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Are you drowning in IEP paperwork and feeling overwhelmed by the special education process?
The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education.
Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom experience, Stephanie understands the challenges you face—from writing legally compliant IEP goals to managing special education documentation while still finding time to actually teach.
Every Monday, you can expect conversations like:
Evidence-based IEP writing strategies that save you time
Special education compliance guidelines made simple
Effective IEP goal development techniques
Data collection methods that work in real classrooms
Practical special needs accommodations and modifications
IEP best practices to invoke a more collaborative IEP process
Breaking down IEP implementation
The ins and outs of IEP meetings
Whether you're a special education teacher, general education teacher collaborating on inclusive education, school psychologist, or educational administrator, The Intentional IEP Podcast will provide you with the support to help students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other exceptional needs.
Some weeks, Stephanie shares her expertise on best practices for IEP meetings, parent communication, and special education advocacy. Other weeks, expert guests join the conversation to provide diverse perspectives on disability services and educational interventions.
Stop spending your evenings writing IEPs and start implementing a more intentional approach to special education.
Together, we'll focus less on paperwork and more on what really matters—creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Because every student deserves an education plan that's as unique as they are.
Let’s make IEPs more effective, more efficient, and way less stressful—together.
Welcome to The Intentional IEP Podcast!
The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education.
Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom experience, Stephanie understands the challenges you face—from writing legally compliant IEP goals to managing special education documentation while still finding time to actually teach.
Every Monday, you can expect conversations like:
Evidence-based IEP writing strategies that save you time
Special education compliance guidelines made simple
Effective IEP goal development techniques
Data collection methods that work in real classrooms
Practical special needs accommodations and modifications
IEP best practices to invoke a more collaborative IEP process
Breaking down IEP implementation
The ins and outs of IEP meetings
Whether you're a special education teacher, general education teacher collaborating on inclusive education, school psychologist, or educational administrator, The Intentional IEP Podcast will provide you with the support to help students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other exceptional needs.
Some weeks, Stephanie shares her expertise on best practices for IEP meetings, parent communication, and special education advocacy. Other weeks, expert guests join the conversation to provide diverse perspectives on disability services and educational interventions.
Stop spending your evenings writing IEPs and start implementing a more intentional approach to special education.
Together, we'll focus less on paperwork and more on what really matters—creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Because every student deserves an education plan that's as unique as they are.
Let’s make IEPs more effective, more efficient, and way less stressful—together.
Welcome to The Intentional IEP Podcast!
45 Episodes
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In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that can bring up a lot of mixed feelings in the special education world: test taking.Benchmark assessments, state testing, and standardized exams can feel overwhelming and sometimes disconnected from what matters most in SPED. But here’s the shift we’re making today. We are not teaching to the test. We are teaching students how to show what they know. That is a life skill.In this episode, Stephanie covers:• How to explicitly teach three core test taking strategies• Simple scaffolds and accommodations that support diverse learners• Practical, no prep ways to embed these skills into your daily routine starting this weekWe are not teaching to the test. We are teaching students how to show what they know. That is self advocacy. That is independence. That is real world skill building.Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
You sit down to plan your week, look at your caseload, and immediately feel the pressure. Communication goals. Reading fluency. Fine motor. Math facts. Social skills. Behavior. All of it matters. But how are you supposed to work on everything without burning out?In this episode Stephanie tackles the question every special educator asks at some point: How do we actually prioritize IEP goals when time, staffing, and student needs are pulling us in ten different directions?The truth is you cannot target every goal at once. And that is not failure. It is strategy. Prioritizing the right goals at the right time is what moves you from survival mode to impact mode.In this episode Stephanie covers:• How to identify and sequence foundational skills that unlock other IEP goals• Simple systems like task boxes, team communication, and shared goal awareness to create consistency• A practical classroom rotation model to maximize limited time and focus on high impact prioritiesPrioritizing IEP goals is not about doing less. It is about doing what matters most first. You are not failing your students because you cannot hit every goal every day.Check out the IEP Matrix: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-iep-matrix/Learn how to use IEP Work Bins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um2CoF6KaQwNot a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
