Special Educators Resource Room Podcast: Real Talk for Special Education Teachers

Ever walk into a school that feels more like a family reunion than a functioning team? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m answering a real question from a high school special ed teacher trying to reset routines in a small school with *very established habits*—and a para who’s been running the show.

We’ll talk about:

* Why change is so hard in tight-knit school communities
* How to observe systems ...

Planning for inclusion doesn’t have to mean creating a whole second lesson—or carrying the entire differentiation load by yourself. In this episode, I’m sharing three practical moves I use to make inclusion work without the overwhelm. Whether you’ve got five minutes to prep or five co-teachers to coordinate with, these strategies will help you focus on what matters most for your student.

 We’ll talk about how to choose one clear non...

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most frustrating realities in special education: when inclusion feels like a solo mission.

 I’m walking you through small, strategic ways to keep making progress—even when no one else seems to notice or care. We’ll talk about what’s really behind the resistance, how to build systems that speak for you, and why protecting your energy isn’t giving up—it’s how you stay in the game.

 Whethe...

If you’ve ever walked out of an IEP meeting thinking, “What just happened?”—you’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m diving into what really causes meetings to go sideways—and how you can recover when they do. From unexpected conflict to missed cues and last-minute surprises, I’ll share what I’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).

We’ll walk through simple ways to prevent future breakdowns, handle tough mo...

"Paraprofessionals are distracting students by interrupting during lessons. What should I do?" - a frustrated special educator

This episode breaks down the most common reasons paras step in at the wrong moments and how to address it without micromanaging or creating awkward tension.

You'll learn how to set clear expectations, create collaborative feedback loops, and plan quiet support strategies that empower ...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by everything you could be doing to prep for the week ahead, this episode is here to offer some much-needed clarity. I’m breaking down my planning rhythm by day—from prepping para support on Mondays to catching up and resetting on Fridays. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding a routine that keeps you (and your classroom) running smoothly.

 You’ll walk away with a framework you can tweak fo...

Back-to-school season brings excitement… and overwhelm. In this episode, I’m answering five real questions from special educators about what actually matters during those first few weeks. From what to prioritize in Week 1, to how to support (and redirect) a para, to what to do when you feel completely behind—this Q&A is all about practical advice and a little perspective.

 If you're feeling the pressure to do it all, this e...

Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to mean laminating late into the night. In this episode, I’m breaking down what I really wish I had prepped before the school year began—things that made a lasting impact on student independence and classroom flow (and saved my sanity). Spoiler: it's not about perfection, it's about purpose.

We’ll walk through the four key areas I focus on now: evergreen task boxes, visuals that teach routi...

When the school day ends, it’s tempting to bolt out the door the second your last student leaves. But what if five intentional minutes could make tomorrow go smoother?

In this episode, I’m sharing the Five-Minute Reset—an end-of-day habit that helps special educators walk into a calm, prepared classroom. I break down exactly what I reset (and why), how I make the habit stick, and how you can involve your students in the process to b...

If your independent work routine is starting to feel more frustrating than functional, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the three most common mistakes I see with independent work systems—and more importantly, how to fix them without tossing your whole setup.

If you’re looking for sustainable routines that actually support your students and your teaching, you’re in the right place. Want ready-to-use resources to go with...

Are your classroom materials taking over? If you're tired of digging through bins or wondering where to put your ever-growing task card collection, this episode is for you.
In Episode 136 of the Special Educators Resource Room podcast, I’m breaking down the PROS and CONS of binders, baskets, and bins—plus how to use each one with intention to support student independence and teacher sanity. You'll learn how to create ...

Everywhere you turn, there’s another summit, webinar, or workshop calling your name. ✋ While professional development can be powerful, your summer break doesn’t have to become one big to-do list. In this bonus episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt reminder that your time off isn’t a syllabus—and how to make space for rest and growth without the overwhelm.

We’ll talk about:

• Why it’s okay (and necessary) to be selective about summer PD
• M...

Color-coded bins. Rainbow task boxes. Laminated schedules with pastel tabs. We’ve seen it all… but does it actually help?

In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room Podcast we’re cutting through the color-coded chaos. I’m sharing the real reason I use color coding in my classroom (hint: it has nothing to do with aesthetics). You’ll hear how I use stickers behind the scenes to keep track of skill areas, make my planning f...

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at posit...

You’ve prepped the tasks, taught the routine, and set up the system… so why does it suddenly feel like your independent work time is falling apart?

In this episode, I’m walking you through what to do when your once-reliable routine starts unraveling. From students checking out to paras feeling unsure—this is a real-talk guide to getting things back on track without starting over from scratch.

Be sure to grab the Free Student Independ...

Ready to launch task boxes—or troubleshoot your current setup? This episode walks you through exactly how to introduce task boxes with structure and intention, whether you’re planning ahead for a fresh school year or starting the second week of June. Learn how to build success from Day 1 without overwhelm or pushback.

Be sure to grab this free student visual checklist to use when introducing routines: Positively Learning Blog

Check o...

Not all binder systems are worth your time—but this one is. In this episode, I’m walking you through the only binder system I keep coming back to year after year: the Student Work Binder. Learn how to set it up, keep it running with minimal effort, and use it to support student independence, para support, and smoother daily routines.

You’ll learn:
✔️ What to include (and what to skip)
✔️ How to personalize binders without ...

Progress monitoring doesn’t have to be complicated—or exhausting. In this episode, we’re talking about practical ways to track student growth when your time and energy are already stretched thin. Learn how to shift your mindset, simplify your systems, and start small—without sacrificing the quality of your data.

In this episode:
✔ Why “useful” data matters more than “perfect” data
✔ A one-student-per-day strategy that actu...

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at posit...