By Jennifer Hofferber - Special Education Teacher and Coach
The Go-To Podcast for Special Educators who want to reduce their stress and begin to feel success.
Hey special educator…
Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do
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The podcast currently has 182 episodes available.
Today we're talking about a crucial element that can really make or break the success of our students—supporting their parents. These parents are juggling so much—all while trying to figure out how to best support their child at home.
In this episode, I’ll be sharing practical tips on how to foster better relationships with your parents. Plus, I’ll introduce a powerful resource I’ve created to streamline the whole process for you: the Parent Handbook for Special Education.
Highlights from the episode:
Conclusion: By following these tips—establishing regular communication, empowering parents with information, being culturally responsive, and creating real opportunities for their input—you’ll build stronger partnerships with the families you work with, ultimately creating the best environment for your students to succeed.
Links from the episode:
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
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Welcome back, special educators! Are you feeling the pressure of scheduling chaos as the school year kicks off? Or perhaps you're facing challenges with paraprofessionals not following their schedules? We've got you covered in this Ask Us Anything episode!
In this episode, my co-host, Paul Hubbard, and I dive into two common back-to-school struggles:
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the field, this episode offers valuable advice to help you survive and thrive in the ever-challenging world of special education. Tune in to learn how to handle these back-to-school curveballs and set your year up for success!
Highlights:
Resources Mentioned:
Join the Conversation: Do you have a question you'd like us to answer in our next Ask Us Anything episode? Drop us a message on social media or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you!
Send in your questions for the next Ask Us Anything
Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more special educators who need support.
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
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In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, Jennifer discusses the vital role of mindset in the life of a special education teacher. This isn’t just another pep talk about staying positive—Jennifer tackles the real, sometimes overwhelming challenges that come with the job and shares how adopting the right mindset can make all the difference.
From embracing the new school year as a fresh start, setting goals and practicing self-compassion, she offers five powerful mindset shifts that can help you navigate the ups and downs of teaching with resilience and purpose. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your joy and passion for teaching, even on the toughest days.
Key Talking Points:
The challenges of teaching in special education are very real and maintaining the right mindset can help you navigate these challenges and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and joyful teaching experience.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with a colleague who might benefit from these mindset shifts. Let’s start this school year strong—together!
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
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Welcome back to another episode of Special Education for Beginners. As we start thinking about the back-to-school season, I thought it would be good to get our mindset right and give you some strategies to get you started off on the right foot! Today’s guest is Angela Rivas from The Sped Tech Teacher and she is here to share some valuable advice to help you thrive in your role as a special educator.
Talking Points:
This conversation with Angela has been incredibly enlightening. Her approach to building relationships, managing stress, and staying organized offers a clear path to thriving in the special education field.
Angela has found her passion in finding ways to improve teaching and learning both with and without technology. She has created an AI GPT called MyIEP Buddy, designed to help special education teachers write exceptional IEPs, and she has also created a course specifically for new special education teachers called the Newbie SpEd Teacher Academy, which is designed to help new teachers know where to start, changing their first year from chaos to structure.
Be sure to check out the special resources she mentioned, and as always, thank you for joining us on Special Education for Beginners. We’ll see you next time!
https://thespedtechteacher.com/collections/freebies
Connect with Angela:
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
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TPT
Today we're focusing on setting up the perfect autism classroom and we're joined by SB Linton, an experienced autism educational specialist, who will share invaluable insights and practical steps to help you create a supportive and efficient learning environment.
Listen in as we explore the 12 things you need to know before setting up an autism classroom.
Understanding Autism: Start by deepening your understanding of autism to tailor your approach effectively, recognizing the unique communication and emotional regulation needs of students.
Classroom Setup: Dive into practical steps for organizing your space, from creating sensory-friendly zones to integrating essential learning tools and visual aids.
Collaborative Approaches: Learn strategies for working with general education teachers and paraprofessionals to foster a cohesive team environment, ensuring all staff are well-informed and prepared.
Legal and Educational Frameworks: Discuss the importance of understanding and adhering to the legal aspects of IEPs (Individual Educational Plans), including setting appropriate goals and accommodations.
Engagement and Communication: Explore methods to enhance student engagement through structured routines and clear communication strategies, ensuring every student knows what to expect throughout their day.
Parental Involvement: Emphasize the role of parents in the educational process, offering tips for building strong partnerships and maintaining open lines of communication.
S.B. helps teachers create an effective learning environment so they'll feel more in control of their classroom and confident that they are meet the individual needs of their students.
