213.Visual Victories: Enhancing Learning with Kristin A. from Special Education Clubhouse
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 05/16/2024
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...
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264.Turning Paras and Therapists into Powerhouse Team Members
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m sharing how to lead a team that actually feels like a team. You’ll learn how to define roles, open up communication, and support your paras and therapists so they can support your students. Key Highlights: How to define roles without micromanaging Quick wins for better communication Pep talk for leading with confidence If you’re tired of doing everything alone and ready to build a team culture that works, this episode is your playbook. Links and Resources Connect with Dawn Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust...
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263.Tools That Make Collaboration Easier
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to tools that make IEP team collaboration not only doable—but enjoyable. From goal-setting templates to weekly check-ins, learn what’s working in real special ed classrooms right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What real collaboration looks like Tools to simplify team communication One story that proves these systems work If you're tired of chasing people down for input, or feeling like you’re doing it all alone, these tools will help you lead your team without losing your mind. Links and Resources Connect...
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262.Why Your IEP Team Might Be Struggling (And How to Fix It)
Be The Exception In Special Education
This episode breaks down the messy truth about IEP team dynamics and gives you actionable steps to lead with confidence. Dawn shares why teams fall apart and how a simple tool—the IEP Team Input Survey—can help restore clarity and collaboration. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Top 3 reasons IEP teams fall apart Why proactive planning is your secret weapon How to use an input survey to cut down on surprises Links and Resources Connect with Dawn Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t...
info_outlineA visual in the classroom is an object, photograph, sign or picture that is used to communicate in some way. In the special education classroom they can be crucial to learning and mastery for our students.
In this week’s episode I am chatting with Kristin from Special Education Clubhouse about all things visual…what they are, how to use them and why they matter.
In this episode you will learn:
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What are some visuals that support learning in the special education classroom.
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What visuals you should be using now.
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How to get started with visuals if you aren’t already using them.
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Why visuals matter in student learning.
Links and Resources
Special Education Clubhouse Course Waitlist
Special Education Clubhouse Visual Schedules
Connect with Kristin
Special Education Clubhouse Instagram
Special Education Clubhouse Facebook
Connect with Dawn
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
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