The Intentional IEP Podcast

What does “sensory-friendly” actually mean?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the what, why, and how of creating a sensory-friendly classroom. Spoiler: it’s not about buying all the things—it’s about designing a space that helps students feel safe, supported, and regulated.

Every student has a sensory system. And every single one can benefit from a classroom that’s calm, intentional, and responsive to different sensory needs

We’re talking:

• What sensory-friendly really means
• Simple ways to create a supportive environment (think: calm colors, less clutter, visual schedules)
• 15 practical tools—from movement breaks to multi-sensory approaches

Whether you're just getting started or looking to make a few key changes, this episode will help you create a classroom that works better for every learner.

Sensory friendly classroom ideas: https://www.mrsdscorner.com/sensory-area-in-classroom/

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down some of the most common (and frustrating) misconceptions about IEPs—the ones every special education teacher has heard at some point. If you’ve ever been told “that’s just how it is,” this episode clears the air and sets the record straight.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why special education does not mean separate education
• What happens when an IEP needs to be changed before the annual meeting
• The truth about accommodations and “unfair advantages”
• Why no two students with the same disability should have the same IEP
• Whether students with IEPs can be held to grade-level standards
• What inclusion actually means for special ed and gen ed teachers
• Why general education teachers must understand each student’s IEP

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with reminders, clarifications, and myth-busting truths to help you advocate with confidence.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach teaching during Extended School Year (ESY) with purpose and clarity. If you're walking into a summer classroom wondering what to actually teach, this episode breaks it all down—so your time is meaningful, manageable, and data-driven.

What You’ll Learn:

• The true purpose of ESY (hint: it’s not content coverage)
• Where to start with each student’s IEP
• How to choose goals that matter most
• Tips for simple planning using themes, centers, and crafts
• Ideas to make ESY fun while still focusing on skill maintenance
• How to document data efficiently and prepare a strong handoff for the fall

Whether you’re teaching ESY for the first time or looking to streamline your approach, this episode will help you make every minute count.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

Accommodations and modifications aren’t the same thing—and knowing the difference is key to providing the right support. In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down what each one means, how they impact student learning, and why getting it right in the IEP matters.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• The difference between how a student learns vs. what they’re expected to learn
• Clear examples of accommodations and modifications
• Why this section of the IEP can’t be a copy-and-paste job
• The 9 types of adaptations every team should understand
• How specially designed instruction fits into the picture

When you understand the difference, you’re better equipped to support students in a way that builds on their strengths—without lowering expectations.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

In this episode, Stephanie dives into one of the most common questions she hears from educators: “How many data points do I actually need?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, she walks listeners through how to think about data collection in a way that’s practical and purposeful.

She also reminds teams that analyzing data shouldn’t just happen once a year. It’s something that should be scheduled regularly—every few weeks or at least monthly—so it’s meaningful and actionable. And most importantly, Stephanie encourages educators to lean on their team. You don’t have to do it alone, and you shouldn’t.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much data is “enough,” or what to actually do with the data once you have it, this episode will give you clarity and next steps.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

In today's episode, Stephanie breaks down 7 different types of IEP goal criteria and explains how to use them effectively. She walks through concrete examples to help you understand how to measure student success.

Stephanie covers criteria like accuracy, frequency, duration, and more, while reminding listeners that mastery means a student can perform the skill across different settings, materials, and people. When IEP goals are written with the right criteria, your data collection will naturally follow—and the progress becomes clearer.

This episode is perfect if you’re looking for simple, practical guidance on setting meaningful goals that lead to real results for your students.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the core of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. Hint: accommodations like extra time or special seating don’t count as SDI.

She walks through the three essential elements of SDI: the what (content), the how (methodology), and the who/where/when (delivery). Stephanie also clears up the difference between SDI and differentiation, sharing simple, relatable examples that bring it all to life.

Whether you're in special education or supporting students with IEPs in the gen ed classroom, this episode gives you a clear understanding of how SDI works and how to implement it with intention.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

Welcome to the first episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re kicking things off by diving into Extended School Year (ESY) and what it truly means for students with IEPs. We’ll walk through the criteria for determining eligibility and explore why ESY services are so important in helping students maintain their progress and prevent regression.

We'll also address some of the common misconceptions about ESY, like how it differs from traditional summer school and the factors that play into eligibility. Understanding how decisions are made will help you advocate more effectively for your students and ensure they’re getting the services they need.

Tune in to learn more about how ESY fits into the bigger picture of IEPs and how you can make informed choices for your students.

More information can be found in IDEA Section 300.106.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

I vividly remember being a special education classroom teacher, and every single one of my memories revolves around IEPs. Whether it was sitting at my desk staring at my screen trying to come up with IEP goals, writing the IEP the night before the meeting, or drowning in piles and piles of what seemed like never ending paperwork… I always knew I wanted to make a difference, to truly support my students, but the process felt overwhelming—so much paperwork, so many moving parts, and not enough time to actually teach.

If you’ve ever felt the same way, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why I created The Intentional IEP Podcast. My name is Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP Coach, author and creator of The Intentional IEP.

Together we are going to simplify the IEP process and uncover best practices and good IEP writing habits and processes - so you can focus on what really matters—your students.

Every Monday, we’ll break down IEP goals, writing strategies, and data collection hacks to help you work smarter, not harder. Some weeks, it’ll be just me sharing best practices and advocacy knowledge. Other weeks, I’ll bring on guests so we can all learn together.

Let’s make IEPs more effective, more efficient, and way less stressful—together. Welcome to The Intentional IEP Podcast!

You can follow and listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcast fix. I’ll see you there.

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep