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

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 ...

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 ...