Stephanie brings listeners into one of the most important skills we can teach our students independence. It’s not about making our lives easier or stepping back because we’re tired. It’s about helping students gain confidence, take initiative, and develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. In this episode, she shares practical strategies to guide students toward doing more on their own while supporting their growth along the way.Stephanie covers• Why independence matters for students’ confidence and learning• How to start in the zone of proximal development and scaffold effectively• Using prompting hierarchies and fading support over time• Modeling skills, repeating, and helping students generalize across settings• Allowing students to make mistakes and learn from themBy the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete ideas for helping students take the lead, step back just enough to let them try, and celebrate the small wins that show real progress.Stephanie reminds us that every step toward independence matters and that with intentional support, students can achieve more than we often realize.Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
In this episode, Stephanie shares the books she returns to again and again — resources that have helped her understand IEPs, advocate confidently, partner with schools, and support children with special needs in real and meaningful ways. Top 6 Books: The Intentional IEP BookThe Special Needs School Survival GuideParents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: The Dance That MattersWrightslaw: All About IEPsYour Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn’t Telling YouThe Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed
Have you ever had a student master an IEP goal, only to come back later and realize that skill didn’t stick?In this episode, Stephanie talks through why skill regression happens after mastery and what teachers can do to maintain IEP goals in ways that actually fit into the school day. This conversation focuses on keeping skills active, supporting generalization, and helping students carry what they’ve learned beyond a single setting or moment.In this episode, Stephanie coverswhy mastered skills fade without intentional maintenancehow to keep IEP goals active through daily routinesways to support retention and re engagement after breaksMastery is not the finish line. When skills are maintained, students are more likely to use what they know with confidence and independence.Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
One short paragraph can make or break an IEP. And yet impact statements are often rushed, copied forward, or treated like filler.In this episode Stephanie breaks down IEP impact statements in a way that actually makes them useful, meaningful, and legally sound. You’ll learn what an impact statement really is, why it matters so much, and how to write one that clearly connects a student’s disability to their educational needs.We cover:What an IEP impact statement is (and what it is not)Why impact statements are the bridge between eligibility and servicesThe exact data you need before you start writingSimple sentence starters and plug and play templates you can reuseReal world examples that show what strong impact statements look likeWhere impact statements belong in the IEPYou’ll also hear reflection prompts to help you evaluate whether your current impact statements actually explain why the rest of the IEP exists.This episode is perfect for special education teachers, case managers, and IEP team members who want to move beyond compliance language and write statements that truly reflect the student sitting in front of them.If this episode helped bring clarity, share it with a teammate or a newer teacher who’s still figuring out how all the IEP pieces fit together.Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
Whether you’re a veteran teacher, a parent, or brand new to special education, the law matters. It shapes eligibility decisions, service delivery, and what happens when teams disagree. Understanding it is not optional, and it does not have to feel overwhelming either.In this episode, Ashley Barlow, attorney and advocate, breaks down IDEA in clear, practical terms.We cover eligibility, district responsibilities, the biggest mistakes schools make, and how parents and teachers can challenge assessments and decisions. Real-world advice you can use right now to feel confident at the IEP table.Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
Stephanie breaks down LRE and why most of what we assume about placement is wrong. LRE isn’t about keeping students in general education or giving “less support.” It’s about creating the environment where each student can make real progress with the supports they need.In this episode, Stephanie covers:What LRE really means and why one-size-fits-all placement doesn’t workThe LRE continuum, from general education with supports to specialized programs, with real examplesHow placement decisions should be based on data, student needs, and meaningful growth—not convenience or fearBy the end of this episode, you’ll have clarity on how LRE works and practical insight to make confident, informed decisions that truly support students’ growth.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the top 5 misconceptions about student behavior and shows you how to respond in ways that actually work. You’ll learn why kids aren’t “just seeking attention,” why it’s not defiance, and why punishment alone won’t stop behavior.Stephanie shares simple, actionable strategies you can use immediately, from tracking what happens before a behavior with an ABC sticky note to pairing consequences with teachable moments, all while keeping connection first.If there’s one behavior that’s been driving you crazy, this episode will help you see it differently, respond with confidence, and remember that behavior is communication.ABC Behavior Sticky Note Endless Bundle of Data SheetsAnd don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
