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 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
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Hey Sped Teacher,
What do you do when you’ve inherited a poorly written IEP? Do you know who to contact about fixing this document for your new student with disabilities? What steps do you take to get their individualized education plan adjusted?
In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to fix your student with special needs’ education plan! It is frustrating when you find those errors in IEPs that you have concerns with. Yes, you’ve inherited a new IEP, but you’ve inherited a brand new student that you can help direct the education they deserve!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
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
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
What do you do when you receive a new student’s IEP? How do you know it’s well-written? After reviewing the document, do you know what clues inform you that the IEP has any red flags?
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing the 5 signs that your new student’s IEP needs your attention NOW! When that new student walks into your classroom, you’ll automatically receive their new IEP from their last school or district. Some IEPs are very well-written, and some…..not so much. The quicker we are able to identify those red flags, the faster we’ll be able to provide the most appropriate education that our new student deserves!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
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
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Hey Sped Teacher,
How do you work with service providers for your students with disabilities? How often do you communicate with them? Do you collaborate with other special ed related services before that IEP (individualized education plan) meeting?
In today’s episode, you’ll be learning seven different ways with how to work and collaborate with your special education service providers! There are many benefits to working together. But the most important one is that your student will get closer to reaching their IEP goals when the team can communicate and work as a unit!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
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
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Why are building relationships with students with special needs important? What is the first step to building relationships? How can Special Education teachers improve their connection with students?
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 4 reasons why connecting with your special needs students is NECESSARY! As teachers, we want to jump into academics right away. But we often forget about the benefits of building relationships with our students first! Listen in as I explain the importance of relationships over rigor!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
EP 50. How to Handle Challenging Behavior from Students with Special Needs with Dr. Christine Reeve
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
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 Aug 29, 2023
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Wondering how to train paraprofessionals in your special ed classroom? How do you manage special education assistants in your class? What do you teach classroom assistants to support students with special needs?
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing the 4 areas you NEED to train your sped instructional assistants or classroom support staff in! At the beginning of the school year or getting a new hire does not leave a lot of time to train your teacher assistants. These main areas will quickly get your classroom in order for a successful new school year!
Take Care,
Michelle
Due to the wildfires, please donate to the families of Lahaina, Maui: www.instagram.com/lahaina_ohana_venmo
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com