Back-to-school season is officially here—and whether it’s your first year or your fifteenth, setting up a functional, organized, and calm classroom can feel like a lot. In this episode, I’m walking you through practical classroom setup tips specifically designed for self-contained special education classrooms.

You’ll learn how to create student-centered zones that actually work, set up visuals and systems that support independence, and avoid the common setup traps that lead to chaos instead of calm. I’ll also share some of my favorite go-to tools and organization hacks that have saved me hours (and my sanity) every school year.

Plus, don’t miss the free Classroom Setup Webinar—packed with examples, walkthroughs, and a printable checklist to help you set up your space without the stress.

• Why classroom setup can make or break your first month back

• How to define and structure classroom “zones” that work for your students’ needs

• What visuals, tools, and furniture actually help (and what to skip)

• How to set up your teacher space to avoid burnout midweek

• Ways to organize your materials for smooth daily routines

• The mindset shift from Pinterest-perfect to functionally fabulous

Links and Resources

• 🎁 Free Classroom Setup Webinar:  Get my exact framework, zone examples, and printable setup checklist.

• 🛍 Back-to-School Bundle for Special Education: Includes classroom labels, visual schedules, checklists, and more.

• 📋 Special Education Case Manager Bundle: Organize your caseload, notes, and parent communication all in one place.

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The Exceptional Collective

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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 your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of chaos (hello, Monday mornings!), then this episode is your go-to guide for turning the madness into magic. ✨

In today’s episode, we’re diving into:

• Why functionality is everything in a special education classroom

• The must-have tools that simplify your day (yes, visual schedules = lifesavers!)

• How to set up efficient zones that make transitions smooth and expectations clear

• Simple systems that save you tons of time (spoiler: batch-laminating = genius)

• My favorite ready-to-use resources to help you hit the ground running

💡 Whether you’re a classroom setup queen or still figuring out where to put the laminator, this episode is packed with easy wins to keep your space organized, your students supported, and your stress levels low.

Links and Resources

• Special Education Case Manager Bundle

• Back-To-School Bundle for Special Education

• Special Education Curriculum Bundle

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The Exceptional Collective

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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!

Hey there, special educators! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we’re diving into one of the most impactful ways to set your classroom up for a smoother, more successful school year—creating purposeful classroom zones. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current setup, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you organize your space in a way that truly supports your students and your sanity.

🎧 What You'll Learn: ✨ How to design functional and supportive zones within your special education classroom—from sensory areas to quiet corners and everything in between. ✨ Why an organized classroom helps reduce stress and improves learning outcomes for both you and your students. ✨ Practical tips and strategies for using zones effectively, so your classroom runs like a well-oiled machine. ✨ Tools and resources that make classroom organization not only possible—but easy and efficient.

Ready to transform your classroom into a well-zoned space for success? Grab the free resources linked below and start planning today! And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss out on more practical strategies, support, and ideas for your special education classroom. Let us know how your classroom zones are coming along—we’d love to cheer you on!

Links and Resources

• Special Education Case Manager Bundle

• Back-To-School Bundle for Special Education

• Special Education Curriculum Bundle

Connect with Dawn

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The Exceptional Collective

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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!

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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!

Welcome back to Be the Exception in Special Education! I’m your host, Dawn Ellis, and today we’re jumping into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of back-to-school season—classroom setup!

Whether you're a veteran teacher or fresh on the scene, this episode is packed with tips to help you set up a functional, organized, and stress-free special education classroom that works for you and your students.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• 💡 Why classroom setup is more than just cute décor—it’s about functionality, structure, and student success

• 📚 How to set up clear learning zones (think reading corners, sensory spaces, and group work areas!)

• 🧺 Why labeled bins and accessibility are game changers for independence

• 🗂 How to organize your IEPs, service logs, and all the paperwork without losing your mind

• 🔧 My go-to classroom tools and resources that will actually save you time

PLUS: I’ll introduce you to my Special Education Case Manager Bundle and Back-to-School Bundle—two resources designed to streamline your systems so you can focus on what matters most: your students. 🙌

🎁 BONUS: I’ll also share how to make your classroom more functional so your students can grab what they need without constantly asking for help (you know what I mean!).

Links and Resources

• Special Education Case Manager Bundle

• Back-to-School Bundle

• Special Education Curriculum Bundle

Connect with Dawn

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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!

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

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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!

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 essential (spoiler: it’s not just about sharing lesson plans) ✨ How collaboration with your team—teachers, paras, specialists, families—can boost success for everyone ✨ What the Launchpad Challenge is and why it’s the low-stress summer prep you didn’t know you needed ✨ Real teacher testimonials that’ll give you FOMO (the good kind!) ✨ How to join The Exceptional Collective and finally feel seen in your role

Ready to stop flying solo and start feeling supported? 🚀

👉 Join the Launchpad Challenge – Your summer prep retreat with templates, tools, and all the good vibes 👉 Become a part of The Exceptional Collective – A private community created just for special ed teachers like YOU

Let’s build something amazing—together. 💛

Links and Resources

• The Ultimate Supply List for Special Educators

Connect with Dawn

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The Exceptional Collective

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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!

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 stop it before it starts)

• 🗂️ How this challenge helps you plan smarter—not harder

• 💬 The community and support that will keep you motivated and on track

Whether you're soaking up the sun or tackling your summer to-do list, this episode will inspire you to prep with purpose and feel GOOD about it.

✨ Ready to make this your most stress-free school year yet?

Join the Launchpad Challenge and kickstart your summer prep with confidence.

Links and Resources

• Join the Summer Launchpad Challenge

Connect with Dawn

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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!

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:

• Where to find free, flexible PD that won’t waste your time

• How to join a community that gets it

• Why this summer is the perfect time to prep without the pressure

• Where to get real talk from actual special ed teachers (no corporate speakers here!)

Links and Resources

• Join the Special Ed Socials Facebook Group 

• Jump into the Summer Launchpad Challenge 

• Register for the FREE SPED Conference 

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!

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 common mistakes teachers make when adapting resources

• How to simplify and focus on what your students truly need

• The power of visuals and interactive elements

• Quick-start tips using Canva and pre-made templates

• Why the Exceptional Collective is a game-changer for busy teachers

Links and Resources

• TpT Store stocked full of adapted resources and bundles

• Visual Supports Starter Kit

Connect with Dawn

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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!

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.

If you're worried that your students are becoming prompt-dependent, this episode will help you fade support the right way—and give you tools that make it easy to start.

Links and Resources

• Prompt Like a Pro Freebie

Connect with Dawn

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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!