As teachers, we’re always looking for ways to engage our students. To be relevant. To increase that Know-Like-Trust factor that is so important to building relationships with our students. We’re also always on the lookout for PD that packs a wallop without taking up much of our time. Ashley G, who just happens to be Tik Tok famous in the teacher world, will be with us today sharing how to get started with Tik Tok. She’ll explain the whys, the hows, and the how nots of using Tik Tok as a teacher,...
Jul 09, 2020•28 min
Have you dreamed about being a teacher since you were a child? You love kids and you love learning, so teaching was a natural choice. But it turns out that teaching is hard. Maybe a lot harder than you thought it would be. And now you’re struggling with feelings of fatigue and burnout. Do you need help finding ways to fight burnout? Would you like to move from feeling burned out to thriving? Then today’s podcast is a can’t miss episode for you! I’m joined by Braelan Martin, a special education t...
Jun 25, 2020•43 min
No one likes to be wrong. It doesn’t feel good or encouraging. And it certainly doesn’t build confidence. Don’t we want our SPED students to feel encouraged and confident? To feel good about their learning? What if you took away the possibility of being wrong? What might that look like? Today I’m joined by Jenn Adams, a special education teacher in a middle school self-contained classroom. Jenn is here to talk about errorless learning. I learned a lot from talking with her and I know you will, t...
Jun 18, 2020•24 min
You’re a new graduate and just got hired for your first SPED teaching position. Or you’re not a new teacher, but have accepted a new role within SPED or at a new school. First, congratulations! You’re no doubt filled with excitement and anticipation. And maybe, just maybe, you’re also feeling nervous or uncertain. I can help with that! In this episode, I guide you through steps to take this summer that will have you feeling confident and ready before the first day of school. Let’s get rid of the...
Jun 11, 2020•15 min
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of teaching special education and motherhood? When it’s more than possible to devote all of your time and attention to each, how can you possibly balance the two? And during our current crisis, how can you meet the needs of your students and your own kids? Rebekah Poe of Lessons and Lattes is my guest on today’s podcast. A special education teacher and mom to a first-grader, Rebekah shares her journey as a professional, mother, and friend. These valuabl...
May 28, 2020•29 min
Paraprofessionals are such an important part of our special education teams. When we shifted - overnight - to distance learning, you may have been left wondering how you could use these team members. In today’s episode, I will be sharing with you 5 easy ways paraprofessionals can assist you - and connect with students - virtually. If you didn’t catch last week’s episode where I talked with Kelsey Smith from Exceptional Elementary about what paraprofessionals are and how to work with them, I want...
May 21, 2020•11 min
Do you have a paraprofessional (or two) that you manage in addition to the students you case manage? Want to learn some strategies to train your paraprofessional to use evidence-based practices with your students? In this episode, we are chatting about ways to maximize your professional to meet your student’s needs while supporting the student’s least restrive environment. We also talk about distance learning strategies for paraprofessional including professional development ideas. For those of ...
May 14, 2020•23 min
Digital Time-Saving Productivity Hacks For Special Ed Teachers Teachers are using their computers, now more than ever. Educators are always wanting to learn how they can work smarter not harder. In today’s episode, we are discovering extensions and shortcuts to help teachers become more productive on the computer. Grab the list of extensions here Have other extensions that you use on the regular? Let’s share them over on Instagram post for this podcast. Also, screenshot that you are listening to...
Apr 30, 2020•13 min
Every wonder what the importance of brain breaks are? Or the definition of sensory integration? Many students that special education teachers work with have sensory needs and occupational therapy as related services. Today, we are talking to Mackenzie Earl, an occupational therapist answering questions about sensory integration, collaboration, and activities to help with students who have sensory needs. In this episode you will learn: What is a school-based occupational therapist? What is sensor...
Apr 23, 2020•30 min
Do you feel like you are constantly pulled in a million different directions and struggle to find balance in your life? In today’s world, there are constant distractions and things deemed urgent that make us feel as if we need to do more and accomplish everything...well, now! However, that just isn’t the case and doesn’t have to be your normal. In today’s episode, I will be sharing with you 6 easy and practical tips that can help you ditch the feeling of overwhelm and inadequacy and add balance ...
