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

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The Exceptional Collective

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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!

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

Find me on IG

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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 why so many IEP teams face challenges when it comes to collaboration. While it’s easy to blame scheduling conflicts or differing opinions, the root issues often go much deeper. I’m uncovering the hidden barriers that prevent meaningful teamwork and show you how to lead your team with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

You’ll learn how to recognize the early warning signs of miscommunication, how to proactively set the tone for productive meetings, and which simple leadership tools can help you navigate even the most difficult team dynamics. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or service provider, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you build stronger, more cohesive IEP teams—while avoiding unnecessary stress and conflict.

If you’re ready to transform your next IEP meeting from tense and overwhelming to calm and collaborative, this episode is for you.

Key Highlights:

• The top 3 team tension triggers (and what to do about them)

• A real-time script you can use to set the tone in meetings

• The free survey template that saves sanity every single time

If you’re tired of navigating tense IEP meetings alone, this episode gives you the tools to lead with confidence and calm.

Links and Resources

• End of the School Year Bundle

• Lessons to Lasting Income Summit

• 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge

• IEP Input Surveys

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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, we’re giving you the tools and strategies you need to walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or simply want to lead with more intention, you’ll learn how to set a positive and productive tone right from the start. We’ll walk through how to navigate challenging dynamics with professionalism and empathy, and share practical pre-meeting tools that will help you stay organized, prepared, and in control. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to step into your role as a strong, effective leader at the IEP table.

Key Highlights:

• Scripts to use when things get awkward

• Why a pre-meeting brief is a total game changer

• Quick confidence-building habits you can start today

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself before an IEP meeting, this episode will help you prep, plan, and present like a pro.

Links and Resources

• End of the School Year Bundle

• Lessons to Lasting Income Summit

• 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

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!

In this episode, I’m sharing how to lead a team that actually feels like a team. You’ll learn how to define roles, open up communication, and support your paras and therapists so they can support your students.

Key Highlights:

• How to define roles without micromanaging

• Quick wins for better communication

• Pep talk for leading with confidence

If you’re tired of doing everything alone and ready to build a team culture that works, this episode is your playbook.

Links and Resources

• End of the School Year Bundle

• End of the Year Awards

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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, Dawn shares her go-to tools that make IEP team collaboration not only doable—but enjoyable. From goal-setting templates to weekly check-ins, learn what’s working in real special ed classrooms right now.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What real collaboration looks like

• Tools to simplify team communication

• One story that proves these systems work

If you're tired of chasing people down for input, or feeling like you’re doing it all alone, these tools will help you lead your team without losing your mind.

Links and Resources

• End of the School Year Bundle

• Lessons to Lasting Income Summit

• 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

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 episode breaks down the messy truth about IEP team dynamics and gives you actionable steps to lead with confidence. Dawn shares why teams fall apart and how a simple tool—the IEP Team Input Survey—can help restore clarity and collaboration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Top 3 reasons IEP teams fall apart

• Why proactive planning is your secret weapon

• How to use an input survey to cut down on surprises

Links and Resources

• Parent and Teacher Input Surveys (Printable + Digital)

• 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

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 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

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

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!