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
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
It’s almost time for winter break! Do you have a plan for how you are spending your vacation? Will it be all about rest time? Or will you be catching up on work?
Today, I share the pros and cons of working during your break and what I do during my vacation time! When our winter break finally arrives, all we want to do is….NOTHING!! But before you know it, it’s the day before returning, and we’re in panic mode, scrambling to finish work tasks! It’s time to plan your vacation NOW so you’re not overwhelmed as soon as you return to your classroom!
Take Care,
Michelle
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Hey Sped Teacher,
Is your classroom environment feeling overwhelming? Want to feel more organized after winter break? Don’t know what areas to start clearing?
Today, I share 7 areas to begin decluttering your special education classroom! We are so busy teaching and writing IEPs that we sometimes let our classrooms go. Let’s start the new year with a clear classroom and a refreshed mind!
Take Care,
Michelle
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Struggling with lesson planning? How do you begin teaching your students with special needs? What does your aide do during instruction?
Today, I share 5 must-haves when planning lessons for your special ed classroom! As special education teachers, unfortunately, we do not get the training and support we need right away. This episode gives you a head start to structure your lesson plans quickly!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
EP 31: Confused with Starting Small Groups? 4 Types of Assessments You Need to Do FIRST with Your Students with Disabilities!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Today’s episode is a re-release of episode 20!
Are you up late, worried? Thinking if you’re doing a good job? Are you wondering what qualities make a good special ed teacher?
You just heard that ONE negative comment or critique about your teaching. Now you’re up late at night, thinking if you have what it takes to be a sped teacher. Today I share 4 questions to ask yourself to get that validation you need as a special education teacher! These questions will help you look more at the positive side of education but also humble yourself to know when you need to change.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
EP 4 - Top 3 Reasons for Self-Growth: Why Special Education Teachers Should Never Stop Learning!
EP 3 - 5 Tips to Work Best with Your Paraprofessional, Special Ed Aide
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Hey Sped Teacher,
How do you deal with a power struggle with your students with special needs? Can you prevent these power struggles from happening in the first place? How do we change the dynamics and not engage in negative conflict with our students?
In today’s episode, I will share the ONE thing we can do to stop these power struggles from beginning in the first place! Also, I'll explain what steps to take to get there. This will motivate your students to try their best and build their self-esteem. And it all comes down to US!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
EP 59 - Student Relationships: 4 Reasons Why Connecting with Your Students with Special Needs Are Necessary!
EP 43 - Struggling to Connect with Your Diverse Students? 3 Ways to Create Community in Your Special Education Classroom with Jocelynn Hubbard
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Are you new to co-teaching? Do you know how it works in special ed? What materials do you need to get started to be a co-teacher?
In today’s episode, I will share the most significant essentials I need as a sped co-teacher. After pushing into the general education classroom, I learned what is needed to have my students with disabilities be successful. These necessities will help you support their educational journey.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
EP 54 - Co-teaching Models: 6 Methods Used for Students with or without Special Needs
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
It's the end of the first quarter! That means progress reports are due! So, I am re-releasing episode 21, an oldie but goodie!
IEP progress reports are due! Are you wondering how often should IEP progress be reported? What should a student progress report include? Wondering how you prepare a student progress report?
Today I share how I prepare for when IEP goal progress reports are due. These steps will give you a quick start to enjoy your Winter Break faster! Do not leave it last on your list; get started today!
Take Care,
Michelle
In this episode, you’ll learn:
A plan so you won’t forget when IEP progress reports are due
Objective goal dates to consider
To not overlook a type of IEP
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Hey Sped Teacher,
Struggling with interpreting IEP goals? Need a better explanation of how to teach goals according to your student's individualized education plans? After reviewing your special ed classroom's goals, do you have more questions than answers?
I'll answer your most asked IEP goal questions in today's episode. If you're like me, you didn't receive much training in creating IEP goals. As special education teachers, we do not like to admit that we still have questions regarding our students with special needs IEPs. I hope to clarify any questions that may be difficult to ask.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Do you need more teaching strategies to use as a special education teacher? What are ways that a teacher can help their students with special needs? Do you need to add more to your list of intervention strategies for sped students?
In today’s episode, I’ll share effective teaching strategies that I’ve used in my special ed classroom to meet the needs of our mild to moderate special needs students. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, these strategies are packed with practical and actionable tips to add to your teaching toolbox.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Read Works
EP 4: Why Special Education Teachers Should Never Stop Learning!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
If you’re a Resource Specialist Teacher, do you struggle with your schedule? Can’t find the right time to service your students with disabilities? Never have enough time to do your academic testing?
In today’s episode, I’ll share the MUST-HAVE components you need to create your RSP teacher schedule! Organizing your schedule so it complies with your special ed student’s IEP is not a choice. It’s a must! But scheduling around so many activities, recesses, lunches, science, and music classes is NOT easy! Putting in place certain parameters will make putting your resource schedule a little easier so you can jump right into what you do best! Teaching your students!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
EP 3: 5 Tips to Work Best with Your Paraprofessional
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
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