Apr 16, 2020•19 min
Have you heard about Boom Cards, but have no idea what they really are or how to use them? If that sounds like you, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Hallie Sherman from Speech Time Fun has joined me today and is sharing all of her expertise on Boom cards and how you can start using them in your classroom today. For those of you who don’t know Hallie, Hallie is a licensed speech-language pathologist who has worked with children from preschool to high school, in both schools and home-ba...
Apr 09, 2020•29 min
Are you having a hard time adjusting to this whole work at home thing like I am? It can totally affect your mindset and the adjustment to the new routine can be taxing. Though, it is important we make sense of this new normal and work with our circumstances instead of against them. Not sure where to start? Well, listen closely friend because I am going to be sharing with you 6 easy steps you can implement this week to be more active mentally and physically during this challenging time. In this e...
Apr 02, 2020•11 min
Are you at a loss about where to begin when it comes to distance learning? Trust me, you are not alone. Recently we’ve made a huge leap into distance learning and this has been a major adjustment for teachers especially if you have no idea where to begin. My good friend Melissa Campbell from The Campbell Connection will be with us today and sharing how to get started with Google Classroom as well as other digital tools you can use during this time. In this episode you will learn: The benefits of...
Mar 26, 2020•28 min
If you have or work with children you know they can become anxious especially amidst the COVID19 pandemic. Dr. Josh Whitman has the practical and common sense advice you need to have conversations about coronovirus with kids. Communication is good - and you are the expert that your kids want to hear from on this stuff. Download this Free Checklist to help you have the conservation with kids and help them talk through what they are feeling. Dr. Joshua Whitman is a former school administrator and ...
Mar 13, 2020•24 min
Being a resource teacher... No two days are the same. There is always a surprise from a student just around the corner. It could be learning a new skill or it could be a new behavior that needs to be redirected. You never know. There are several important aspects of being a resource room teacher. Today, I would like to share with you some of the ones I find most important when working with my students. Website Instagram Take the data collection quiz Waitlist for Exceptional Data Simplified...
Mar 05, 2020•14 min
In this episode, guest Kristi DeRoche is talk all about classroom organization, strategies to have the best day ever, and benefits of a digital planner. Want to set up your day for success? Or learn about strategies to keep your classroom organizers? Want to keep track of all you do in a digital format? Find Kristi DeRoche's Blog, IG and TPT here!...
Feb 27, 2020•27 min
Being a special education teacher can be stressful. Also, IEP data collection sheets are something all special educators use in some form or fashion. This episode is full of ways to reduce stress as special education teacher and be confident in holding IEP meetings. BLOG TPT INSTA...
Feb 20, 2020•16 min
In this episode, Ronnie from A Teacher's Wonderland, discusses how to include general education teachers in the IEP process, ways to protect yourself from due process, and STEM activities that any teacher can use in their classroom. Find Ronnie at: Website , Instagram , Podcast , and STEM Freebie using code CEM...
Feb 13, 2020•26 min
Ahhh, data collection. The great special education buzzword. Everyone’s talking about it...but what does it mean to actually take data? And I get it...you’re busy. You have a classroom to run. You’ll get to data collection when things slow down...if they ever slow down. I want to challenge you right there and insist that not only does data collection demand your attention, but that collecting data on IEP goals can be the single best thing you do for your caseload this year, hands down. If collec...
Feb 06, 2020•11 min
In this episode, we are talking all about classroom behavior, the beginning struggles of a new teacher and how to build better rapport with our caseload with today's guest Cassie Luentenegger. Cassie's Info: www.adventuresinbehavior.com www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/adventures-in-behavior-cassie-leutenegger www.instagram.com/adventures.in.behavior www.facebook.com/adventuresinbehavior Want to write better IEP goals? Check out this free Webinar where we are diving into what is needed in IEP g...
