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 Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Are you ready for the new school year? Do you need help with organizing your classroom? Are your routines and small group lessons planned?
In today’s episode, I will be sharing the best episodes to get your special ed classroom set up and ready to go NOW for the new school year! Whether you are a new teacher coming in or a veteran teacher, you will gain new ideas from these 8 episodes! So let’s get this year started right!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
EP 02. 6 tips to set up your special education environment
EP 05. Special education classroom environment: 6 essential items that need to go up on your classroom walls as a teacher
EP 15. Is your sped class schedule ready for the school year? 7 steps with how to plan & structure your daily schedule as a special day class teacher
EP 12. Student paperwork stressing you out? 4 easy classroom systems to organize all that paperwork & data for your students with special needs
EP 11. Set up these 4 simple Organizational tools as a special education teacher
EP 16. 5 steps to structure your small groups for elementary Special Ed teachers
EP 17. 6 steps to lesson plan for your small group instruction in special education
EP 10. 4 fun back to school activities for special education elementary teachers
Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
Heidi & Emily from Teacher Approved podcast Back to School Mini Audio Course: HERE!
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
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Have you set up your teacher planner? What do you include in your planner as a special education teacher? Do you have a system that you use to keep on track with your personal and work life?
In today’s episode, I share my own step-by-step way of how I organize the planner that I use for the new school year! Getting your planner set up will make the year so much smoother! From planning your IEP meeting dates to not missing your next doctor appointment, this system will help you transition into the school year!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Erin Condren Softbound Lifeplanner
Callie Danielle Shop
Plum Paper
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
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
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Happy 1st Birthday to the Stepping Into Special Education Podcast! I can’t believe it has been a full year since the show was released back on July 26th, 2022! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for listening to the podcast on your earbuds and in your car stereo! I started this all because of you! In hopes to help you alongside your special education journey!
In today’s episode, I will be sharing the TOP 10 most downloaded episodes! This will help guide you with what to listen to first or see if you missed any episodes that would benefit you! Getting into special education is not easy. We often struggle with finding the right support in a very specific niche that we chose to teach. My mission for this podcast is to give you strategies and support based on my own experience, so you can be further along than where I was when I first started!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes: 1st Birthday Celebration for the Podcast!
#10 - EP 28: IEP 101: Part 1 Understanding the Pages of an IEP
#9 - EP 40 (Re-Release EP 3): 5 Tips to Work Best with Your Paraprofessional
#8 - Trailer: Welcome to the Stepping Into Special Education Podcast!
#7 - EP 29: 5 Steps to Handling a Special Education Student’s Physical or Aggressive Behavior IN THE MOMENT!
#6 - EP 52: 5 Things You Can Do NOW to Get Your SPED Class Ready for the New School Year!
#5 - EP 36: Want Help with Behavior Strategies for Your Students with Special Needs? The Top 5 Resources to Get the Behavior Support You NEED!
#4 - EP 02: 6 Tips to Set Up Your Special Education Classroom Environment
#3 - EP 01: My Special Education Journey and Why I Wanted to Start This Podcast!
#2 - EP 50: How to Handle Challenging Behavior from Students with Special Needs with Dr. Christine Reeve
#1 - EP 03: 5 Tips to Work Best with Your Paraprofessional
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
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
What are co-teaching models in special education? What are the different types of co-teaching? Wondering what are your roles and responsibilities as a co-teacher?
In today’s episode, you’ll get an overview of the 6 co-teaching models used for both students with special needs and without special needs. You’ll get a better understanding of how to be a co-teacher and work with your general education teacher the right way. This will prepare you for what to expect when you co-teach for the first time this year!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Co-Teach! Building and Sustaining Effective Classroom Partnerships In Inclusive Schools, 3rd Edition By Marilyn Friend, Ph.D.
Models for Co-Teaching Handout
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
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Struggling to write present levels in your IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)? Are your impact statements meaningful? Do your present levels give a good picture of your student with special needs?
Jennifer Hofferber is a veteran special educator who has spent an impressive 28 years in the classroom, and currently serves as the Special Education Instructional Coach for her district. She is the founder of the Sped Prep Academy which provides courses and a wealth of invaluable resources to support special education teachers. Jennifer is also the host of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast which provides opportunities for growth and empowerment among special education teachers, enabling them to develop into exceptional teacher leaders.
In today’s episode Jennifer and I talk all about how to write meaningful impact statements and present levels. You’ll learn amazing tips that will make your present levels give a great reflection of your actual student’s current data.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Free Impact Statement Sentence Stems & Examples https://www.spedprepacademy.com/freeimpact
How to Connect with Jennifer Hofferber:
SPED Prep Academy Podcast
Facebook Group
Instagram: @spedprepacademy
Website: www.spedprepacademy.com
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Grab 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
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Are you eager to start getting ready for the new school year? Want a head start in prepping for your special ed classroom? Can’t wait to step foot inside your own classroom?
In today’s episode, you’ll learn 5 things you can do NOW during the summer to get your SPED classroom ready for the new school year! I’ll share what tool you need to plan the year. I’ll give you ideas of what items you need to brainstorm that are necessary for you and your students. Also, what fun thing you can do that will get you excited as a teacher! Listen now to get ahead before that first day of school begins!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
EP 5: Special Education Classroom Environment: 6 Essential Items That Need to Go Up on Your Classroom Walls as a Teacher
EP 27: Need a RESET in Managing Classroom Behavior? 7 Ideas to Get Your Special Ed Classroom Back in Order Again!
EP: 37: Low on Resources & Materials for Your Special Ed Classroom? 10 Tips to Get the Supplies That You Need as a Special Ed Teacher!
Donors Choose
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
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
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
What are your summer plans? Do you have professional development (PD) training lined up? Will you be binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows? Do you have a plan of how to spend your time off?
In today’s episode, I share my personal experience and seven steps to ensure you have a fulfilling and rejuvenating summer break. The most valuable lesson? Being intentional with your time off. I will emphasize the importance of planning, resting, and finding a balance between productivity and relaxation. Discover the secrets to making the most of your summer and feel ready and rested for the upcoming school year. Tune in now and start planning your best summer yet!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Callie Danielle Shop
Plum Paper
EP 4: The Top 3 Reasons for Self-Growth: Why Special Education Teachers Should Never Stop Learning!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
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
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
How do you manage behaviors in your special ed classroom? What about handling challenging behaviors from your students with disabilities? Wondering how to get your team on board with the behavior support plan or behavior intervention plan?
In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Christine Reeve. From running Autism Classroom Resources and the Special Educator Academy to creating teacher resources on TeachersPayTeachers, her driving goal has always been about bringing special educators together and helping them serve their students in the best ways they can. With a doctorate in psychology and as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she has spent the last 25 years working with a wide variety of special education programs as a behavior specialist, an administrator, university faculty, and primarily as a trainer and consultant. We talk all about how to handle challenging behavior from students with special needs. This great conversation will bring you new ideas and strategies to help you prepare for the next school year!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Free Preventing Behavior Webinar
How to Connect with Dr. Christine Reeve:
Podcast: Autism Classroom Resources
Facebook: Special Educator Academy
Instagram: @autismclassroomresources
Website: autismclassroomresources.com
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Grab 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
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
It is the end of the school year! But, before we ride into the summer sunset, have you done any reflection on the past year? Contemplated on what went right and what areas you need to improve on?
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing how important it is to reflect on the past school year as a special education teacher. This will help you realize what wins to celebrate and what we still need to work on, to improve our teaching practice for years to come. Let’s be open and honest with our special ed journey, so we can create a better plan for the fall.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
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
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Resources Mentioned:
Submit your behavior questions! Record it here NOW!
EP 12 - Student Paperwork Stressing You Out? 4 Easy Classroom Systems to Organize All that Paperwork and Data for Your Students with Special Needs!
EP 2 - 6 Tips to Set Up Your Special Education Classroom Environment
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com