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

Is your classroom system suddenly… not working? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, we’re talking about the midyear mess—why it happens, how it sneaks up on even the most organized teachers, and what you can do right now to reset without burning out.

You’ll hear:

• 3 realistic ways to refresh your routines
• A mindset shift that changes everything
• Why maintenance > overhauls for special educators

Wondering if AI can actually lighten your load this school year?

In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, we’re skipping the buzzwords and talking real strategies:
🟡 Where AI actually helps in special education
🟡 What to ignore (with zero guilt)
🟡 How to protect your energy—without tech overwhelm

No hype. Just special education support that makes sense. 💛

If you're a busy s...

Ever wish you could gather with other teachers, fire up the laminators, and walk away with a fully prepped task box system? In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes dream I can’t shake—and what it says about how much support we really need as educators.

🟡 A fun (and slightly over-the-top) vision for a task box workshop
🟡 Why dreaming big isn’t silly—it’s strategic
🟡 What’s coming soon to make this kind of support ...

Some days, teaching feels like too much—too loud, too fast, and too demanding. And when you’re overstimulated and out of energy, you don’t need another “do more” solution… you need something that helps you get through the day.

In this episode, Jennifer shares real, practical strategies she used on the hardest teaching days—especially when it was only Tuesday and quitting wasn’t an option. These ideas are simple, realistic, and desig...

Stepping into a new classroom or absorbing a fresh batch of students midyear? If your caseload feels more like chaos—overdue IEPs, missing data, and a sea of goals you didn’t write—you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we’re breaking down what to do when you inherit a mess. 💥

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I&a...

If independent work feels like more work—you’re not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down the real reasons why independent work systems often fall apart (especially in self-contained classrooms)... and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:
 ✔ Why task box burnout happens
 ✔ What most systems are missing
 ✔ A simple 4-week approach to build trust and routines
 ✔ How to stop chasing perfection and create a syste...

Welcome to the first episode of 2026—and a gentle nudge into the new year.

This isn’t a list of flashy favorites. It’s a conversation about what’s actually helping students build independence—and how you’re making it happen, one small win at a time.

In this episode, I’m sharing what real educators (just like you) are leaning on in their classrooms—from foundational tools like WH questions to some quiet gems that d...

Want to finally start your task box system—without the stress? 

This giveaway is for YOU.

In this quick episode, I’m sharing how to enter the Task Box Starter Kit Giveaway—and what you’ll win if your name gets drawn!

Here’s what’s included in the prize:

🎁 16-count rainbow task box storage set
🎁Cardstock + laminating sheets to get prepped fast
🎁 BONUS: I’ll email you the 3 task boxes you pick from the library! 

How to Enter (i...

Ready to reset for the new year—but feeling like the last one ran you over?

In this special end-of-year episode of the Special Educators Resource Room podcast, I’m sharing a personal behind-the-scenes look at what really happened in 2025—and how I used simple organizational systems to survive some of the most overwhelming seasons of my life.

From medical emergencies and tech chaos to travel, moving, and launching a new website for th...

Is your inbox starting to feel like a stress trap? 😬 You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about how I started to dread my own inbox (even while running a membership I love), and what I did to turn things around.

Inside this episode:

• Why some emails hit harder than others
• What you can do when your inbox feels heavy
• How to take proactive steps with families (without burni...

Theme weeks can be fun—but what if they’re also burning you out? In this episode, I’m walking you through the moment I decided to stop planning my entire week around pumpkins, apples, or snowflakes… and what I did instead to keep students progressing and save my sanity.

Inside this episode:
 ✔ Why theme overload happens
 ✔ The systems to use instead of seasonal overhauls
 ✔ A realistic way to sprinkle in themed fun witho...

Is it okay to keep the same tasks in your independent work system week after week?

Short answer? YES.
Until it’s a no. 😅

In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we’re digging into why repetition is powerful—and when it quietly slides into busywork.

🎧 You’ll learn:

• The green flags for repeating tasks (yes, on purpose!)
• The subtle signs your system needs a refresh
• A teacher-friendly trick for rotating tasks witho...

This one’s different.

In this raw and real episode, I’m sharing a moment I haven’t talked about before—a Thursday afternoon (or was it a Tuesday?) when the empty data binders, overdue progress reports, and sheer weight of teacher overwhelm broke me.

💔 Spoiler alert: I cried over progress monitoring.

But that breakdown led to a breakthrough—and a new system that changed everything. If you’ve ever asked yourself:

• “How am I supposed ...

That paper stack on your desk? It’s not your imagination—it really is multiplying.

In this spooky Halloween episode, I’m sharing how I handle the paperwork before it becomes overwhelming. From what I actually keep (and what I confidently toss) to the simple folder system that saves my sanity, you’ll learn how to tame the paper pile without needing to become a color-coded superhero. I’ll also walk you through the 5-minute d...

Ever feel like IEP implementation is a full-time job… on top of your *actual* full-time job?

In this episode, I’m breaking down my go-to system for staying on top of IEP goals without reinventing the wheel. It’s called the "IEP Work Bin"—and once you’ve got one set up, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

We’ll cover:

* What to include in a student’s work bin
* How to set one up even if you didn’t wri...

What happens when you're expected to train your paraprofessional team... but you're not given any time to actually do it?

In this episode, we're keeping it real with practical tips for special educators who are trying to lead a team while managing everything else.

Whether you're brand-new to managing paras or have been doing it for years, you’ll find helpful ideas you can start using today—no s...

Tired of feeling like you’re already behind by October? You’re not alone. The truth is, you’re not behind because you’re doing something wrong—you’re behind because there’s that much on your plate.

In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, I’ll help you reset, cut through the noise, and make a plan you can actually follow.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ Why October feels like the tipping point for so many teachers
 ✅ How to brain...

Tired of spending hours hunting for the right student tasks? In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, I’ll show you how to cut through the overwhelm and find exactly what your students need — in just a couple of minutes. Think of it as your shortcut to less stress and more learning. 

This episode is extra special because it also has a video walkthrough version!

You can following along on YouTube to see it all in action her...

How I’d differentiate a scripted math lesson Math Lesson - without doing more work: Eureka Math is a strong curriculum—but not every lesson is a perfect fit for your students. 

In this episode, I walk through exactly how I’d differentiate a 1st grade Eureka Math lesson (Module 1, Lesson 30) without adding more to your plate. 

You’ll hear how I’d:

* Preteach key skills before the lesson
* Simplify whole group instruction ...