Special Educators Resource Room

Let’s talk data—but keep it simple. 💛

In this episode, I’m sharing three quick ways to track student progress without adding stress or paperwork to your day. No fancy spreadsheets required—just practical ideas you can actually use.

You’ll hear how to:

• Use simple checklists you can grab and go
• Snap quick photos for visual documentation
• Jot down observations you’re already noticing

Plus, I’ll show you how to fit data collection i...

It’s time for a fresh start—but not just for your closet. In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we’re doing a little spring cleaning for your teaching systems!

I'm tackling frequently asked questions from educators like you! 

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to shake off the winter blahs, this episode will give you practical steps—and a little peace of mind—as you reset your classroom rout...

They show up early, stay late, and hold the classroom together when everything feels like it’s falling apart—our paraprofessionals are true superheroes.

In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 10 things every paraprofessional deserves to hear—but may not get to hear often enough. These simple yet powerful affirmations go beyond the typical “thank you” and help build the trust and appreciation our teams truly need.

If you’ve ever strug...

Ever feel completely drained after making way too many decisions in a day? You’re not alone. Decision fatigue is real, and it’s affecting you, your students, and your teaching.

Here's what you'll learn:
✅ What decision fatigue is and how it shows up in teaching and everyday life
✅ Why having too many choices isn’t always a good thing (yes, even when it comes to teaching resources!)
✅ Practical strateg...

Feeling stuck in a small group slump? If your students are zoning out, constantly needing redirection, or just going through the motions, it might be time to shake things up!

In this episode, we’re diving into simple, high-energy strategies to keep small groups engaging and effective—without turning your classroom into chaos. Because let’s be real—we need structure AND excitement, not a three-ring circus. 🎪😂

Wha...

Is independent work in your classroom actually working? Or does it feel more like a constant cycle of redirection, confusion, and prep overload?

In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple, three-part system to help students work independently without constant interruptions. Plus, I’m offering you a FREE Teach & Task Playbook with three low-prep activities to help you get started today! 🎉

🚀 What You’ll Learn...

Social stories can make a big difference in helping students navigate routines, social expectations, and behavior challenges. But how do you make sure they actually work?

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down:
✅ What social stories are (and how Carol Gray developed them)
✅ Real-life examples of social stories for different student needs
✅ When to introduce a social story (so it’s helpful, not just reactive)
✅ A simpl...

Ever had a general education teacher refer a student for an IEP, hoping for a classroom aide or a removal—but deep down, you knew that wasn’t likely to happen? 🙋‍♀️

In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life scenario where a gen ed teacher was struggling with a student’s behavior and looking for a quick fix. Instead of just saying “no” to the IEP request, I took a proactive approach to support BOTH the student and the teach...

Oops, you might be over-prompting! Let's fix that. 

Ever feel like your students could do more on their own—if only they weren’t so used to getting help? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into the prompt hierarchy and how using it the right way (and training  paraprofessionals to do the same) can increase student independence instead of creating dependence on adult support.

🔹 What is a prompt hierarchy, ...

Data collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially for paraprofessionals! In this episode, I’m breaking down simple, stress-free ways for paras to help track student progress without extra work. Learn how to make data collection quick, seamless, and part of the independent work routine using checklists, sticky notes, and even photos.

If you’ve ever struggled with getting consistent progress monitoring—or worried ab...

Templates have always been a game-changer for special educators, but what if there’s a way to take them even further? In this episode, we explore the next level of time-saving tools: custom AI. You’ll learn how templates and AI work together to save you time, reduce stress, and make recurring tasks like IEPs and progress reports feel easier. Plus, we’ll cover practical tips for getting started and address the pros and cons of using...

Life Skills 101: This episode breaks down everything you need to know about teaching life skills in a way that fits into your busy day. 
Learn what life skills really are, why they’re essential for student growth, and how to weave them into your daily routines without adding extra work.
Ready for practical strategies you can put into place TODAY? 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The five key categories of life skills e...

Feeling burned out from saying “yes” to everything? In this episode, I’m diving into the art of setting boundaries and why saying “no” isn’t just okay—it’s essential. From managing requests from admin and parents to dealing with guilt and staying in control of your workload, we’ll explore practical strategies that will help you protect your energy and focus on what truly matters.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why saying yes to everything le...

Data collection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m getting real about the struggles of tracking all the things and why most of us are doing way too much. You’ll learn how to streamline your data collection process, focus on what matters, and use tools like independent work systems to simplify your life.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why more data doesn’t equal better teaching.
• Simple strategies to tra...

Happy New Year! 🎉 In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most impactful changes you can make for your classroom in 2025: setting up an independent work system that actually works. Whether you’re new to task boxes or looking to refine your current setup, I’ll walk you through the essentials to save time, reduce chaos, and help your students thrive independently.

Plus, I’m sharing a free, on-demand webinar that breaks it all d...

🎉 Surprise! I’m popping in real quick with exciting news—it's GIVEAWAY time!

You could win Lifetime Membership to the Complete Independent Work System—your ultimate tool for creating a calm, independent, and thriving classroom in 2025. This giveaway prize is valued at $240 per year and includes:
✅ Task boxes, work binders, and file folders.
✅ Time-saving tools to set up your independent work system.
✅ All the resou...

This week's podcast episode is for you if 1) you're unsure how to set goals that actually stick and 2) you're unsure if you even want to set goals for 2025.

Ep 107 Teacher Goal Setting Yay or Nay?

There's a free download that will help you organize your new and improved goals for the new year! Find it in Positively Learning's Free Resource Library (plus a TON of other teacher freebies):

Click Here to...

Is a family advocate attending your next IEP meeting and you're wondering what to expect? This episode is for you! Learn what a family advocate is there for and practical strategies for navigating the meeting. This episode is for special educators, but it's also full of ideas for the entire IEP team.
 
Be sure to check out the previous episode all about communication - it's the perfect prelude to this episode...

This episode is full of scenarios every special educator has probably experienced at least a few times. Let's talk about some possible strategies and solutions with a focus on improving communication with parents and caregivers. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Need a freebie to make the next step feel easier? https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Teacher-Input-Forms-Free-Editable-IEP...