Jan 30, 2020•32 min
Data collection for special education teachers can take on many different forms. In today's episode, we are talking about the benefits of setting up data notebooks and how to set them up. Blog IG Data CollectionQuiz Need a custom teacher logo?...
Jan 23, 2020•14 min
Community-based instruction (CBI) is a huge component of many special education classrooms. CBI trips are a great way for students to practice a variety of skills in the community during school hours. In this episode, we are diving into all things CBI with my friend Heather. We also have a blog post all about this topic that you don’t want to miss. Today's Guest: Heather Cacioppo She is a middle school special education teacher who is passionate about teaching. She has taught for 6 years and tal...
Jan 16, 2020•25 min
Let’s talk about the growth mindset in the classroom especially if you are a special education teacher . MINDSET! One small word that can have such a huge impact on ourselves, students, co-workers, and even our school year. Today, we are digging into ways to overcome challenges that arise in our classroom. Love what you are hearing? Check out this blog post for more! Grab the freebie poster HERE and tag us when you set it up in your classroom....
Jan 09, 2020•12 min
In today’s episode, we are talking to Allie from (_missbehavior) who is a special education consultant. We are talking all about mindset shifts when dealing with behavior, trauma-informed practices and behavioral supports for special education teachers. After the episode, make sure to check Allie out: BLOG: missbehaviorblog.com Facebook.com/missbehaviorblog Instagram.Com/_missbehavior https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Allie-Szczecinski-With-Miss-Behavior The Feelings Check-in that was me...
Jan 02, 2020•22 min
Let’s talk about the importance of special education progress monitoring tools and data collection. As a special education teacher monitoring goals is an important aspect of our job. I know as a special education teacher makes me feel like a constant game of “catch up” or a never-ending pile of paperwork to stay on top of. However, that is what I like to talk about some strategies to help streamline the progress monitoring process. Show Notes- https://cultivatingexceptionalminds.com/special-educ...
Dec 19, 2019•13 min
Have you ever wondered why parent, student, teacher input is so important when writing IEP forms? Today we’re going to talk about the different types of input and why it is important to use it when developing a piece for students. Every year a student has a new IEP written whether that is for a calendar year or for a school year so these IEP forms are needed. On the Blog: https://cultivatingexceptionalminds.com/iep-forms/ TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cultivating-Exception...
Dec 12, 2019•9 min
So let’s talk about progress monitoring as a special education teacher are you ready? Progress monitoring is such a powerful tool to gauge student understanding of instruction. It should drive our lesson plans and instruction as well as goals. In this episode, we talk about baseline data, getting the students involved and how often it should be taken. If you want to know more about progress monitoring, check out this blog post . Check out this freebie all about data collection. Once you've liste...
Dec 05, 2019•11 min
Being a special education teacher can be hard especially when we are talking about IEP meeting requirements. Having an IEP meeting checklist can help special education teachers prepare and run a smooth IEP meeting . In this episode, we will talk about IEP meeting tips for teachers to help you run a smooth meeting. The blog post https://cultivatingexceptionalminds.com/iep-meeting-requirements/ is full of all the freebies and tips. Don't miss it! Freebie Checklist IEP Organization Forms Data Colle...
Nov 16, 2019•11 min
In this episode, we are diving in deep into 10 success secrets for special education teachers. It’s no secret that special education teachers wear many hats on a daily basis. READY TO LEARN SOME TRICKS AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER? Obviously, it doesn’t matter the setting that you are in either for these special education forms. However, any teacher including preschool, elementary, middle and high school all need these characteristics daily. Leave a review and don't forget to hit subscribe! He...
Nov 14, 2019•10 min
Welcome to the first podcast! I am so glad you are here! This podcast is all about becoming the best version of yourself, as an educator by growing and learning on the regular. We all have things we are exceptional at. It comes naturally and without much thought. What is that area for you? For me, it’s teaching kids and adults to become confident and independent at many different skills. I currently have a website full of teaching tips and resources for teachers, especially those in special educ...
Nov 12, 2019•8 min•Ep. 1
