Be The Exception In Special Education

How do I become a special education teacher? How do I get everything with data collection done? Where do I start in mastering something? How do I become exceptional at one thing? How do I perfect a special education classroom? Welcome to Be The Exception in special education Podcast where we will answer all these questions and so many more. Each episode, host Dawn Ellis will bring you productivity tips, mindset motivation, special education strategies, education hacks, and inspirational stories that can help you become the exceptional human you were meant to be. We all have something that comes naturally to us that others would love to know more about. So let’s start the conversation and learn from others, so we can grow together.

282.Data-Driven Decisions in Special Education: Let the Numbers Lead the Way 09/18/2025

281.Writing Progress Notes That Actually Tell a Story (and Save You Time) 09/11/2025

280.Making IEP Progress Monitoring Manageable: Tools That Actually Work 09/04/2025

279.Time-Saving Templates and Paraprofessional Prep 08/28/2025

278.Building Effective Classroom Routines in Special Education 08/21/2025

277.Curriculum Planning for Reading, Science & Social Studies in Special Ed 08/14/2025

276.Classroom Setup Tips for Special Educators 08/07/2025

276.Classroom Setup Tips for Special Educators Back-to-school season is officially here—and whether it’s your first year or your fifteenth, setting up a functional, organized, and calm classroom can feel like a lot. In this episode, I’m walking you through practical classroom setup tips specifically designed for self-contained special education classrooms. You’ll learn how to create student-centered zones that actually work, set up visuals and systems that support independence, and avoid the common setup traps that lead to chaos instead of calm. I’ll also share some of my favorite go-to tools and organization hacks that have saved me hours (and my sanity) every school year. Plus, don’t miss the free Classroom Setup Webinar—packed with examples, walkthroughs, and a printable checklist to help you set up your space without the stress. 🧩 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why classroom setup can make or break your first month back How to define and structure classroom “zones” that work for your students’ needs What visuals, tools, and furniture actually help (and what to skip) How to set up your teacher space to avoid burnout midweek Ways to organize your materials for smooth daily routines The mindset shift from Pinterest-perfect to functionally fabulous Links and Resources 🎁 : Get my exact framework, zone examples, and printable setup checklist. 🛍 : Includes classroom labels, visual schedules, checklists, and more. 📋 : Organize your caseload, notes, and parent communication all in one place. 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! ! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on , too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. , select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! /episode/index/show/betheexception/id/37704755

275.Maximizing Classroom Functionality: Tools & Tips for an Organized Special Education Classroom 07/31/2025

274.Classroom Zones and Organization: Creating Spaces for Success 07/24/2025

274.Classroom Zones and Organization: Creating Spaces for Success 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 quiet corners and everything in between. ✨ Why an organized classroom helps reduce stress and improves learning outcomes for both you and your students. ✨ Practical tips and strategies for using zones effectively, so your classroom runs like a well-oiled machine. ✨ Tools and resources that make classroom organization not only possible—but easy and efficient. Ready to transform your classroom into a well-zoned space for success? Grab the free resources linked below and start planning today! And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss out on more practical strategies, support, and ideas for your special education classroom. Let us know how your classroom zones are coming along—we’d love to cheer you on! 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! ! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on , too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. , select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! /episode/index/show/betheexception/id/37521590

273.Setting Up Your Special Ed Classroom: Start with the Basics 07/17/2025

273.Setting Up Your Special Ed Classroom: Start with the Basics 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 success 📚 How to set up clear learning zones (think reading corners, sensory spaces, and group work areas!) 🧺 Why labeled bins and accessibility are game changers for independence 🗂 How to organize your IEPs, service logs, and all the paperwork without losing your mind 🔧 My go-to classroom tools and resources that will actually save you time PLUS: I’ll introduce you to my Special Education Case Manager Bundle and Back-to-School Bundle—two resources designed to streamline your systems so you can focus on what matters most: your students. 🙌 🎁 BONUS: I’ll also share how to make your classroom more functional so your students can grab what they need without constantly asking for help (you know what I mean!). 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! ! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on , too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. , select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! /episode/index/show/betheexception/id/37348695

