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.

Links and Resources

• The Exceptional Collective Membership

• Winter Activities Bundle

• Special Education Teacher Planner

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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!

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 of practical strategies to help you navigate this busy season with a renewed perspective.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to avoid self-sabotage during progress report season

• Strategies for improving collaboration between special education and general education teams

• Tips for staying positive and student-focused in the face of overwhelming paperwork

• How to take care of yourself while managing the demands of the school year

Links and Resources

Simple IEP CalendarDigital Notebook of Student DataStudent Data Collection Spreadsheet

Connect with Liz of Inclusion Disco

InstagramFacebook ThreadsTik TokWebsite

Connect with Dawn

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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!

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 your second semester a success. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s turn the page together!

In this episode you will learn:

• How to refresh classroom routines and get your students back on track

• The importance of setting clear expectations and goals for the new semester

• Ways to reconnect with students and rebuild your classroom community

• Why family check-ins are essential for student success

• How to review and adjust IEP goals for optimal progress

• The power of social and emotional learning in building a strong classroom foundation

• Simple strategies for reteaching expectations and managing behavior

• How to use visuals to enhance student engagement and understanding

Tune in for these tips and more to set your classroom up for success in 2024!

Links and Resources

Join the Exceptional Collective to make 2025 the easiest year yet! 

Connect with Dawn

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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!

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 accomplished together.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Business highlights of the year, including new launches and an exciting Times Square ad

• Personal wins and adventures—beach trips, family memories, and a Kindle Paperwhite obsession!

• A sneak peek at what 2025 has in store, including fresh resources and a new community platform

• Fun behind-the-scenes stats: coffee, pencils, and Zoom calls

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Free Christmas Adapted Book: Download Here

• Winter Bundle: Shop Now

• Join The Exceptional Collective: Join Here

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 as a special education teacher. I’m talking about setting boundaries, managing expectations, and prioritizing self-care to ensure educators can be their best for their students and families. Tune in for practical tips that can help you avoid burnout and stay energized in your special education classroom.

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of leaving at contract hours to avoid burnout.

• Tips for taking breaks during the school day to recharge.

• How to set realistic goals and manage your schedule effectively.

• Why it’s essential to make time for activities that bring joy.

• Setting boundaries and defining what "good enough" looks like for you.

• How building systems can lighten your workload and reduce stress.

Links and Resources

Winter BundleExceptional Collective

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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!

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 student needs.

• Practical Classroom Use: What a typical lesson looks like using virtual avatars.

• Data Tracking & Progress Monitoring: How RoboKind’s technology helps track student growth.

• Advice for Educators & Administrators: How to introduce this tool into your classrooms and make the most of it.

Connect with Robokind

Robokind InstagramRobokind Facebook

Robokind TikTok

Robokind Blue Sky

Robokind LinkedIn

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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!

The holiday season is a busy time for educators, but it’s also a great opportunity to engage your students with fun, festive learning activities. In this episode, I’m sharing how my Special Education Christmas Activities bundle can help special educators maintain a structured, engaging classroom while celebrating the holidays. Learn how math, literacy, social skills, and even fine motor activities can be taught with a holiday twist, making learning more enjoyable and accessible for your students.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Hands-on learning with Christmas counting mats and number mats

• Holiday-themed adapted books for building literacy skills

• Christmas task cards for math and reading comprehension

• Social skills development using holiday-themed activities

• And more….

Links and Resources

Holiday Designed Tees for Teachers

Unwrap the Magic: Christmas Activities for Special Education Blog

23 Print and Ready Holiday Activities Blog

The Ultimate Teacher Gift Guide for Holiday Season 2024

The Exceptional Collective

Connect with Dawn

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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!

In this week’s episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we dive deep into the power of growth mindset in the classroom, especially for special education teachers. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I want to challenge you to shift your mindset from task-driven to student-focused. Learn how to refocus on the why behind your work and gain practical tips for overcoming the stress and overwhelm of the school year. Plus, get ready for a special offer—my Special Education Bundle is on sale for just $24, and if you use my link, you’ll get three free winter-themed activities to kick off the holiday season.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to embrace a growth mindset and shift from a task-oriented to a student-focused mindset.

• The power of asking yourself the right questions to help you stay grounded in your mission as an educator.

• How to rest, recharge, and refuel during Thanksgiving week to come back stronger for your students.

• A special offer to help you prepare for the holidays and continue empowering your students.

Links and Resources

Special Education Bundle - On Sale Now!Christmas + Winter ActivitiesComprehensive Activities for January in the Special Education Classroom

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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!

Join me as I sit down with Toby Karten, an inclusion facilitator and author, to discuss the critical role of collaboration in special and general education. Discover the common threads that unite diverse student populations and learn practical strategies to enhance inclusive practices in your classroom.

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of collaboration between special education and general education professionals for student success.

• Common threads in diversified populations and how they relate to inclusive practices.

• Structural elements essential for effective collaboration in inclusive settings.

• How awareness and reflection contribute to successful collaboration among educators, along with real-world examples.

Links and Resources

The ADMIRE Framework for InclusionInclusion Tools Webinars

Connect with Toby

Email TobyInclusion Education Services FacebookInclusion Education Services XInclusion Education Services PinterestInclusion Education Services LinkedInInclusion Education Services Website

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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!

This week I’m sharing low-prep, highly engaging Thanksgiving-themed activities that special education teachers can implement in their classrooms. Make this season a time of gratitude and learning in the easiest way ever! 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How to implement gratitude journals in your classroom.

• Create a Thankful Tree to celebrate what students are thankful for.

• Organize a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt.

• Incorporate functional academics through cooking activities.

• Engage students with Thanksgiving-themed crafts and literature.

Listen in to hear about all my favorite activities.

Links and Resources

Holiday T-Shirts for Special EducatorsSpecial Education Fall BundleEpisode 83: How to Have a Student Led Thanksgiving FeastBlog: Engaging Special Education Thanksgiving Activities

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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!