Claim OwnershipSpecial Educators Resource Room Podcast: Real Talk for Special Education Teachers
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© 2025 Special Educators Resource Room Podcast: Real Talk for Special Education Teachers
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Special Educators Resource Room with Jennifer DeBrosse is the podcast for busy special education teachers. Whether you’re brand new to the world of special education or an experienced teacher, this podcast will provide time-saving solutions for any busy special educator.
Get ready to move things off your special educator plate without feeling like you have to live at school.
I’m your host, Jennifer DeBrosse. I’m dual-certified, have been in education for over 25 years, and spent time in both the inclusion classroom and the resource room setting. I was also a special education instructional coach and mentor to hard-working educators just like you.
Tune in each week for quick action-packed episodes. They will be short, sweet, and to the point because I know how busy you are. I’m on a mission to help you get your time back!
Let’s connect! You can find more special education support at: Positively Learning Blog (PS: while you’re there, be sure to grab the free Special Educators Cheat Sheets!)
154 Episodes
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That paper stack on your desk? It’s not your imagination—it really is multiplying. In this spooky Halloween episode, I’m sharing how I handle the paperwork before it becomes overwhelming. From what I actually keep (and what I confidently toss) to the simple folder system that saves my sanity, you’ll learn how to tame the paper pile without needing to become a color-coded superhero. I’ll also walk you through the 5-minute daily routine I use to stop the clutter from building up again. This i...
Ever feel like IEP implementation is a full-time job… on top of your *actual* full-time job? In this episode, I’m breaking down my go-to system for staying on top of IEP goals without reinventing the wheel. It’s called the "IEP Work Bin"—and once you’ve got one set up, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. We’ll cover: * What to include in a student’s work bin * How to set one up even if you didn’t write the IEP * Why assessment tools go in *first* * How task boxes, file folders, an...
What happens when you're expected to train your paraprofessional team... but you're not given any time to actually do it? In this episode, we're keeping it real with practical tips for special educators who are trying to lead a team while managing everything else. Whether you're brand-new to managing paras or have been doing it for years, you’ll find helpful ideas you can start using today—no sit-down meeting required. Paraprofessional Support Kit: https://positivelylearningblog.com/tips-...
Tired of feeling like you’re already behind by October? You’re not alone. The truth is, you’re not behind because you’re doing something wrong—you’re behind because there’s that much on your plate. In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, I’ll help you reset, cut through the noise, and make a plan you can actually follow. You’ll learn: ✅ Why October feels like the tipping point for so many teachers ✅ How to brain dump without spiraling into panic ✅ A simple way to...
Tired of spending hours hunting for the right student tasks? In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, I’ll show you how to cut through the overwhelm and find exactly what your students need — in just a couple of minutes. Think of it as your shortcut to less stress and more learning. This episode is extra special because it also has a video walkthrough version! You can following along on YouTube to see it all in action here: Positively Learning: https://youtu.be/-IXXKWSN...
How I’d differentiate a scripted math lesson Math Lesson - without doing more work: Eureka Math is a strong curriculum—but not every lesson is a perfect fit for your students. In this episode, I walk through exactly how I’d differentiate a 1st grade Eureka Math lesson (Module 1, Lesson 30) without adding more to your plate. You’ll hear how I’d: * Preteach key skills before the lesson * Simplify whole group instruction (without lowering expectations) * Choose which problems to foc...
Ever walk into a school that feels more like a family reunion than a functioning team? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m answering a real question from a high school special ed teacher trying to reset routines in a small school with *very established habits*—and a para who’s been running the show. We’ll talk about: * Why change is so hard in tight-knit school communities * How to observe systems *before* you try to fix them * What to do when your para is used to being “in charge” * Ho...
Planning for inclusion doesn’t have to mean creating a whole second lesson—or carrying the entire differentiation load by yourself. In this episode, I’m sharing three practical moves I use to make inclusion work without the overwhelm. Whether you’ve got five minutes to prep or five co-teachers to coordinate with, these strategies will help you focus on what matters most for your student. We’ll talk about how to choose one clear non-negotiable goal, how to pre-load support in ways that a...
