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 you're looking to make your IEP process smoother and more meaningful, you’re in the right place!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of taking minutes: Why documenting your IEP meetings is crucial for accountability and decision-making.

• How to take effective meeting minutes: Best practices for capturing important points while staying focused on the discussion.

• Using data to drive decisions: How to incorporate data into your IEP meetings to ensure outcomes align with students’ needs.

• Tips for staying on track during the meeting: Strategies to keep the meeting focused and on-topic.

• Tools to streamline the process: The best tools and templates for tracking data and taking minutes without getting bogged down by details.

• How to integrate data into your IEP process: How to use data to create meaningful goals and track progress throughout the year.

Thanks for tuning in! I hope you’re walking away with some helpful tips to make your next IEP meeting a little smoother and a lot more effective. Don’t forget to grab those templates and tools we mentioned—and as always, keep doing the amazing work you do for your students. Catch you in the next episode! 💛

Links and Resources

• Special Education Case Manager Tools and Templates Bundle

• Exceptional Collective

• IEP Workshop: Improving IEP Meeting Efficiency

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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!

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 essential tools you need to streamline the process, from meeting agendas to progress tracking templates.

• Templates that work: I’ll walk you through key templates like meeting agendas, goal tracking sheets, and progress notes that will keep your meetings focused and on track.

• The importance of data collection: Why tracking data effectively is crucial for informed decision-making and improved student outcomes.

• Organizing your materials: Tips for keeping your IEP documents organized digitally and physically so they’re always accessible when you need them.

• Introducing the IEP Tools & Templates Bundle: I’ll share how my customizable templates can help you simplify your IEP process and boost efficiency.

Links and Resources

• Special Education Case Manager Bundle

• Exceptional Collective

• IEP Workshop

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 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 Education Case Manager Bundle

• Exceptional Collective

• IEP Workshop

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 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 Streamline Your IEP Meetings: The IEP Organization Bundle, Special Education IEP Bundle, and Visual Schedules.

• Boosting Collaboration: How setting clear goals, using visuals, and being open to feedback can increase collaboration with team members.

• How to Maintain Organization: Best practices to stay organized in the long term and ensure that your IEP meetings run smoothly every time.

Links and Resources

• Ultimate Special Education Bundle

• Improve Your IEP Meeting Efficiency Workshop Tickets

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 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 Methods: Discover the best storage methods for cue cards, schedules, behavior visuals, and more.

• Creating a Grab-and-Go System: Find out how to make visuals easily accessible during your lessons.

• Maintaining Your System: Learn simple steps to keep your visuals organized all year long.

Links and Resources

• Visual Supports Toolkit

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 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 the month of April

• Sensory Activities for everyone

• Interactive Storytime ideas

Links and Resources

Autism Acceptance Ideas BlogThe Exceptional CollectiveTransition Abilities Autism Acceptance Bundle

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!

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 visuals aren’t effective for all students. ✅ How to modify visuals for nonverbal students, autism, ADHD, and anxiety. ✅ The best software and tools for creating personalized visual supports. ✅ How to start using custom visuals today with step-by-step guidance.

Links and Resources

• Visual Supports Toolkit

• FREE Training on Using Visual Supports Effectively

• 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!

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 Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why students struggle with verbal instructions and how visuals help. ✅ The 4 most effective types of visual supports and how to use them. ✅ A real-life success story of a student who thrived with visuals. ✅ Quick tips for getting started with visual supports in your classroom today.

Links and Resources

• Visual Supports Toolkit

• FREE Training on Using Visual Supports Effectively

• Exceptional Collective

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

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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 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 frequency charts and behavior logs

• How to analyze behavior data to identify patterns and triggers

• Effective interventions you can implement based on the data you collect

• Why behavior data is essential to track for lasting behavioral change

Links and Resources

• Resource for Tracking Behavior Data

• How to Use Behavior Data to Drive Interventions in Special Ed Blog Post

• SEL Training

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 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 students recognize and express emotions

• The power of Feelings Check-Ins to support emotional regulation

• How to use Breathing Exercises to calm overwhelmed students

• Tips for integrating emotional awareness into daily routines

Links and Resources

• SEL Bundle 

• Building on SEL Awareness Training

• SEL Activities for Emotional Awareness Blog

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!