272. Start Smart: How to Tackle Beginning-of-Year Anxiety and Get Ready for Success 07/10/2025

272. Start Smart: How to Tackle Beginning-of-Year Anxiety and Get Ready for Success 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!) ✅ The difference between anxiety and actual readiness 📋 How small, strategic planning steps can bring major relief 🧠 The mindset shifts that keep burnout at bay 🛠️ Tips for IEP caseload management, classroom zones, and realistic goal setting 🚀 A sneak peek into Start Smart Week + the Launchpad Challenge — your no-stress plan to prep for the year (without giving up your summer joy) 🎁 BONUS: I’m sharing FREE templates, tips, and short videos to help you organize, prioritize, and actually feel ready to start the year strong. So grab a cold drink, put your feet up, and tune in—because you deserve a smooth (and sane) start to the school year. 👉 Let’s do this, one bite-sized chunk at a time! 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! ! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on , too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. , select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! /episode/index/show/betheexception/id/37348635

271.Let’s Do This Together: Why Collaboration and Community Matter in Special Education 07/03/2025

270.How to Prepare for the Summer Launchpad Challenge: Why It’s a Game Changer for Special Ed Teachers 06/26/2025

269.Free PD That Actually Helps Special Ed Teachers (No Fluff, Just Real Support) 06/19/2025

268.How to Create Adapted Resources That Actually Work in a Self-Contained Classroom 06/12/2025

267.Prompting vs Teaching—Are You Helping or Hovering? 06/05/2025

266.Let’s Talk IEP Team Drama (and How to Avoid It) 05/29/2025

265.Leading with Confidence at the IEP Table 05/22/2025

264.Turning Paras and Therapists into Powerhouse Team Members 05/15/2025

263.Tools That Make Collaboration Easier 05/08/2025

262.Why Your IEP Team Might Be Struggling (And How to Fix It) 05/01/2025

261.How to Take Minutes and Use Data to Run Efficient IEP Meetings and Stay on Track 04/24/2025

261.How to Take Minutes and Use Data to Run Efficient IEP Meetings and Stay on Track Let’s be real—IEP meetings can sometimes feel like a lot. But with a few simple strategies, they can actually be super productive and way less overwhelming. In this episode, we’re chatting about why taking minutes is more important than you might think, how to keep your notes focused (without writing a novel), and ways to use data to make smarter decisions for your students. We’ll also share some of our favorite tools and tips to keep your meetings on track and your team all on the same page. If you're looking to make your IEP process smoother and more meaningful, you’re in the right place! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The importance of taking minutes: Why documenting your IEP meetings is crucial for accountability and decision-making. How to take effective meeting minutes: Best practices for capturing important points while staying focused on the discussion. Using data to drive decisions: How to incorporate data into your IEP meetings to ensure outcomes align with students’ needs. Tips for staying on track during the meeting: Strategies to keep the meeting focused and on-topic. Tools to streamline the process: The best tools and templates for tracking data and taking minutes without getting bogged down by details. How to integrate data into your IEP process: How to use data to create meaningful goals and track progress throughout the year. Thanks for tuning in! I hope you’re walking away with some helpful tips to make your next IEP meeting a little smoother and a lot more effective. Don’t forget to grab those templates and tools we mentioned—and as always, keep doing the amazing work you do for your students. Catch you in the next episode! 💛 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! ! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on , too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. , select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! /episode/index/show/betheexception/id/36264370

260.Simplify Your IEP Meetings with the Right Tools and Templates 04/17/2025

259.How to Prep Like a Pro: Making Your IEP Meetings More Effective 04/10/2025

258.Streamlining IEP Meetings: The Key to Boosting Collaboration 04/03/2025

257.How to Organize Visual Supports in Your Classroom for Maximum Efficiency 03/27/2025

256.Promoting Autism Acceptance in Schools and Classrooms 03/20/2025

255.The Secret to Making Visual Supports Work for Every Student 03/13/2025

254. How to Use Visual Supports to Reduce Classroom Stress and Support Student Success 03/06/2025

253.How to Use Behavior Data to Drive Interventions 02/27/2025

Be The Exception In Special Education

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