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

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...

Delegating tasks in the special education classroom isn't a luxury but a necessity for teacher sustainability and effective classroom management. This episode is a must-listen if you often think "it's faster if I just do it myself!"

If you're ready to start delegating but need help setting clear expectations, check out our Paraprofessional Training and Expectations Manual. This editable resource he...

The Five-Minute IEP File Audit is a simple system that helps special educators keep IEP documentation up-to-date and organized without requiring hours of work or causing stress spirals. This mini routine can be completed in just five minutes per student folder, providing a proactive approach to paperwork management rather than last-minute scrambling.

Visit positivelylearningblog.com for the free downloadable checklist and ...

End-of-year awards season is here—but what about the students whose biggest wins don’t show up on a checklist?

In this episode, we’re flipping the script and talking about creative, meaningful ways to celebrate real student growth—even when it doesn’t come with a certificate or percentage score.

You’ll hear:

• What counts as “progress” (spoiler: it’s more than grades)
• Low-prep, high-impact ideas for celebrating student wins
• How to inv...

There’s never enough time in the day—you already know that. This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you use your time more intentionally, without staying late or bringing work home.

We’ll cover:

• How to stop relying on overwhelming to-do lists
• Ways to block time and build micro-habits
• Routines that make planning more efficient
• Gentle boundaries that protect your energy

✅ Don’t miss Episodes 123 and 124 for more t...

Quarter Four doesn’t mess around. Between progress reports, IEP updates, and fileaudits, it can feel like the paperwork never ends.

In this episode, I’m sharing how batching your paperwork tasks can help you stay focused, save time, and (maybe) even enjoy that last week of school a little more. We’ll walk through what batching really is, how to make it work with your schedule, and the pros and cons to keep in mind.

🎧 Tune in and try...