If no one has told you lately, you’re doing the impossible every day. This episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast is a reminder of the incredible work special education teachers do. Whether you’re navigating IEPs, managing behaviors, or just figuring it all out as you go, this episode is for you.Special education teachers aren’t “just” teachers. You are advocates, difference makers, and lifelines. You interpret neurodiversity, translate behavior, and bridge the gap between “what is” and “what could be.” You notice what others miss, hold space for what others don’t understand, and create opportunities for students to succeed even when the system makes it hard.In this episode, Stephanie:Highlights the unseen impact special education teachers have on students’ livesCelebrates the creative problem-solving and innovation required every day in the classroomReminds teachers that their work—advocacy, differentiation, coaching, and collaboration is transformativeOffers encouragement and perspective for moments of overwhelm and self-doubtThis episode is a reminder that your work matters, even when it isn’t recognized or celebrated. You’re not just teaching...you’re changing lives, building bridges, and giving students a voice.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
What if the most powerful thing a student learned wasn’t academic but how to speak up for themselves? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what self-advocacy looks like in practice and how it can be taught at every age.Self-advocacy is a skill that helps students understand their needs, know their rights, and take action to access supports in school, work, and daily life. Starting early builds confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate real-world situations.In this episode, Stephanie:Shares strategies for elementary students to name their needs and ask trusted adults for helpOffers ways for middle school students to explain accommodations and manage supportsProvides approaches for high school students to take ownership of their IEPs, participate in meetings, and prepare for real-world advocacyGives tips for integrating self-advocacy into everyday classroom routines and small, practical stepsStephanie provides actionable strategies teachers can use immediately to help students build confidence, independence, and the skills to speak up for themselves.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
Choosing the right accommodations and modifications can feel overwhelming, but they are essential for student access and meaningful participation. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, pulled from our members-only vault, Stephanie and guest Tim explain how to identify, locate, and select the most effective supports and connect them to the rest of the IEP.In this episode, Stephanie:Explains what accommodations and modifications are and why they are essential in an IEPShows where supports appear in the IEP by considering behavior, curriculum, learning, and assessmentProvides practical examples for each category, including behavior plans, sensory supports, curriculum modifications, adapted equipment, supplementary aids, and assessment accommodationsHighlights how accommodations and modifications link to goals, present levels, and meaningful student engagementOffers guidance for selecting the right supports for each studentTeachers will walk away with practical strategies to make accommodations and modifications purposeful, effective, and tailored to each student.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
What if inclusion does not start with a schedule or a seating chart but with your next small decision? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what real inclusion looks like and how it can be practiced every day. Inclusion is a mindset and a series of intentional choices that help every student feel seen, supported, and able to access learning.In this episode, Stephanie:Shows how to design lessons and adapt tasks so every student can fully access learning without being separatedShares strategies to build trust, collaboration, and shared ownership with paras, co-teachers, and the broader teamExplains how to give students voice and choice while advocating for inclusion in every classroom and team interactionStephanie provides actionable strategies teachers can use immediately to make classrooms more welcoming, inclusive, and student-focused.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
If your IEP binder is full but you’re still unsure whether your students are actually making progress, this episode is for you. Stephanie dives into the part of the IEP process that’s often ignored: analyzing data. Not just collecting it, but actually using it to guide your next steps.You’ll get a clear, step-by-step system for turning raw data into confident, actionable decisions without spending hours or feeling burned out. Stephanie walks through how to spot meaningful patterns, compare progress to goals, ask the right questions, and adjust instruction based on what the data and context are telling you.By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Make sense of the numbers and see real trends in student progressIdentify red flags before they become bigger issuesMake small, intentional adjustments that have a real impactThis isn’t about perfection...it’s about clarity, confidence, and actionable steps. If you’ve ever stared at a pile of IEP data and thought, “Now what?” this episode gives you the system to start moving forward.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Cortnie to dive into documenting student needs in the IEP. Pulled straight from The Intentional IEP membership, this conversation breaks down how to identify a child’s specific needs and document them in a way that’s clear, meaningful, and actionable.Stephanie and Cortnie use real, concrete examples to walk through a blank IEP, showing exactly what to include and how to phrase it. They cover the steps you need to follow, explain why thorough documentation matters, and emphasize one key point above all: document, document, document.If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to capture a student’s needs, or wondered what “good documentation” actually looks like, this episode gives you practical guidance you can start using right away.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
