In this episode of The FAST 15, Barb Beck interviews Tucker Mueck, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience in special education settings. Tucker's journey began in high school, where he participated in a mentoring program for students with special needs.  He is now the Director of District Partnerships for Specially Designed Education Services (SDES).

Key Points Discussed:

1. Early Mentoring Experience:

• Tucker shares his involvement in a high school mentoring program, emphasizing the power of personal connections and mentorship.
• Mentoring was focused on building relationships with students who needed extra support or a friend.

2. Transition to Special Education:

• After high school, Tucker pursued a degree in education but eventually switched to special education.
• He obtained his Master's in Special Education from Texas Tech University and developed a passion for working with students with autism and behavioral challenges.

3. Insights into Behavioral Analysis:

• Tucker worked in various settings, including private A.B.A. clinics, public schools, and in-home therapy.
• Describes a unique farm-like environment where movement and physical activities were integrated into learning, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience.
• Emphasizes the significance of understanding and analyzing behavior, providing insights into strategies like movement breaks and consistent communication.

4. Role as Director of District Partnerships:

• Currently serves as the Director of District Partnerships for S.D.E.S. and The Functional Academics Program.
• Travels the country, assisting teachers in implementing Functional Academic resources for students.

5. Encouraging Resilience and Consistency:

• Discusses the challenge of maintaining consistency, especially when fatigued, and encourages educators not to take behavioral challenges personally.
• Recommends having a bank of activities for days when energy is low and emphasizes the importance of releasing oneself from personalizing student behavior.

6. Functional Academics Program:

• Tucker shares his role in introducing teachers to the Functional Academics Program, describing it as a structured toolset that empowers teachers while providing flexibility.
• Highlights the upcoming tools to simplify data collect

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Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.

Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.

For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers