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
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Resources Mentioned:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less By: Greg McKeown
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Are you struggling to keep your students engaged during the last weeks of the school year? If so, you're in luck! On this week's episode of "Stepping into Special Education", I share tips and ideas to help you survive the end of the school year in special education.
I know how challenging it can be to keep students motivated during this time. That's why I offer practical advice on how to help keep your students engaged and motivated until the very end. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to navigate the end of the year, be sure to tune in to this episode for some helpful advice and resources.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
What are IEP (Individualized Education Plan) progress reports? Are IEP progress reports important in school? When are these reports due?
In today’s episode, I share the main reasons why we do IEP progress reports. Whether it may be the end of the year or the next reporting period, it is critical to update on our student’s IEP goals. As special education teachers it is our responsibility to not let this time period pass us by.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IDEA - Reauthorized Statute
EP 21: IEP Progress Reports Are Due! 5 Steps to Update Your Students Progress
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
What happens when your students with disabilities transition from elementary to middle school? Does any more paperwork need to be done? Is another IEP (Individualized Education Plan) needed for your students with special needs at the end of the school year?
In today’s episode, I identify the top five reasons for having a transitional IEP or transition IEP meeting. It is crucial for the IEP team to meet when your students with special needs are leaving to attend a higher grade level. The end of the year can be a challenging time for both the student and their family, and having a plan in place can make the transition smoother.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Hey SPED Teacher,
Do you have students that come from different cultural backgrounds and experiences? Are you a special educator that needs help with relating to your students? Are you having trouble connecting with your diverse students with special needs?
In today’s episode, I have educator, speaker, professional development creator, and facilitator Jocelynn Hubbard. She is the founder and managing director of Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC, and host of The Culture-Centered Classroom podcast. Jocelynn shares strategies that we can easily implement, to begin creating a community in our classroom. A chance to celebrate our student’s unique differences while not forgetting our own.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
The Welcoming and Inclusive Classroom Checklist - https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist
Jocelynn’s Book Recommendation List - https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions
How to Connect with Jocelynn Hubbard:
Podcast: The Culture-Centered Classroom
Instagram: @iteachcustom
Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
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 Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Are you a special education teacher feeling overwhelmed with the end of the school year approaching? I have some great news for you! In this week's episode, I discuss five must-dos for special education teachers before the end of the school year.
As a former sped teacher, I know how stressful the end of the school year can be. I remember having to stay on campus for weeks after the last day of school due to unfinished paperwork. That's why I want to share my personal experience and provide some helpful tips to make the end of the school year a little less stressful.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources Mentioned:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
EP 21: IEP Progress Reports are DUE! 5 Steps to Update Your Student’s Progress & Send Reports Home On-Time to Your Special Needs Parents!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Hey SPED Teacher,
Are you wondering how to apply for a special education teacher position? Thinking about making a change in your special ed career? Wondering what special education teacher jobs are out there?
In today’s episode, I will be sharing 6 steps to Get That Special Education Position You want! Whether you’re wanting your first teaching position or looking for a career change, you need to be prepared before going into that interview room.
Take Care,
Michelle
In this episode you’ll learn:
What steps you need to take first before even applying
Where to look for special ed teaching positions
What questions to prepare for
Resources Mentioned:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate Live Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
edjoin.org
indeed.com
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
In celebration of the 40th episode, I am re-releasing episode 3, an oldie but goodie!
Are you not sure how to work with your paraprofessional? Do want to work better as a team? Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how your paraprofessional can help?
In today’s episode, I have my very first guest, Jackie Rodriguez! Jackie worked with me as a paraprofessional about 4 years ago, and today we will be sharing our 5 tips to work best with your paraprofessional! We will share our experience when we first met and what worked between us for the next two years after that. I am so excited because Jackie will be giving us her perspective that will benefit special education teachers. I hope you will share what resonated with you or tips you can share in my Facebook community.
www.facebook.com/groups/steppingintospecialed
Take Care,
Michelle
In this episode we share:
How creating a relationship with your paraprofessional will make a difference
The importance of communication
How to work as a team
Benefits of asking for input from the team
Finding the gifts and strengths of your paraprofessional
Resource Mentioned:
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Get your Educate & Rejuvenate LIVE Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Are you feeling anxious about all things special education? Do you stress about the different responsibilities you have? Do you worry thinking if you’re doing the right thing?
In today’s episode, I will be sharing 6 ideas of what you can do to lessen your stress. Special education is hard! It is not all sunshine and rainbows. We will have our great, amazing days and we will have difficult, hard days. Please do not feel like you need to do this alone! There are ways and people that can help guide you to what you ultimately need!
Take Care,
Michelle
In this episode you’ll learn:
A way to find out what is making you anxious
Who to turn to within your own campus
About an online community that knows what you’re going through
Resources Mentioned:
Get your Educate and Rejuvenate LIVE Virtual Conference tickets HERE!
Episode 4 - 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!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Hey Sped Teacher,
Have you collaborated with your school counselor? Do you know how they can help special needs students? What kind of resources can school counselors provide?
In today’s episode, I have school counselor and curriculum designer behind Bright Futures Counseling, Rachel Davis. We talk all about the important role that school counselors have and what resources they have to offer. She provides great strategies for both preventative and “in the moment” behavior. Rachel shares how you can implement strategies in your everyday lessons.
Take Care,
Michelle
***Grab your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Resources Mentioned:
Rachel’s ‘Feelings Check’ FREEBIE
Guided Meditations
How to Connect with Rachel Davis:
Podcast: School Counseling Simplified
Instagram: @brightfuturescounseling
Email: Rachel@brightfutures-counseling.com
Website: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/
Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com