
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Ready or not, the new school year is just around the corner—and if your to-do list is already giving you anxiety, you're in the right place! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we're tackling that all-too-familiar beginning-of-year stress head-on.
Whether you're staring down a fresh IEP caseload, knee-deep in classroom setup, or just wondering how you're supposed to do everything and still enjoy your summer—breathe easy. I've got a plan for you. 💡
Here's what you'll learn today:
🎢 Why beginning-of-year anxiety is so real (and how to manage it!)
✅ The difference between anxiety and actual readiness
📋 How small, strategic planning steps can bring major relief
🧠 The mindset shifts that keep burnout at bay
🛠️ Tips for IEP caseload management, classroom zones, and realistic goal setting
🚀 A sneak peek into Start Smart Week + the Launchpad Challenge — your no-stress plan to prep for the year (without giving up your summer joy)
🎁 BONUS: I'm sharing FREE templates, tips, and short videos to help you organize, prioritize, and actually feel ready to start the year strong.
So grab a cold drink, put your feet up, and tune in—because you deserve a smooth (and sane) start to the school year.
👉 Let's do this, one bite-sized chunk at a time!
Links and Resources
Launchpad Challenge Replays
Case Manager Bundle
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Find me on Tik Tok
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
The Exceptional Collective
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!
By Dawn Ellis4.7
2323 ratings
Ready or not, the new school year is just around the corner—and if your to-do list is already giving you anxiety, you're in the right place! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we're tackling that all-too-familiar beginning-of-year stress head-on.
Whether you're staring down a fresh IEP caseload, knee-deep in classroom setup, or just wondering how you're supposed to do everything and still enjoy your summer—breathe easy. I've got a plan for you. 💡
Here's what you'll learn today:
🎢 Why beginning-of-year anxiety is so real (and how to manage it!)
✅ The difference between anxiety and actual readiness
📋 How small, strategic planning steps can bring major relief
🧠 The mindset shifts that keep burnout at bay
🛠️ Tips for IEP caseload management, classroom zones, and realistic goal setting
🚀 A sneak peek into Start Smart Week + the Launchpad Challenge — your no-stress plan to prep for the year (without giving up your summer joy)
🎁 BONUS: I'm sharing FREE templates, tips, and short videos to help you organize, prioritize, and actually feel ready to start the year strong.
So grab a cold drink, put your feet up, and tune in—because you deserve a smooth (and sane) start to the school year.
👉 Let's do this, one bite-sized chunk at a time!
Links and Resources
Launchpad Challenge Replays
Case Manager Bundle
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Find me on Tik Tok
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
The Exceptional Collective
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

1,250 Listeners

369,043 Listeners

476 Listeners

47,418 Listeners

651 Listeners

33 Listeners

206 Listeners

162 Listeners

2,368 Listeners

19,745 Listeners

121 Listeners

53 Listeners

17 Listeners

21 Listeners

10,212 Listeners