181.Physical Education that Works for All Students
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 10/05/2023
274.Classroom Zones and Organization: Creating Spaces for Success
Be The Exception In Special Education
Hey there, special educators! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we’re diving into one of the most impactful ways to set your classroom up for a smoother, more successful school year—creating purposeful classroom zones. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current setup, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you organize your space in a way that truly supports your students and your sanity. 🎧 What You'll Learn: ✨ How to design functional and supportive zones within your special education classroom—from sensory areas to...
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273.Setting Up Your Special Ed Classroom: Start with the Basics
Be The Exception In Special Education
Welcome back to Be the Exception in Special Education! I’m your host, Dawn Ellis, and today we’re jumping into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of back-to-school season—classroom setup! Whether you're a veteran teacher or fresh on the scene, this episode is packed with tips to help you set up a functional, organized, and stress-free special education classroom that works for you and your students. Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode: 💡 Why classroom setup is more than just cute décor—it’s about functionality, structure, and student...
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272. Start Smart: How to Tackle Beginning-of-Year Anxiety and Get Ready for Success
Be The Exception In Special Education
Ready or not, the new school year is just around the corner—and if your to-do list is already giving you anxiety, you're in the right place! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we’re tackling that all-too-familiar beginning-of-year stress head-on. Whether you're staring down a fresh IEP caseload, knee-deep in classroom setup, or just wondering how you’re supposed to do everything and still enjoy your summer—breathe easy. I’ve got a plan for you. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn today: 🎢 Why beginning-of-year anxiety is so real (and how to manage it!) ...
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271.Let’s Do This Together: Why Collaboration and Community Matter in Special Education
Be The Exception In Special Education
Hey there, teacher friend! 👋 Ever feel like you’re on an island in your special ed classroom? You’ve got IEPs stacking up, routines to run, and a caseload that never seems to quit. We get it—and you’re so not alone. In this episode, Dawn is diving into the heart of what keeps us going: community and collaboration. Because while teaching special education can feel isolating, the truth is...you don’t have to go it alone. 🙌 Here’s what we’re chatting about: ✨ Why building a SPED support system is essential (spoiler: it’s not just about sharing lesson plans) ✨ How...
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270.How to Prepare for the Summer Launchpad Challenge: Why It’s a Game Changer for Special Ed Teachers
Be The Exception In Special Education
Hey there, amazing educators! 👋 Feeling that mid-summer "I should probably start thinking about school stuff..." tug? You’re not alone—and I’ve got just the thing to help you ease back into prep mode without sacrificing your poolside peace. 💦☀️ In today’s quick and power-packed episode, I’m spilling all the details on the Summer Launchpad Challenge—your shortcut to an organized, smooth, and actually doable back-to-school season. 🙌 We’re talking: ✅ Why summer overwhelm hits hard (and how to stop it before it starts) 🗂️ How this challenge helps you plan...
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269.Free PD That Actually Helps Special Ed Teachers (No Fluff, Just Real Support)
Be The Exception In Special Education
Let’s be honest—most PD just doesn’t get special ed. If you've ever sat through a training that had nothing to do with IEPs, visuals, or the beautiful chaos of your classroom… same. That’s why this week, we're ditching the fluff and diving into three totally free PD options made just for special ed teachers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the scene, these resources are built to support your unique classroom, your time, and your sanity—no death-by-PowerPoint included. What You’ll Learn: Where to find free, flexible PD that won’t waste your time How to join a...
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268.How to Create Adapted Resources That Actually Work in a Self-Contained Classroom
Be The Exception In Special Education
Creating adapted resources is a must in a self-contained classroom—but how do you make sure they’re actually useful, not just cute or overwhelming? In this episode, Dawn Ellis breaks down how to avoid common pitfalls when adapting materials and how to keep your resources simple, functional, and effective. From hands-on elements to visual supports and using Canva to streamline your workflow, you’ll walk away with practical, time-saving tips you can use right away. What You’ll Learn: The 3 most common mistakes teachers make when adapting resources How to simplify and focus on...
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267.Prompting vs Teaching—Are You Helping or Hovering?
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m taking a deep dive into the key differences between teaching and prompting—and why understanding this distinction is essential for effective instruction. Whether you're in a classroom, therapy setting, or working with learners one-on-one, prompt fading is a powerful tool to foster independence and skill mastery. I’ll walk you through exactly what prompt fading is, why it’s critical (and non-negotiable), and how to implement it effectively—without overcomplicating the process. If you're worried that your students are becoming prompt-dependent, this episode...
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266.Let’s Talk IEP Team Drama (and How to Avoid It)
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m taking a deep dive into why so many IEP teams face challenges when it comes to collaboration. While it’s easy to blame scheduling conflicts or differing opinions, the root issues often go much deeper. I’m uncovering the hidden barriers that prevent meaningful teamwork and show you how to lead your team with confidence, clarity, and compassion. You’ll learn how to recognize the early warning signs of miscommunication, how to proactively set the tone for productive meetings, and which simple leadership tools can help you navigate even the most difficult team...
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265.Leading with Confidence at the IEP Table
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, we’re giving you the tools and strategies you need to walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or simply want to lead with more intention, you’ll learn how to set a positive and productive tone right from the start. We’ll walk through how to navigate challenging dynamics with professionalism and empathy, and share practical pre-meeting tools that will help you stay organized, prepared, and in control. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to step into your role as a strong, effective leader...
info_outlineHave you ever wished that your students with special needs had more opportunities to get involved in physical education, sports and even creative activities? Well, you are not alone! But finding those opportunities can often prove challenging…even when we try our best.
In this week’s episode I am chatting with Lucy from Club Activo. Club Activo is an organization that creates those opportunities in schools and social organizations for all students. Lucy is a mom to children with autism and she realized that her children were being left behind from their peers in this area. She, along with a larger group of parents, decided to do something about it. Out of that came Club Activo, and now she is sharing all that she has learned so that everyone can have a chance.
In this episode you will learn:
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How to help teachers and coaches adapt activities for students with disabilities
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How physical activities can help all students feel connected
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Ways to improve the soft skills through physical education
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How the parents and caregivers of your students will also feel more connected
Links and Resources
Etsy Tees for Teachers
Halloween Bundle
Exceptional Collective
Connect with Lucy
Connect with Dawn
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