Be The Exception In Special Education

We often feel like writing an IEP is the most difficult thing in our jobs as special educators. But if you break down the process, it can actually feel doable instead of overwhelming. Stephanie DeLussey from Mrs. D's Corner and the Intentional IEP joins me in this week's episode to discuss the 4 rules of writing an effective IEP. By learning to ask for help and working through some simple professional development, you will be well on your way to being an IEP master. In this episode you will learn: The benefits of including the parent in the IEP How to learn the laws of IEPs without reading the entire law  How to understand how the pieces of an IEP fit together About using what you already have in place and adapting it to fit the new   This summer, Stephanie is hosting a professional development geared towards all things special education! The line-up is impressed and jam-packed with actionable takeaways so you don't want to miss it. It is actually summer professional development that you can implement in your classroom this fall. Click here to learn more information.     Links and Resources What To Do Freebie Summer PD Series   IEP Week  The Intentional IEP Training    Connect with Stephanie Mrs. D's Corner The Intentional IEP   Connect with Dawn Find me on IG Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Do you know the most important thing that you can do as a teacher outside of forming relationships with your students? It is forming relationships with their parents! But how are you supposed to do that when there seems to be so many obstacles in the way...time, language barriers, and so much more.   In this week's episode I am chatting with Heather from Full Sped Ahead to help you overcome all those obstacles and feel empowered in your relationships with parents.  In this episode you will learn: The benefits of surveying parents as soon as you know your caseload names. How to adapt materials to meet parents where they are. How to set boundaries with communication. About being positive from the beginning so the tough stuff isn't so hard later on Links and Resources Any resources mentioned or can be linked   Connect with Heather Parent Communication Blog Posts: https://fullspedahead.com/parent-communication/ Parent BTS Form Opt In: https://bit.ly/3iF3sA9 Parent IEP Input Form Opt In: https://bit.ly/3vvjZcy https://fullspedahead.com https://www.instagram.com/full_sped_ahead/ https://www.facebook.com/fullSPEDahead Connect with Dawn Find me on IG Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Mid-year IEP revisions don't have to be stressful. Learn how to review student progress, adjust goals, and revise services with ease using templates and team input. Body: The holidays are approaching—and so are mid-year IEP reviews. In Episode 292 of Be The Exception, Dawn shares practical strategies for updating IEPs based on Q2 progress and real-time data. Learn how to: Know when to revise an IEP mid-year Use academic + behavior data to guide changes Collaborate with your team to make smart service adjustments Use amendment templates to save time 🎧 Tune in for tips that will help you walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence (and way less stress). 🧠 Access the full set of editable IEP review tools inside The Exceptional Collective.  

 Feeling behind on data collection before midyear IEPs? This episode is here to help. In Episode 291 of Be The Exception, Dawn walks you through how to track behavior and academic growth in ways that actually work for busy special education teachers. You'll learn: What types of data to collect before the holidays How to track both academic and behavior on the same form What patterns to look for before revising IEP goals Ways to make your system para-friendly and sustainable If you're prepping for January IEP meetings, this episode will help you walk in with confidence and clarity. 🎧 Tune in now + grab the editable data tracker inside The Exceptional Collective.  

 In this episode, Dawn shares how to use seasonal adapted units like Fall Leaves and Thanksgiving to hit AAC, core vocabulary, math, and reading goals in special ed classrooms. Seasonal doesn't mean shallow. In this episode of BTE, I'm walking you through how I use my Fall Leaves and Thanksgiving-themed adapted units to build communication and core vocabulary—without adding more to my plate. You'll hear: Why seasonal units improve engagement How I hit multiple IEP goals with one activity Easy ways to incorporate AAC, fine motor, reading, and math What's included in the Fall Leaves unit How to set up paras to run stations with confidence Whether you're a new SPED teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you real-life ways to simplify and strengthen your November planning. 🎧 Listen now + grab the Fall Leaves Unit today. 👉 TPT Fall Leaves Unit 👉 Exceptional Collective Link 👉 Fall Fine Motor Freebie + free Digital Slides November Leaves Blog Post Thanksgiving Ideas for Special Education Classrooms

 Learn three easy, respectful ways to acknowledge Veterans Day in your special education classroom. No complex crafts or prep required—just meaningful, inclusive ideas that build gratitude and community. Veterans Day is a meaningful opportunity to teach students about respect, service, and gratitude. But in special education, we often need to simplify, scaffold, and reduce prep—without losing the heart behind the lesson. In this episode of Be The Exception, I'm sharing three low-prep ideas to bring Veterans Day to life in your SPED classroom: Visual "Thank You" card activities with sentence starters Books and videos paired with simple communication builders A collaborative "Wall of Honor" display to include families and staff Each activity can be adapted for non-verbal learners, AAC users, and mixed ability levels—and they require minimal prep. 🎧 Listen now for ideas you can use this week. 🧡 Grab the full resource inside The Exceptional Collective Veterans' Day Freebie Full Veterans' Day Adapted Resource American Symbols Social Studies Veterans' Day Blog Post    

