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Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers
The Go-To Podcast for Special Educators who want to reduce their stress and begin to feel success.
Hey special educator…
Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list?
Wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals?
Do you find yourself scouring the internet for how to meet the diverse needs of each student on your caseload?
Hey there friend…I’m Jennifer Hofferber from Sped Prep Academy, an award winning veteran special education teacher and current instructional coach who has walked in your shoes through each of these challenges.
And yes, I've got the metaphorical blisters to prove it! I’ve cried your tears and felt your pain and now I’m here to support you the way I wish someone would have been there to support me.
Listen in each week as my guests and I dish out practical wisdom to help you handle all the classroom curveballs thrown your way, and learn how to laugh in spite of the chaos to celebrate those small, yet significant victories that only a special educator can understand.
So…Are you ready? Wipe your tears and put on your superhero cape because together we are going to learn how to survive and thrive in the ever crazy, completely overwhelming, laugh so you don’t cry profession of being a special education teacher.
Next Steps:
Visit the Website: https://www.spedprepacademy.com
Join the Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpedPrepAcademy
Email Me: jennifer@spedprepacademy.com
Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Ed Overwhelm, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers
7 Questions to Help Special Educators Reflect
In the final episode of 2023, I want to guide you through self-reflection with seven crucial questions. As Maya Angelou wisely said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." This quote encapsulates my approach to working with teachers—continuous growth through self-awareness.
Before diving into the questions, let me share a bit of personal reflection. Last year, I aimed to have a co-host once a month, and I achieved it. The Sped Teacher Small Talk episodes with Paul were a hit. This year, we want to turn the tables and have you ask us questions, fostering a more tailored and helpful series. Ask your questions HERE!!!
Reflecting on my TPT store's growth, I've found success in addressing teachers' struggles, especially with the Impact Statement product line. These tools help teachers navigate the crucial but often challenging section of IEPs. If you haven't explored them yet, check out the free Impact Statement Sentence Stem Examples
Lastly, as an instructional coach supporting special education teachers, I've seen the immense value coaches bring to educators. If you don't have a coach in your district, start questioning why. Everyone, especially special education teachers, deserves this support to enhance their skills and confidence.
Now, onto the 7 reflection questions for you as a special education teacher:
- Scheduling IEP Meetings: Do you intentionally set up your annual meetings in advance to ensure a solid IEP and avoid last-minute stress?
- Communication with General Education Teachers: When scheduling meetings, do you inform general education teachers in advance and send calendar invites?
- Inclusion of Related Service Providers: Are you including all related service providers in the scheduling process and considering translation needs?
- Pre-Meeting Input: Do you routinely gather input from all parties before IEP meetings? Here are some forms you can use to collect that data
- Effective Use of Data: Are you using data to identify strengths, needs, and current performance to create strong PLAAFP statements?
- Timely Paperwork Submission: Are you following expectations for turning in paperwork and closing out an IEP on time?
- Accommodations and Modifications: Are you evaluating the need for accommodations and modifications, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach?
After reflecting on these ques
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