STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management
Confused with how to write IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)? Not sure how to keep track of all the data? Tired of searching for the right behavior strategies to manage your special ed. classroom? In this podcast, you will find methods to create IEP goals that students can reach, a system to collect data with your team, & know which behavior strategies will work best for your classroom. My mission is to help new sped teachers write IEPs with confidence, share ideas for classroom management, & know how to communicate to get the support you need. If you are ready to finally walk into that IEP meeting feeling ready & know how to support your students to help them reach their full potential, you are in the right place! Hey, I’m Michelle. A wife, mommy, and special education teacher. For years I struggled with doubting myself with writing IEPs, felt completely scattered with not knowing the right data to collect, & tried so many different behavior strategies that didn’t work for my students; which left me exhausted and no time for my own personal life. I finally understood how to create IEPs for my student’s individual needs and learned how to collaborate with my paraprofessional, administrators, school psychologists, & parents! If I wanted to help reach my students’ full potential, I needed to equip myself with tools & strategies that will make the biggest impact on student success. And now I am ready to share that with you! If you are ready to help make a difference with your students, to build a solid relationship & connection with them, & finally get the support and resources you need - this podcast is for you! So grab that iced coffee, clipboard, and your favorite pen, it is time to get it started! Become an INSIDER! Join the email list! https://mailchi.mp/a7b98ae89995/stepping-into-special-education Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/steppingintospecialed Instagram: www.instagram.com/steppingintospecialed Connect: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Hey Special ed Teacher,
Happy 2nd birthday to the Stepping into Special Education Podcast! I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since the first episode was released. Thank you so much for being part of the show for the past 2 years!
Today we are looking back through the second year of the Stepping into Special Education Podcast. I am sharing the top episodes from the past year and giving you an overview of each of the episodes so you can find the ones you want to go back and listen to. Whether you’re looking for which episodes you should check out or need a refresher on a certain topic, tune in to find the top episodes from year two!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
EP 58: Paraprofessional Training 101: 4 Main Areas You Need to Train Classroom Support Staff, Special Ed Assistants, One-on-One Aides
EP 50: How to Handle Challenging Behavior from Students with Dr. Christine Reeve
EP 57: Back to School Special: Best Episodes to Start Up Your Special Education Classroom
EP 54: Co-teaching Models: 6 Methods Used for Students with or without Special Needs
EP 53: How to Write Meaningful Impact Statements / Present Levels for IEPs with Jennifer Hofferber
EP 64: My 8 Favorite Special Ed Teaching Strategies That I Use for My Students with Learning Disabilities
EP 55: Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes: 1st Birthday Celebration for the Podcast!
EP 59: Student Relationships: 4 Reasons Why Connecting with Your Students with Special Needs Are Necessary
EP 52: 5 Things You Can Do NOW to Get Your SPED Class Ready for the New School Year!
EP 56: Plan the Year with Me! How to Set up Your Planner as a Special Education Teacher
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Hey Special education Teacher,
Are you a new special education teacher excited to jump into your very own classroom next year? Have you found yourself hoping you know everything you need to know to be prepared for whatever the year brings?
The truth is, whether you are a new teacher or have been teaching for 15 years like me, you will never know everything and you will always be learning something new. I thought it would be so valuable if some of the veteran teachers in our private Facebook community offered some of their best advice for new teachers, and honestly, they are great reminders for all teachers. These six tips are things I wish my mentor teachers would have told me early in my career so I am so happy to be able to share them with you!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Hey Sped Teacher,
Have you wondered how to ask your administrators for support? Are you looking for tips on how to build a strong relationship with your admin as a special education teacher?
I am so excited to have a very special guest on today’s episode! We are joined by my principal, Dr. Patricia Corral, who is sharing some incredible insight on building a great special education teacher - admin relationship and how special ed teachers can work collaboratively with their administration. If you are looking to have your admin more actively involved in special ed meetings or just looking to improve your working relationship with your admin, this episode is for you!
