Claim OwnershipSTEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management
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Confused with how to write IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)? Not sure how to keep track of all the data? Tired of searching for the right behavior strategies to manage your special ed. classroom?
In this podcast, you will find methods to create IEP goals that students can reach, a system to collect data with your team, & know which behavior strategies will work best for your classroom. My mission is to help new sped teachers write IEPs with confidence, share ideas for classroom management, & know how to communicate to get the support you need.
If you are ready to finally walk into that IEP meeting feeling ready & know how to support your students to help them reach their full potential, you are in the right place!
Hey, I’m Michelle. A wife, mommy, and special education teacher. For years I struggled with doubting myself with writing IEPs, felt completely scattered with not knowing the right data to collect, & tried so many different behavior strategies that didn’t work for my students; which left me exhausted and no time for my own personal life.
I finally understood how to create IEPs for my student’s individual needs and learned how to collaborate with my paraprofessional, administrators, school psychologists, & parents! If I wanted to help reach my students’ full potential, I needed to equip myself with tools & strategies that will make the biggest impact on student success. And now I am ready to share that with you!
If you are ready to help make a difference with your students, to build a solid relationship & connection with them, & finally get the support and resources you need - this podcast is for you!
So grab that iced coffee, clipboard, and your favorite pen, it is time to get it started!
Become an INSIDER! Join the email list! https://mailchi.mp/a7b98ae89995/stepping-into-special-education
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/steppingintospecialed
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Connect: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
In this podcast, you will find methods to create IEP goals that students can reach, a system to collect data with your team, & know which behavior strategies will work best for your classroom. My mission is to help new sped teachers write IEPs with confidence, share ideas for classroom management, & know how to communicate to get the support you need.
If you are ready to finally walk into that IEP meeting feeling ready & know how to support your students to help them reach their full potential, you are in the right place!
Hey, I’m Michelle. A wife, mommy, and special education teacher. For years I struggled with doubting myself with writing IEPs, felt completely scattered with not knowing the right data to collect, & tried so many different behavior strategies that didn’t work for my students; which left me exhausted and no time for my own personal life.
I finally understood how to create IEPs for my student’s individual needs and learned how to collaborate with my paraprofessional, administrators, school psychologists, & parents! If I wanted to help reach my students’ full potential, I needed to equip myself with tools & strategies that will make the biggest impact on student success. And now I am ready to share that with you!
If you are ready to help make a difference with your students, to build a solid relationship & connection with them, & finally get the support and resources you need - this podcast is for you!
So grab that iced coffee, clipboard, and your favorite pen, it is time to get it started!
Become an INSIDER! Join the email list! https://mailchi.mp/a7b98ae89995/stepping-into-special-education
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/steppingintospecialed
Instagram: www.instagram.com/steppingintospecialed
Connect: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
90 Episodes
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Hey Sped Teacher,
Do you have elementary or middle school students transitioning on to their next school? Are you unsure how to prepare for a transitional IEP meeting?
When students are moving from an elementary school to a middle school or a middle school to high school, it is crucial to have transitional IEPs to help with facilitating a smooth transition for your students with special needs. These transitional IEPs don’t need to be overwhelming, though! Whether you will be preparing your first transitional IEPs this year or have done them in the past and are looking for tips, tune in to hear how I ensure my transitional IEPs go smoothly!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Are you looking for ways to help your students with special needs manage test anxiety? Do you want your students to be as relaxed and prepared as possible for state testing?
We all have students who overthink and stress out before tests. This can come out in a variety of ways including crying, attitudes, dropping to the floor, etc. This can be gut wrenching to see and seeing them look to you with overwhelm in their eyes when the tests begins is even worse! The good news is there are some proactive ways we can help our students feel less stress and anxiety when it’s time for state testing. Tune in to hear my top 9 tips for effectively helping students reduce state testing anxiety so they can feel more comfortable and at ease when testing time comes.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Episode 84. State Testing Is Coming! How to Prep Now for the State Assessment
Episode 68. Power Struggles with Your Student with Special Needs
Jumbo Spiral Glitter Wand - 12.5" Wonder Glitter Tube
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Education Teacher,
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Do you have a favorite way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month?
Working in the education field, there is an extremely high chance that you have already worked with or will work with a student with Autism. That is one reason I feel it is so important to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. We are striving to be more inclusive and promote education, understanding, and respect for the differences of people with autism. In this episode, I'm sharing some ideas on how you can help celebrate our individuals with autism both inside the classroom and out.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Masterpiece: an inclusive kids' book celebrating a child on the autism spectrum (The Incredible Kids)
All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts
Autism Society of America
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
FREE LESSONS! Autism Society Inland Empire: ‘Autism Acceptance in the Schools’ Lessons
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Sped Teacher,
Are you nervous about an upcoming observation? Do you tend to stress yourself out by overdoing it on your observation lesson plans?
