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

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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! 

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

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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, 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

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Etsy Shop

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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, 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

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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 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

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Etsy Shop

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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!

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

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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!

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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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, 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

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, 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!