Dr. Patricia Corral has been in education for 25 years, 10 years as an elementary school principal, 15 years teaching in kindergarten, third, and fourth grade. She’s been an English learner resource teacher, reading intervention teacher, and teaching vice principal. She was an adjunct professor for a teacher education program with Claremont Graduate University. Her work in improving the outcomes for students stems from growing up as a first generation Mexican American trying to maneuver through public education. She believes in equity for all students especially in marginalized groups and communities. She mentors aspiring school administrators who are dedicated to the work in underrepresented communities. Dr. Corral has a BA in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona, a Masters in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, and a Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from USC. Dr. Corral is a wife and mother of A 29 year old, 21 year old, and 12 year old. She enjoys reading a good book, watching football, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
We made it to 100 episodes of the Stepping Into Special Education podcast. I cannot believe it! I am beyond excited and so grateful for each and every one of you for tuning in each week!
When I started this podcast, I knew I wanted to provide a resource for special educators who were looking for support, tips, and community. I have truly been blown away by the incredible support I have received and the amazing community that has been built around this podcast. I am so grateful and truly blessed! Join me today as I look back on the past 100 episodes, reflect on why I started, celebrate big milestones, and what I am grateful for through this journey. I’m so glad I get to celebrate with you!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Apply for the IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course
Episode 1. My Special Ed Journey and Why I Wanted to Start a Podcast
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Are your students finding it difficult to comprehend certain math concepts, despite repeated teaching strategies? Want to learn about evidence-based practices that are proven to help students with learning disabilities excel in math?
To be completely honest, teaching math is not one of my strengths. But I know how crucial it is to be able to provide effective direct instruction in math to our students in order to help them learn the math concepts they need to. That is where the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Method comes in. I absolutely love this method and it is so effective for my students. Tune in to hear more about what it is and how to implement this method into your instruction.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Hey Sped Teacher,
Are you struggling with behavior strategies for your students with special needs? Have you tried everything you can think of and aren’t sure what to try next?
When we are struggling with behavior issues, it can feel like we have to find a solution on our own. But that is absolutely not the truth! We do not need to figure it out alone but we do need to know who to reach out to and where to go for support. In today’s episode, I am sharing my top go-to resources to help with behavior issues from your students with special needs to help you get the behavior support you need!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
www.pbisworld.com
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Hey Special Education Teacher,
We made it to the end of another school year! But before we head into summer and start enjoying our time off, I’m taking some time to look back and reflect on this school year. I have found that taking this time to reflect has really helped me to grow in my career.
One thing I love to do at the end of the school year is to think back over the year and appreciate some of the amazing accomplishments my students and I achieved while also acknowledging some areas I can grow in for the upcoming year. So join me today as I share my top three highlights of this year as well as the three areas I’d like to improve on for next year. I hope this episode inspires you to reflect back on your year and appreciate what you’ve accomplished as well!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Episode 88. 9 Tips on How to Lessen State Test Anxiety for Students with Special Needs!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
You know that having students in the least restrictive environment is the law but have you found yourself wondering what it really means?
If you’re like me, you probably learned about LRE in college but by the time you were in the classroom, you found it hard to remember all the details of the continuum of services. In today’s episode, I am sharing an overview of the ten different levels of supports a student with an eligibility can be placed on so you can be prepared when determining a student’s LRE.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Hey Sped Teacher,
Have you found yourself scrambling at the end of summer to get everything ready for the new school year? Are you ready to get a head start on the next school year so you don’t end up stressed again?
We are all looking forward to resting and relaxing this summer! We definitely deserve it! But I’ve learned my lesson about waiting until the last minute to prepare for next school year. After a few years of waiting until the last minute to get things ready for the new school year, I decided I needed a new system that didn’t leave me scrambling. So although it seems far away, I am sharing the 4 things I’m doing to get ready for next school year to hopefully give you a head start on the new year as well!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
The Power of Our Words By Paula Denton, EdD
Check out Plum Paper planners
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Are you looking to find a better work and home life balance? Are you convinced that staying late and taking work home is just the way it is for teachers?
I spent several years staying after school for hours. I had no idea how to turn off work mode and felt like I had to do all the things! A few years down the road, I realized that I was not giving my family the attention they deserved and I needed to figure out how to get my work done at school and prioritize my life outside of school. If you find yourself struggling to find work-life balance, tune in as I share my tips for getting work done and turning off work mode once your work day is done!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Episode 11. Set up These 4 Simple Organizational Tools as a Special Education Teacher!
Episode 56. Plan the Year with Me! How to Set-up Your Planner as a Special Education Teacher
Check out Plum Paper planners
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
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