Occupational therapy plays an important role in helping students build the skills they need to participate and succeed in the school environment. In this conversation, Rachel chats with Marissa about what school-based occupational therapy really looks like, who qualifies for services, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding OT.

Marissa breaks down how occupational therapy supports students with everyday school skills like handwriting, sitting in a chair, grasp, and classroom participation.

This conversation is helpful for parents, educators, and anyone who works with students who want to better understand the purpose of occupational therapy and how these services can support student success.

Your OT Isn't Just Playing Video

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What does it actually take to teach preschool special education? Rachel sits down with Amy, a preschool special education teacher with 11 years of experience, to talk about the systems, routines, and mindset behind a successful classroom.

They discuss what makes preschool different from other special education settings, how teachers support students with IEPs, and why helping students learn to communicate, interact, and become independent is at the heart of the work.

https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/documents/prise.pdf

In this episode, Rachel sits down with two friends and coworkers, Steph and Sophie, who are 4th grade co-teachers, to talk about the realities of co-teaching. They share what a successful co-teaching partnership actually looks like, from dividing responsibilities and finding a rhythm to navigating challenges and staying flexible. Together, they discuss the misconceptions around co-teaching and why strong communication, collaboration, and trust are what make a partnership work.

Co-teaching takes teamwork, communication, and a willingness to make it work. Steph and Sophie’s partnership is a powerful example of how two teachers can come together to create a stronger experience for both students and educators.

https://engagingearlylearners.com/all-about-co-teaching/

Teaching is one of those careers where it’s easy to pour everything you have into your students and forget to leave anything for yourself. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Lucy to talk honestly about burnout, making difficult career decisions, and what happens when you realize something has to change.

Lucy shares her experience in preschool special education, navigating school changes, and finding a new direction after reaching a point of burnout. Together, Rachel and Lucy talk about the importance of paying attention to the signs that something isn’t working, setting boundaries, and trusting yourself when you know it’s time for a change.

In this episode, Rachel and Lucy discuss:

• Lucy’s journey through special education, school transitions, and finding a career path that felt right again.
• What teacher burnout can look like and why setting boundaries is essential for protecting your passion for teaching.
• How listening to your gut can help you make decisions, embrace change, and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, questioned whether teaching is still the right fit, or wondered what comes next, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.

Connect with Lucy:

https://www.instagram.com/thealternativewaytoprek?igsh=azhtdHZtY3BwdXQ=

TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-alternative-way-to-pre-k

https://thealternativewaytoprek.com/

Instructional assistants play an important role in supporting students and teachers every day, but their perspective is not always talked about. In this Summer Guest Series episode, Rachel talks with Stacey about her experience as an instructional assistant, what her day-to-day work looks like, and the importance of building strong partnerships within the classroom.

This episode offers a closer look at the instructional assistant role and the impact that strong classroom teams can have on students.

Get access to the Free Resource Library

Shop Engaging Early Learners on Teachers Pay Teachers

Find me on my social media platforms:

Instagram: @EngagingEarlyLearners

Facebook: Engaging Early Learners

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Website: EngagingEarlyLearners.com

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Email: [email protected]

Together, they talk about what student teaching prepared her for, what she didn't expect, and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's an honest conversation filled with encouragement, perspective, and advice for both student teachers and the teachers who mentor them.

In this episode, Rachel and Jess discuss:

• What the transition from student teacher to classroom teacher was really like

• The things that prepared Jess well and what she learned through experience

• Advice for student teachers and cooperating teachers

Resources mentioned:

Student Teacher & Cooperating Teacher Advice: https://engagingearlylearners.com/student-teacher-and-cooperating-teacher-advice-tips/

Connect with Jess:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWqCSTNmMR/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdZdaO3pKi7/

Supporting English Language Learners with Mackenzie

In this episode of the Summer Guest Series, Rachel is joined by Mackenzie, an elementary ESL teacher who shares a behind-the-scenes look at her role, classroom routines, and the strategies she uses to support multilingual learners. From building relationships to collaborating with classroom teachers, Mackenzie offers practical ideas that can be implemented right away.

In this episode, Rachel and Mackenzie discuss:

• Why Mackenzie became an ESL teacher and the routines and procedures that help her classroom run smoothly

• The importance of collaboration between ESL and classroom teachers, including the benefits of push-in support

• Favorite resources, tools, and strategies that help English language learners feel successful and supported throughout the school day

Whether you're an ESL teacher, classroom teacher, or school leader, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and encouragement for supporting multilingual learners.

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @earlyenglishexplorers

Teachers Pay Teachers: Early English Explorers

Resources Mentioned:

• WordReference

• DeepL Translator

• ESL Newcomer Nurse Visit Support Kit

The end of the school year is the perfect time to reflect on what this year taught us. In this episode, Rachel shares a candid look at her day-to-day experiences, the challenges and successes she encountered, and the lessons that brought her back to the core beliefs that guide her teaching.

She explores what she's choosing to carry forward into next year and what she's ready to leave behind.

In this episode, Rachel shares:

• The lessons from working with students with Emotional Regulation Impairment (ERI), including the power of being intentional, consistent, and responsive to individual student needs

• Why building relationships and trust is the foundation for supporting students and creating meaningful growth

• Reflection questions and practical takeaways to help you refine your practice, strengthen what worked, and move into the next school year with purpose

Whether you're wrapping up your first year or your twentieth, this episode will help you reflect with purpose and head into the next school year.

Regulation Check-In

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Instagram: @EngagingEarlyLearners

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Facebook Group: Engaging Early Learners Community

Website: EngagingEarlyLearners.com

Extended School Year doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

In this episode, Rachel shares her experience teaching ESY and breaks down what it looks like in practice. She explains who qualifies for ESY services, why some students need support over the summer, and what makes teaching ESY manageable for educators.

Rachel also walks through her daily schedule, how she uses weekly themes to keep students engaged, and the planning systems that help her stay organized throughout the summer.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What ESY is and how it works

• Why some students qualify for Extended School Year services

• Simple strategies for staying organized during ESY

If ESY is on your schedule this summer, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to make it work for both you and your students.

ESY bin for this summer:

ESY setup last summer:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

ESY Schedule last summer:

Cooking during ESY:

Lucky Little Learners All Access Membership

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Find me on my social media platforms:

Instagram: @EngagingEarlyLearners

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Facebook Group: Engaging Early Learners Community

Website: EngagingEarlyLearners.com

The end of the school year can feel chaotic. Between wrapping up the classroom, packing everything away, and trying to survive the final days, it’s easy to shove things into cabinets and hope for the best in August.

In this episode, Rachel shares practical steps for closing down your classroom with your future self in mind. From purging what you no longer need to creating systems that make back to school easier, these are realistic tips teachers can actually use.

If you want to avoid walking into classroom chaos after summer break, this episode is full of simple ways to reset your space now so future you will be thankful later.

Amazon Links

Packing Up At The End Of The Year: Part 1

Packing Up At The End Of The Year: Part 2

Packing Up At The End Of The Year: Part 3

Packing Up At The End Of The Year: Part 4

Packing Up At The End Of The Year: Part 5

Get access to the Free Resource Library

Shop Engaging Early Learners on Teachers Pay Teachers

Find me on my social media platforms:

Instagram: @EngagingEarlyLearners

Facebook: Engaging Early Learners

Facebook Group: Engaging Early Learners Community

Website: EngagingEarlyLearners.com

Pinterest: Engaging Early Learners

Email: [email protected]