229.Things I’ve Learned Since Starting Back to School - SPED Teacher Tips
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 09/12/2024
236.Implementing AAC in the Classroom: Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively. In this episode you will learn: Quick wins for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities. The importance of modeling AAC use for students and peers. How to troubleshoot device malfunctions or...
info_outline
235.How Special Educators Choose and Customize AAC Tools for Students
Be The Exception In Special Education
This week we are continuing our chats about all things AAC. Last week we covered the basics about what they are and why our students need them. In this episode, we take a closer look at how to choose and customize AAC tools to fit the unique needs of each student. Learn how to assess your students’ communication needs with help from an SLP, and discover tips for selecting between low-tech and high-tech AAC systems. Plus, get practical ideas for customizing AAC tools to engage and empower your students. In this episode you will learn: How to assess a student’s communication...
info_outline
234.What is AAC and Why Does It Matter in Special Education?
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, we kick off AAC Awareness Month by exploring the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn what AAC is, the types of AAC systems, and why it’s so crucial for non-verbal and minimally verbal students in special education. We’ll also discuss real-life examples of how AAC has transformed the classroom and fostered student independence. Don’t miss this foundational episode, and get ready for the next one, where we’ll dive deeper into choosing the right AAC tools. In this episode you will learn: Definition of AAC and its types...
info_outline
233.Brewing Success: How a School Coffee Cart Can Empower Special Education Students
Be The Exception In Special Education
A few years back I set up a coffee cart with my students. I had no idea just how much change and academic growth would come from this one project! This week I’m sharing my experience of setting up a school coffee cart. You will discover how this project not only enhances functional academic skills but also builds social and emotional growth among special education students. I’m providing practical tips on how to get started, the benefits of running a coffee cart, and the key elements to ensure its success in your school. In this episode you will learn: Why a school...
info_outline
232.Cultivating Cultural Competence in the Self-Contained Classroom with Alexis from The Peachy Speducator
Be The Exception In Special Education
Cultural competency is all about being able to interact with various cultures. As teachers, this is such a vital thing that has to occur for the success of our students in the classroom. In this episode, Alexis shares her insights on integrating cultural competence into the self-contained classroom. With over a decade of teaching experience, Alexis provides actionable strategies for creating an inclusive and culturally aware learning environment. In this episode you will learn: Understanding what cultural competence is and why it matters in special education. Effective...
info_outline
231.Unlocking the Secrets to Teaching Science & Social Studies in Special Ed: Tips and Resources
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m diving into effective strategies and resources for teaching science and social studies in a self-contained special education classroom. I’m sharing about the importance of adapted curriculum, hands-on activities, visual supports, differentiation, and fostering a collaborative environment. Discover how my comprehensive Adapted Science and Social Studies Bundle can make your teaching journey more rewarding and impactful. In this episode you will learn: The significance of using adapted curriculum Engaging hands-on activities for science and social studies ...
info_outline
230.Mastering Independent Work Stations
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we’re joined by Jenn from Teach Love Autism. She is a specialist renowned for her innovative strategies in teaching students with autism. Jenn takes us through the essential elements of setting up and managing independent work stations in the classroom, shedding light on why these tools are vital for fostering independence and supporting diverse learning needs. In this episode you will learn about: Independent Work Stations Explained: What they are, why they work, and how they benefit students with autism. The...
info_outline
229.Things I’ve Learned Since Starting Back to School - SPED Teacher Tips
Be The Exception In Special Education
Starting a new school year is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and this year has been no exception. With a few weeks under our belts, it's clear that this school year is like nothing we’ve experienced before. We knew it would be a unique challenge, and now that we're in the thick of it, I can say with certainty—we were absolutely right! As teachers, we’re always learning, growing, and adapting. Every day brings new discoveries about our students, our classrooms, and even ourselves. From unexpected quirks in our routines to new ways of making our days run smoothly, there’s a...
info_outline
228.Opening Doors to Inclusivity: Exploring ‘The Room With The Rainbow Door
Be The Exception In Special Education
Welcome to Episode 228 of Be The Exception in Special Education! In this inspiring episode, host Dawn Ellis sits down with Lucy Altway, a passionate educator and author of “” Lucy shares her incredible journey in education and dives deep into her new book that celebrates inclusivity and neurodiversity. In this episode you will learn: The Inspiration Behind the Book: Discover what motivated Lucy to write “” and how her experiences shaped this meaningful story. Inclusivity and Neurodiversity: Lucy discusses how she integrated these essential themes into both the narrative...
info_outline
227.Mastering the Alternate Standards: Strategies for Success for Special Education Teachers
Be The Exception In Special Education
Alternate achievement standards, also known as AAS, are academic standards that different states, like Alabama, use for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in general assessments. These standards are aligned with grade-level academic content standards, but may be less complex, deep, and broad. The goal of alternate standards is to help students achieve higher academic outcomes and prepare them for the future. In this episode: 🐝 Discover why the one-size-fits-all approach to AAS doesn’t cut it and what to do instead ...
info_outlineStarting a new school year is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and this year has been no exception. With a few weeks under our belts, it's clear that this school year is like nothing we’ve experienced before. We knew it would be a unique challenge, and now that we're in the thick of it, I can say with certainty—we were absolutely right!
As teachers, we’re always learning, growing, and adapting. Every day brings new discoveries about our students, our classrooms, and even ourselves. From unexpected quirks in our routines to new ways of making our days run smoothly, there’s a constant adventure awaiting us. Sometimes, a bit of silliness is exactly what’s needed to keep the momentum going!
In this episode, I’m excited to share five key lessons I’ve picked up already this school year. My hope is that these insights will support you, help shorten your own learning curve, and remind you that you’ve got this—because together, we really do!
In this episode, you will learn:
-
A Game-Changer for Interactive Lessons - Discover a tool that has made a huge difference in hands-on teaching and where to find a handy tutorial.
-
Tips for Opening and Maintaining Communication with Parents - Effective strategies to keep parents in the loop and involved in their child’s education.
-
Why Digital Lessons Matter for All Students - Explore the benefits of digital resources for both traditional and remote learners.
-
Setting Aside Time to Connect with Your Students - The importance of getting to know your students and fostering connections among them.
-
The Most Important Lesson of All - Why giving yourself grace is crucial right now.
We all knew this school year was going to be different, but did we expect it to be this transformative? As I dive into this new year, I’ve come to realize that teaching is as much about learning as it is about instructing.
The first few weeks have been a whirlwind of new experiences and insights. It’s been a journey of discovering what works, what doesn’t, and sometimes, what’s just plain unexpected. From adapting to new routines to embracing moments of silliness, every day has brought its own set of challenges and rewards.
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 miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!