For many teachers (me included!), pressure and nerves come along with knowing you have an observation coming up. I would try to come up with some new and exciting lesson that covered every aspect of a standard. I was a nervous wreck! After a few years, I realized that I didn’t need to be doing this elaborate prep or creating brand new activities and lessons just because I was being observed. I was able to narrow it down to the 8 things that I knew I needed to include in my lessons in order for me to have a successful observation. Tune in to hear what I include in observation lessons and real life examples so you can put them into practice in time for your next observation!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Readworks
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Do you struggle with managing behavior in your special ed classroom? Are you ready to create a better learning environment for your students with disabilities?
When I was in my first couple years of teaching, I was so excited about decorating my classroom, getting my students into the classroom, and teaching them all the exciting lessons I had planned. And then the first days of school came and I had students crying, running out the classroom, flipping desks, etc. I knew I NEEDED to figure out my classroom management before I could effectively teach my students. I don’t want you to take as long as it took for me to get your class to the point they are ready to learn. In this episode, I am sharing the top 3 reasons to focus on behavior before academics and 6 ideas for how to actually implement focusing on behavior first.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
EP 27: Need a RESET in Managing Classroom Behavior? 7 Ideas to Get Your Special Ed Classroom Back in Order Again!
EP 50: How to Handle Challenging Behavior from Students with Special Needs with Dr. Christine Reeve
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Sped Teacher!
State testing is quickly approaching! Are you starting to prep for the assessments? Does prepping for state testing make you feel stressed out?
As a new special education teacher, I had no idea how to help my students prepare for the state assessments. Every year, I felt so stressed trying to figure out what to do beforehand so my students would feel prepared instead of confused when they got to the test. After a few years of taking more trainings, making myself familiar with the assessments, and collaborating with the test coordinator, I finally found a flow that is effective and efficient for prepping for the state assessments. In this episode, I am breaking down the 6 steps I take to preparing myself and my students for state testing.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
California Department of Ed
CAASPP state test videos
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Do you feel like you're constantly scrambling to cover everything that needs to be covered in the day? Are you looking for ways to get the most out of your classroom time?
As special ed teachers, our days just fly by! I’ve definitely gotten to the end of the day and wondered what I even got done. Our to-do lists seem to be never ending and trying to tackle everything seems overwhelming. But throughout my years as a special education teacher, I have learned some tips and tools that help me be more productive in my day. Tune in to hear my 6 best productivity tips for when it feels like you can’t fit everything into your day!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Plum Paper Planner
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Have you ever had a student you thought may need a change of placement? Are you curious about the signs that indicate a student may need a COP?
There are several things that need to be taken into account when considering a change in placement for a student. In my first change of placement meeting, I realized that I did not have nearly enough data to get the student into the appropriate educational setting she needed. I want to ensure this does not happen to you and that you are prepared when you want a COP for a student. In this episode, I am diving into the 6 areas you need to look at first before thinking of changing a student's placement.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Are you unsure if you want to teach in a mild to moderate or extensive needs classroom? Are you not really sure what the differences are between the two? I’ve been there and I’m breaking it all down for you today so you can make the best decision possible for you!
There are some distinct differences between teaching mild to moderate support needs vs extensive support needs. Some of these differences may affect which setting you want to teach in. Join me as I unpack the differences in curriculum, class size, aides, eligibilities and cognitive levels, training, and assessments that shape these two distinct teaching settings.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Leave a 5 star review
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Have you thought about the possibility of not returning to your current role next school year? Has the thought of leaving special education altogether crossed your mind? Before you make any decisions, I encourage you to tune into this episode!
Choosing whether to stay or leave is not easy and many factors play into the decision. Research shows that 25% of special education teachers leave their positions each year which is significantly higher than teachers teaching in traditional classrooms. Our job is hard! And if you are thinking about leaving your current role, this episode is for you. I am sharing the 5 questions I believe you should ask yourself before you make a decision about leaving your special ed teaching position.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Episode 14: Are You Feeling Alone in Your Special Education Journey? 4 Places to Make Connections & Build Relationships to Get That Special Ed Support You Need!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Sped Teacher,
Are you a special ed teacher looking to choose the right specialty area for your passion? Is deciding which credential is the best fit feeling overwhelming? Do you know the opportunities and responsibilities that come with each credential?
Join me in this episode as I break down the 5 different types of specialty areas in special education. As special educators, it can be confusing and stressful to decide which license or credential we want to pursue. Oftentimes, we may not even fully understand what each one means or the opportunities that we will have once we receive our license or credential. If you are currently in that position, I completely understand because I’ve been there! That’s why I’m diving into the special education specialty areas and making them easy to understand so you can make the choice that best fits your passion!