Ever feel like you’re collecting a lot of data but not sure if it’s actually useful? You’re not alone. Many special education teachers, service providers, and IEP team members struggle with understanding which data matters most and how to use it effectively.In this episode, we break down the ten types of data you should know. You’ll learn what each type is, why it matters, and how it can help you write stronger IEPs, track progress more clearly, and approach team meetings with confidence.We also cover why understanding your data matters in the first place. Different types of data serve different purposes—some guide instruction, some provide insight into student behavior, and some are essential for compliance and eligibility. Knowing which type of data you’re collecting helps you balance your collection, fill gaps, and advocate from a place of clarity.By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about the data you collect and how to use it to support your students.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
If you’re a general education teacher, you carry a lot—lesson plans, classroom management, and the needs of every learner who walks through your door. But when it comes to IEPs, it can be easy to feel unsure of your role or even overlooked.In this episode, Stephanie brings both general and special education teachers into the conversation to talk about what real collaboration looks like. She shares why the gen ed role matters so much, what often keeps these teachers from feeling valued, and how both sides can work together to better support students with IEPs.You’ll hear:Why the general education teacher’s perspective is essential at the IEP tableThe mindset shifts that lead to stronger teamwork and real inclusionHow gen ed teachers can feel more confident in supporting IEP goalsFive practical ways to show up prepared, informed, and ready to collaborateThis episode is all about teamwork, communication, and the impact that happens when every teacher feels seen, heard, and equipped to help their students succeed.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
Today we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked but makes all the difference in how your classroom runs. Team building. It’s not something that always shows up in your IEP goals or service minutes, but you feel it when it’s missing. When the team isn’t clicking, when paras don’t feel supported, when everyone’s running in their own lane, it shows.The truth is, your team needs to click. You need your paras, and they need you. When the adults in the classroom work well together, everyone benefits, including the students.Team building isn’t a one time thing you check off a list. It’s ongoing. It’s maintenance. Stronger teams mean better support for your students, and that kind of collaboration doesn’t just happen, it’s built intentionally.In this episode, Stephanie shares six simple team building ideas that are easy to implement but have a powerful impact. From icebreakers that actually serve a purpose, to appreciation notes, to role playing crisis scenarios and creating space for social connection, these ideas help shift your classroom culture in real, lasting ways.Because when you build up the adults in the classroom, you build up the students too, and that’s what really matters.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
If you’ve ever felt unsure about why a student is acting out or how to best support their needs, this episode will help you make sense of it all.Stephanie shares practical ways to assess student behavior with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re prepping for an FBA, tracking classroom behaviors, or trying to figure out what’s really going on with a student, this conversation will help you take meaningful action.You’ll learn:Why behavior assessments matter (and how they’re more than just checklists)Six effective tools you can use to assess student behaviorHow to choose the right tool for your student or situationPractical ways to turn your observations into confident advocacyYou’ll also hear strategies for observing behaviors, recognizing differences between home and school, and identifying the skills a student may be missing.If you’ve been struggling to understand or support challenging behaviors, this episode offers supportive insight and tools you can start using right away.Learn about the Four Functions of BehaviorAnd don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
In this episode, Stephanie welcomes Nichole for an important conversation about keeping trauma informed practices in IEPs. This episode is pulled straight from the members only training vault, giving you a peek inside one of the powerful conversations usually reserved for members.Together, they explore what it truly means to be trauma informed and why this understanding is essential in today’s classrooms. Nichole shares how shifting our reactions and responses through a trauma informed lens can make a lasting difference for students. She also explains how these practices can be written directly into IEPs to create meaningful, long term support.Here’s what Stephanie and Nichole cover in today’s episode:• What it means to be trauma informed in the classroom• Why this mindset is so important for both teachers and students• The one golden question that helps reframe reactions and responses• How trauma informed practices can be reflected in a student’s IEP• What changes you might see when trauma informed strategies are used consistently• Ways educators can stay regulated and model calm for students and support staffIf this conversation helps you rethink how you write and implement IEPs, share it with another educator who could benefit from it.And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
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