Be sure to check out the AutismClassroom.com website which provides practical articles, courses, worksheets, workbooks and materials for teaching students with autism.
Mentioned in the episode:
12 Things to Know Before Establishing Your Autism Classroom ebook
Connect with S.B.
Facebook
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
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TPT
Welcome to the August segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of the special education classroom.
Today's Questions:
Talking Points:Episode Highlights:
Jennifer and Paul remind listeners that while being a special education teacher is challenging, it’s also rewarding. They encourage educators to take care of themselves, plan effectively, and use the resources available to them.
Resources Mentioned:
Special Education Teacher Checklist
Bullet Journal
Don't Forget!
Send in your questions for the next Ask Us Anything
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT
Today, we are diving into a critical topic that often goes unspoken: setting the stage for a successful school day right from the start. Mornings can be particularly challenging for many students, especially those who arrive at school unregulated due to various external factors such as tough mornings at home, stressful commutes, or sibling conflicts. As educators, it is our duty to create positive learning environments that help students transition smoothly into a day of learning and growth. I am thrilled to welcome Nikki Robertson from Teaching Autism to share her expertise on this topic.
Nikki shares invaluable insights into creating a nurturing and supportive morning routine for neurodiverse students. By focusing on the importance of the start of the day, Nikki emphasizes how a well-structured arrival routine, a nutritious breakfast, and engaging morning meetings can significantly impact students' readiness to learn.
She highlights the need for personalized interactions and the role of staff in building trusting relationships with students. Nikki also offers practical advice for overcoming common challenges teachers face when implementing morning routines, underscoring the importance of flexibility and individualized support. Her expertise and passion for special education provide listeners with actionable strategies to enhance their classroom environments and ensure a positive start to each school day.
Resources:
Morning Work Bundle includes my favorite morning work activities that I use as part of our morning work routine.
Morning Meeting Blog link
Connect with Nikki:
Facebook
TikTok
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
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TPT
Today, we are thrilled to have Jenn Adams return to the show. In this episode, Jen and I focus to one of my favorite topics: working effectively with paraprofessionals. We dive deep into strategies for building strong teams, defining roles clearly, and ensuring every team member is on the same page to maximize classroom dynamics and student success.
Key Discussion Points:
This conversation not only highlights the critical role of paraprofessionals in special education settings but also provides practical advice for teachers looking to enhance their collaborative skills and build a cohesive team, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights. Be sure to follow Jen for more resources and support.
Teach Love Autism Website
Teach Love Autism on Teachers Pay Teachers
Teach Love Autism on Facebook
Teach Love Autism Community Facebook Group
Teach Love Autism on IG
@teachloveautism on Tiktok
Teach Love Autism on Pinterest
Mentioned in the Episode:
Episode 32: How to Stay Organized as a Special Education Teacher
Product - Task Card Bundle for All 4 Core Subjects!
Free Fluency Data Sheets
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT
Today's episode is all about progress monitoring—a foundational element in special education that ensures each student's unique educational journey is effectively supported. Whether you're new to this field or looking to refine your current strategies, understanding how to implement a solid progress monitoring system is crucial.
Talking Points:
Summary and Product Links:
As we wrap up today's discussion, it's clear that effective progress monitoring is pivotal in special education. By choosing the right tools and methods, you can ensure your monitoring efforts are both efficient and tailored to the unique needs of each student. I highly recommend checking out the customizable Student Data Notebook and the dynamic Exit Ticket bundle from my TPT store. These resources are designed to help you streamline your progress monitoring processes and are currently available at an introductory price.
Links to Products Mentioned in the Show:
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT
Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Special Education for Beginners"! Today, we're thrilled to host Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications. After much anticipation since 2021, we've finally connected to explore her extensive experience in behavior management within special education. Abby will share her revolutionary behavior roadmap and practical tips for effectively managing challenging behaviors in the classroom.
Talking Points:
Conclusion: In today's episode, Abby provided invaluable insights and strategies that can transform the way educators and parents approach behavior management. Her behavior roadmap promises to be a comprehensive guide for anyone facing behavioral challenges in educational settings. Don’t forget to check out Abby's upcoming live sessions this summer for more detailed guidance and support.
Thank you, Abby, for sharing your expertise and resources. For those interested in learning more about Abby’s work or joining her behavior management training:
Your Behavior Roadmap
Connect with Abby on social media at Mrs. Mo's Modifications for continuous tips and updates.
Website
Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.
My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.
Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!
Don't forget to leave a review of the show!
Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT
The podcast currently has 182 episodes available.
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