In this episode, we're tackling one of the most frustrating realities in special education: when inclusion feels like a solo mission. I’m walking you through small, strategic ways to keep making progress—even when no one else seems to notice or care. We’ll talk about what’s really behind the resistance, how to build systems that speak for you, and why protecting your energy isn’t giving up—it’s how you stay in the game. Whether you’ve been there before or you’re in it right now, y...
If you’ve ever walked out of an IEP meeting thinking, “What just happened?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into what really causes meetings to go sideways—and how you can recover when they do. From unexpected conflict to missed cues and last-minute surprises, I’ll share what I’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to). We’ll walk through simple ways to prevent future breakdowns, handle tough moments in the moment, and reset after a rocky meeting. Whether you’re brand new...
"Paraprofessionals are distracting students by interrupting during lessons. What should I do?" - a frustrated special educator This episode breaks down the most common reasons paras step in at the wrong moments and how to address it without micromanaging or creating awkward tension. You'll learn how to set clear expectations, create collaborative feedback loops, and plan quiet support strategies that empower your para while keeping your instruction flowing. Whether you're new to managing a t...
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by everything you could be doing to prep for the week ahead, this episode is here to offer some much-needed clarity. I’m breaking down my planning rhythm by day—from prepping para support on Mondays to catching up and resetting on Fridays. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding a routine that keeps you (and your classroom) running smoothly. You’ll walk away with a framework you can tweak for your own schedule—whether you have a full room, a roll...
Back-to-school season brings excitement… and overwhelm. In this episode, I’m answering five real questions from special educators about what actually matters during those first few weeks. From what to prioritize in Week 1, to how to support (and redirect) a para, to what to do when you feel completely behind—this Q&A is all about practical advice and a little perspective. If you're feeling the pressure to do it all, this episode is your reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perf...
Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to mean laminating late into the night. In this episode, I’m breaking down what I really wish I had prepped before the school year began—things that made a lasting impact on student independence and classroom flow (and saved my sanity). Spoiler: it's not about perfection, it's about purpose. We’ll walk through the four key areas I focus on now: evergreen task boxes, visuals that teach routines from day one, a flexible planning framework based on skills (not th...
When the school day ends, it’s tempting to bolt out the door the second your last student leaves. But what if five intentional minutes could make tomorrow go smoother? In this episode, I’m sharing the Five-Minute Reset—an end-of-day habit that helps special educators walk into a calm, prepared classroom. I break down exactly what I reset (and why), how I make the habit stick, and how you can involve your students in the process to build independence. Whether you’re wrapping up a wild week or ...
If your independent work routine is starting to feel more frustrating than functional, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the three most common mistakes I see with independent work systems—and more importantly, how to fix them without tossing your whole setup. If you’re looking for sustainable routines that actually support your students and your teaching, you’re in the right place. Want ready-to-use resources to go with these strategies? Check out the Complete Independent Work Cl...
Are your classroom materials taking over? If you're tired of digging through bins or wondering where to put your ever-growing task card collection, this episode is for you. In Episode 136 of the Special Educators Resource Room podcast, I’m breaking down the PROS and CONS of binders, baskets, and bins—plus how to use each one with intention to support student independence and teacher sanity. You'll learn how to create a system that keeps materials organized, accessible, and ready to use—withou...
Everywhere you turn, there’s another summit, webinar, or workshop calling your name. ✋ While professional development can be powerful, your summer break doesn’t have to become one big to-do list. In this bonus episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt reminder that your time off isn’t a syllabus—and how to make space for rest and growth without the overwhelm. We’ll talk about: Why it’s okay (and necessary) to be selective about summer PDMy go-to “one thread” method for intentional professional growthW...
Color-coded bins. Rainbow task boxes. Laminated schedules with pastel tabs. We’ve seen it all… but does it actually help? In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room Podcast we’re cutting through the color-coded chaos. I’m sharing the real reason I use color coding in my classroom (hint: it has nothing to do with aesthetics). You’ll hear how I use stickers behind the scenes to keep track of skill areas, make my planning faster, and train team members—without confusing students or o...
If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what'...
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