Be The Exception In Special Education

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

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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 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

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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!

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

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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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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

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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!

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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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 joined by Rachel Garcia, a dedicated special education teacher who has developed innovative methods for teaching counting to nonverbal students. Discover how to engage your learners with multisensory techniques, foster communication, and build confidence in their counting skills!

In this episode you will learn:

• Effective modeling techniques for counting.

• The importance of the "inner voice" in counting.

• Encouraging diverse response modalities from students.

• And more!

Links and Resources

Fall Bundle for Math and ReadingExceptional Collective Rachel's Free Addition Mat

Connect with Rachel

Rachel's WebsiteRachel's YouTube ChannelRachel's Instagram

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 final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively.

In this episode you will learn:

• Quick wins for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities.

• The importance of modeling AAC use for students and peers.

• How to troubleshoot device malfunctions or student resistance.

• Real-life examples of overcoming AAC challenges in the classroom.

Subscribe to Be the Exception so you don't miss future episodes. If you enjoyed this series, please share it with other educators to raise awareness for AAC in special education!

Links and Resources

Fall Leaves Adapted UnitEngaging Special Education Thanksgiving Activities BlogThe Exceptional CollectiveFREEBIE: AAC Implementation GuideAmazon StorefrontHow to Choose and Customize AAC Tools for Your Students

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!

This week we are continuing our chats about all things AAC. Last week we covered the basics about what they are and why our students need them.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how to choose and customize AAC tools to fit the unique needs of each student. Learn how to assess your students' communication needs with help from an SLP, and discover tips for selecting between low-tech and high-tech AAC systems. Plus, get practical ideas for customizing AAC tools to engage and empower your students.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to assess a student's communication needs with support from SLPs.

• Tips for choosing between low-tech and high-tech AAC tools.

• Examples of how to customize AAC tools to meet specific student needs.

Links and Resources

• Exceptional Collective

• AAC Blog Post

• AAC tools from Amazon

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

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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 kick off AAC Awareness Month by exploring the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn what AAC is, the types of AAC systems, and why it's so crucial for non-verbal and minimally verbal students in special education. We'll also discuss real-life examples of how AAC has transformed the classroom and fostered student independence.

Don't miss this foundational episode, and get ready for the next one, where we'll dive deeper into choosing the right AAC tools.

In this episode you will learn:

• Definition of AAC and its types (unaided vs. aided).

• The importance of AAC for non-verbal and minimally verbal students.

• How AAC empowers students, improves social interactions, and fosters independence.

• Real-life examples of AAC in action.

Links and Resources

Fall Resources for the Special Education ClassroomFREE Sign Language Poster

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!