Take Care,
Michelle
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
Are you supporting parents of special needs students in the best way possible? Have you wondered if there are things you can do to build stronger relationships with your students’ parents?
In this episode, we’re diving into 5 things to avoid when building strong relationships with our students’ parents. As busy special education teachers, it can be so easy to forget how important paying attention to the little details of communication is but these little details can make a big impact on our relationship with parents. We need to ensure we are being supportive and respectful of the parents, their thoughts and feelings, and any worries they may have. Tune in to hear how you can help to build strong, positive relationships with parents of special needs students!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
IEP season is here! How do you like to prepare for IEP meetings? What do you do to ensure you have all the documents needed before it’s meeting time? Are you looking for a better system so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute to get everything ready?
Today, I’m breaking down the 5 steps I take to ensure I am ready to step into my IEP meetings prepared and confident. Having everything collected and ready ahead of time helps the meeting go smoothly and takes away the stress of gathering things last minute. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes when it comes to preparing for IEP meetings but I want you to avoid making those same mistakes so tune in to hear about my 5 step system for gathering IEP meeting documents!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Episode 11. Set up These 4 Simple Organizational Tools as a Special Education Teacher!
Episode 12. Student Paperwork Stressing You Out? 4 Easy Classroom Systems to Organize All That Paperwork and Data for Your Students with Special Needs!
Episode 19. 4 Steps to Collect Data and Organize It for an IEP Meeting
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Sped Teacher,
How do you use token boards in the special ed classroom? How do you use token boards effectively? How can it be used to promote positive behavior?
In today’s episode, I’ll share 7 steps to replace behaviors you want to change with your students with special needs! Sometimes, our whole classroom behavior system does not work for every student. This is when extra behavioral support is needed to help our students with disabilities. The faster we set these strategies, the sooner we can start seeing the positive behaviors we’d like to see!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Leave a 5-star written review HERE!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Education Teacher,
How do you work with parents of your students with special needs? What do you say when you first introduce yourself? How do you keep your special needs parents' relationship going strong?
In today’s episode, I’ll share how I collaborate and keep a good relationship with my special needs parents! That first impression is crucial in building a relationship with them. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way to make it a better supportive experience for the person it benefits the most….the child.
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Leave a 5-star written review HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
How do you structure your special education classroom? How do you manage your special ed class? What do you do to keep it organized?
In today’s episode, I’ll share my top, tried, and true organization tips that I use in my own sped classroom! After going to two different districts, two different positions, three different schools, and moving into seven different classrooms (yes, SEVEN!)...I’ve made many organizational decisions throughout my 15 years of teaching! These top 6 tips have proven to help with my classroom environment, and I hope they can help you, too!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Sped Teacher,
How was your 2023 year? Did you learn any new lessons personally and/or professionally? Any upcoming goals you’d like to accomplish for the next 2024 year?
In today’s episode, I’ll be getting personal and sharing the hard lessons I learned in 2023 and some new goals I foresee this upcoming year! Reflecting on a not-easy year can be difficult, but it’s freeing to be open and honest and understand how to better ourselves so it doesn’t happen again. We can all start this new year with more experience and know how to protect ourselves better so we are ready for 2024!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Ed Teacher,
It’s almost time for winter break! Do you have a plan for how you are spending your vacation? Will it be all about rest time? Or will you be catching up on work?
Today, I share the pros and cons of working during your break and what I do during my vacation time! When our winter break finally arrives, all we want to do is….NOTHING!! But before you know it, it’s the day before returning, and we’re in panic mode, scrambling to finish work tasks! It’s time to plan your vacation NOW so you’re not overwhelmed as soon as you return to your classroom!
Take Care,
Michelle
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Sped Teacher,
Is your classroom environment feeling overwhelming? Want to feel more organized after winter break? Don’t know what areas to start clearing?
Today, I share 7 areas to begin decluttering your special education classroom! We are so busy teaching and writing IEPs that we sometimes let our classrooms go. Let’s start the new year with a clear classroom and a refreshed mind!
Take Care,
Michelle
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
Hey Special Education Teacher,
Struggling with lesson planning? How do you begin teaching your students with special needs? What does your aide do during instruction?
Today, I share 5 must-haves when planning lessons for your special ed classroom! As special education teachers, unfortunately, we do not get the training and support we need right away. This episode gives you a head start to structure your lesson plans quickly!
Take Care,
Michelle
Resources mentioned:
Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
EP 31: Confused with Starting Small Groups? 4 Types of Assessments You Need to Do FIRST with Your Students with Disabilities!
Connect with Michelle Vazquez:
Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course Waitlist - Get on the list HERE!
Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
Follow on INSTAGRAM!
Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
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Hello Michelle 😌. I listened your podcast totally and it was useful. Actually I'm a teacher as you are and also I'm studying at University for my PhD. lemme know you more. maybe we will have some chances to work together as researcher.