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I'm sharing 5 real things I've learned to do differently after the first quarter of the school year. These are the shifts I make when the fall honeymoon fades, behaviors spike, and burnout starts creeping in. If you're nodding "yep" to all of that—this one's for you. Inside the episode, we'll cover: Why I stop reinventing my centers The power of reviewing, not re-teaching What I always prep before November gets wild Why visuals matter more than ever in Q2 How to weave seasonal fun into academic goals You'll also get a peek at what's inside The Exceptional Collective this month—including Fall Leaves math + reading, Carrots SEL, Main Idea + Counting to 50 units, and more. 🎧 Listen now—and rethink how you're approaching November. 👉🏼 Join The Exceptional Collective today to get access to all these resources and more. Link in show notes! Links and Resources Fall Leaves Unit Carrots SEL   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Halloween brings costumes, candy, and plenty of opportunities for communication. By weaving AAC into seasonal lessons, you can boost engagement and make learning stick. In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn: How to role-play trick-or-treating with AAC tools. Fun ways to label and describe costumes. A Halloween SEL activity using spider emotions. Links and Resources Halloween Freebie   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

AAC isn't something you "add on." It's something you embed into the routines you're already doing. In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn: How to incorporate AAC into morning meetings, transitions, and centers. Real classroom examples of students engaging when AAC became part of routines. Tips for keeping paras and related service staff consistent. Plus, I'll share how my Core Boards and Adapted Books with AAC supports make AAC practical and accessible in every classroom. 👉 Listen now + grab the resources. Links and Resources     Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Non-verbal doesn't mean non-communicative. Every student has a voice — and with the right tools, we can help them use it. In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn: ✅ Why aided language input is a game-changer ✅ How to use partner-assisted scanning for students with limited motor skills ✅ Ways to build consistency with visuals across your classroom ✅ How to train your team with the Para Handbook so communication doesn't fall apart when you're not in the room 🎓 Ready to go deeper? Join me for the AAC Workshop — where I'll walk you through how to implement communication systems in a way that works for your classroom. 🎉 Free for Exceptional Collective members 📩 Replays available 🧾 PD Certificate included 🔗 Sign up here Links and Resources Halloween Resources for the Special Education Classroom   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

AAC isn't just for non-verbal students. It's a powerful tool that supports communication for all students in special education classrooms. In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn: Why AAC matters for every student — not just those without verbal speech. Easy ways to start modeling core words every day. How to make AAC feel doable, not overwhelming. Plus, I'll share how our membership training, Say It Without Speaking, gives you practical, low-stress strategies and ready-to-use visuals to bring AAC into your daily routines. 👉 Join The Exceptional Collective today to access the training, visuals, and a community of teachers making communication a priority. Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

You can't be everywhere in your classroom — but your paras can help you capture the data you need to make smart instructional decisions. In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn: How to train paras in data collection without overwhelming them. Simple systems that make data logging easy and consistent. How to use tools like my Para Handbook to set expectations from day one. 🎯 Links & Resources: Blog: Training New Paraprofessionals in Special Education Paraprofessional Training Manual Exceptional Data Simplified Course   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Ever feel like you're teaching on autopilot because you've been working on the same IEP goal for months? Here's the truth: data — not instinct — should guide your next move. In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I'm sharing what it really means to be data-driven, how to track and use academic, behavior, and functional skill data, and when it's time to adjust IEP goals. I'll also walk you through real classroom examples and show you how built-in progress monitoring sheets (included in my academic bundles) can simplify the process so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on meaningful instruction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What "data-driven" means in special education beyond compliance How to collect and interpret academic, behavior, and functional skills data Practical examples of data tracking you can use right away When and how to adjust IEP goals for student success Simple tools to make data collection seamless during instruction   Links and Resources Science Units for Self-Contained Special Ed Social Studies Units for Self-Contained Special Ed   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Most progress notes are too vague to be useful. But when you write them with clarity and intention, they become powerful tools for instruction and advocacy. In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn: The 4-part formula for writing progress notes that tell a story. How to connect your data directly to your instructional decisions. Real examples of vague vs. meaningful notes. Plus, I'm sharing my free guide to help you Tackle Progress Reports Like a Pro so you can save time and stress less. 🎯 Links & Resources: Free Guide: Tackle Progress Reports Like a Pro Exceptional Data Simplified Course   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Progress monitoring is one of those things in special education that can either be your best friend or your biggest headache. I've lived both extremes. In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I'm sharing: Why progress monitoring is more than a compliance task. The top mistakes I've made (and how you can skip them). My favorite tools that actually make data collection doable. You'll hear about my hybrid system that blends the speed of paper with the power of digital, plus real strategies you can start this week to make your data work for you. If progress monitoring has ever made you feel overwhelmed, this episode will help you cut through the chaos and create a system you can actually stick with. Links and Resources Progress Monitoring Templates Exceptional Data Simplified Course   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Wish your classroom could run more smoothly without you constantly being the glue that holds everything together? In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to templates and systems that save time, reduce stress, and help paraprofessionals thrive. From data collection and IEP meeting tools to para training binders and daily systems, you'll walk away with practical ways to create an efficient, supportive classroom that works—even when you're pulled in ten directions.     💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: What templates save the most time in special ed classrooms How to batch print, prep visuals, and build a monthly system How to train paraprofessionals clearly and consistently Why reference binders and task lists help your team succeed Simple daily/weekly systems that reduce decision fatigue Links and Resources Templates for SPED Blog Post Training New Paraprofessionals Blog Post   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective  

