness. These activities not only help students regulate their emotions but also contribute to their social and academic success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why emotional awareness is essential in the special education classroom How Emotion Charades can help studen...
Feb 20, 2025•10 min
In today’s episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we’re diving into one of the most critical areas of teaching—Positive Behavior Supports (PBS). As special education teachers, we know that behavior challenges can sometimes feel like mountains to climb. But what if I told you there are strategies that can help you turn things around, even on the toughest days? In this episode, I’ll share proven, real-world strategies for positive behavior supports that will not only help you manage beh...
Feb 13, 2025•10 min
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I chat with Abby from Mrs. Moe’s Modifications about behavior management strategies that actually work in special education classrooms. Abby shares her tried-and-tested techniques, including how to prioritize behavior interventions, the most overlooked factor in addressing challenging behaviors, and how to build lasting relationships with your students. We also talk about the importance of consistency, family involvement, and practical to...
Feb 06, 2025•34 min
This week, we’re tackling two key topics: how to write effective and compliant IEP service pages, and creative ways to bring winter-themed learning into your special education classroom. From tips on avoiding common IEP mistakes to fun Groundhog Day activities, this episode is packed with tools and strategies to support you and your students this season. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to write clear and actionable services pages in IEPs. Common mistakes to avoid when detailing services. ...
Jan 30, 2025•15 min
If IEP writing feels like an uphill battle, this episode is here to help. We’re breaking down how to use easy-to-follow templates to save time, stay organized, and write impactful IEPs for your students. Tune in to learn practical tips, discover helpful tools, and feel more confident heading into your next IEP meeting. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why templates are a game-changer for IEP writing. Key features of effective IEP templates. Step-by-step tips for using templates to simplify the...
Jan 23, 2025•12 min
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of special education: writing IEP goals. Learn actionable strategies, discover helpful tools, and avoid common mistakes as you craft meaningful and measurable goals for your students. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The four key elements of a strong IEP goal. Practical strategies to simplify goal writing. Tools and templates to save time and stay organized. Common pitfalls to avoid in the IEP writing process. Li...
Jan 16, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we chat with Liz Sherman, the founder of Inclusion Disco, about avoiding self-sabotage during progress report season, improving collaboration with general education teachers, and staying student-focused through the chaos of data collection. Liz shares her insights on how to shift your mindset, stay positive, and communicate effectively with colleagues. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of progress reports, this episode is full ...
Jan 09, 2025•20 min
As we step into January 2024, we understand that returning to the classroom after a winter break can be both exciting and overwhelming. In today’s episode, we’re diving into 7 essential tips to help you refresh your routines, reconnect with your students, and ensure the new semester starts on the right foot. Whether it’s re-establishing classroom expectations, prioritizing self-care, or focusing on social and emotional learning, we’ve got you covered with actionable strategies that will make you...
Jan 02, 2025•13 min
Join me as we wrap up 2024 and reflect on the biggest milestones of the year, both personally and professionally. From hitting 100K podcast downloads and seeing myself featured in Times Square to serving hundreds of special education teachers, this year has been filled with growth, learning, and a few surprises. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025, including new resources, a fresh community platform, and much more! Let’s take a moment to celebrate YOU and everything we’ve accomplishe...
Dec 26, 2024•10 min
As a special education teacher, burnout can feel like an inevitable part of the job. The demands of supporting students with diverse needs, managing paperwork, attending endless meetings, and giving your all every single day can leave you feeling drained, overstimulated, and completely exhausted. If you’ve been there (trust me, I’ve been there too), you know how hard it is to keep giving when you have nothing left to offer. In this episode, I’m sharing personal strategies to help combat burnout ...
Dec 19, 2024•11 min
If you're an educator looking to bring more tech into your classroom that not only engages your students but also gives them the tools they need to succeed socially and academically, this episode is for you! In this episode, we revisit the team at RoboKind and explore their recent pivot to virtual avatars and how this shift is benefiting special education classrooms. In this episode you will learn: Customization & Differentiation: How educators can customize avatars to meet individual studen...
Dec 12, 2024•43 min