Struggling with chaos during transitions, arrival, or center time? You might have a routine problem—not a student problem. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to teach and reinforce daily classroom routines in a self-contained special education setting. You'll learn how to build routines that support independence, reduce challenging behaviors, and make your classroom run like clockwork. Plus, we'll talk about how to get paras and support staff on board with consistent systems from Day One. 💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to teach routines using visuals and repeated modeling The top 3 routines to focus on during the first week of school How to build structure into high-stress times like arrival & dismissal Ways to align your team and support staff with the same expectations How to avoid routine overwhelm and build slowly, one step at a time Links and Resources 🛍 Visual Routine Tools & Para Training Materials: The Exceptional Collective 📥 Free Classroom Setup Webinar (includes zone/routine checklist)   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

 Trying to juggle reading, science, and social studies in your special ed classroom without losing your mind? I've got you. In this episode, I'm breaking down simple, strategic ways to plan and implement adapted curriculum across three core subjects—without needing an extra hour in the day. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned SPED pro, these tips will help you streamline your planning, engage your students, and meet IEP goals with confidence. You'll also get three of my favorite freebies to support your classroom planning right now.     💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why curriculum planning matters more than ever in special education How to structure adapted reading lessons with visuals and repetition What to focus on in science and social studies for self-contained classrooms Tips to integrate literacy into content areas and reinforce learning throughout the day Time-saving tools to make curriculum manageable and aligned Links and Resources 🎁 Reading Freebie 🎁 Science Freebie 🎁 Social Studies Freebie 🛍 Special Ed Curriculum Bundle   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Back-to-school season is officially here—and whether it's your first year or your fifteenth, setting up a functional, organized, and calm classroom can feel like a lot. In this episode, I'm walking you through practical classroom setup tips specifically designed for self-contained special education classrooms. You'll learn how to create student-centered zones that actually work, set up visuals and systems that support independence, and avoid the common setup traps that lead to chaos instead of calm. I'll also share some of my favorite go-to tools and organization hacks that have saved me hours (and my sanity) every school year. Plus, don't miss the free Classroom Setup Webinar—packed with examples, walkthroughs, and a printable checklist to help you set up your space without the stress. 🧩 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why classroom setup can make or break your first month back How to define and structure classroom "zones" that work for your students' needs What visuals, tools, and furniture actually help (and what to skip) How to set up your teacher space to avoid burnout midweek Ways to organize your materials for smooth daily routines The mindset shift from Pinterest-perfect to functionally fabulous   Links and Resources 🎁 Free Classroom Setup Webinar:  Get my exact framework, zone examples, and printable setup checklist. 🛍 Back-to-School Bundle for Special Education: Includes classroom labels, visual schedules, checklists, and more. 📋 Special Education Case Manager Bundle: Organize your caseload, notes, and parent communication all in one place.   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of chaos (hello, Monday mornings!), then this episode is your go-to guide for turning the madness into magic. ✨ In today's episode, we're diving into: Why functionality is everything in a special education classroom The must-have tools that simplify your day (yes, visual schedules = lifesavers!) How to set up efficient zones that make transitions smooth and expectations clear Simple systems that save you tons of time (spoiler: batch-laminating = genius) My favorite ready-to-use resources to help you hit the ground running 💡 Whether you're a classroom setup queen or still figuring out where to put the laminator, this episode is packed with easy wins to keep your space organized, your students supported, and your stress levels low. Links and Resources Special Education Case Manager Bundle Back-To-School Bundle for Special Education Special Education Curriculum Bundle   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store The Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!