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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!)
124 Episodes
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Let’s talk data—but keep it simple. 💛 In this episode, I’m sharing three quick ways to track student progress without adding stress or paperwork to your day. No fancy spreadsheets required—just practical ideas you can actually use. You’ll hear how to: Use simple checklists you can grab and goSnap quick photos for visual documentationJot down observations you’re already noticingPlus, I’ll show you how to fit data collection into your routine, not add it on top. Because the best system? Is the ...
It’s time for a fresh start—but not just for your closet. In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we’re doing a little spring cleaning for your teaching systems! I'm tackling frequently asked questions from educators like you! Whether you’re just getting started or ready to shake off the winter blahs, this episode will give you practical steps—and a little peace of mind—as you reset your classroom routines. 🔗 Links Mentioned: Ep 120 Battling Decision Fatigue Ep 119 Spi...
They show up early, stay late, and hold the classroom together when everything feels like it’s falling apart—our paraprofessionals are true superheroes. In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 10 things every paraprofessional deserves to hear—but may not get to hear often enough. These simple yet powerful affirmations go beyond the typical “thank you” and help build the trust and appreciation our teams truly need. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words or felt like a gift just wasn’t...
Ever feel completely drained after making way too many decisions in a day? You’re not alone. Decision fatigue is real, and it’s affecting you, your students, and your teaching. Here's what you'll learn: ✅ What decision fatigue is and how it shows up in teaching and everyday life ✅ Why having too many choices isn’t always a good thing (yes, even when it comes to teaching resources!) ✅ Practical strategies to simplify your decision-making—so you can spend less time overthinking and more time t...
Feeling stuck in a small group slump? If your students are zoning out, constantly needing redirection, or just going through the motions, it might be time to shake things up! In this episode, we’re diving into simple, high-energy strategies to keep small groups engaging and effective—without turning your classroom into chaos. Because let’s be real—we need structure AND excitement, not a three-ring circus. 🎪😂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to structure small groups with a clear be...
Is independent work in your classroom actually working? Or does it feel more like a constant cycle of redirection, confusion, and prep overload? In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple, three-part system to help students work independently without constant interruptions. Plus, I’m offering you a FREE Teach & Task Playbook with three low-prep activities to help you get started today! 🎉 🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why independent work systems often fail (and how to fix it!...
Social stories can make a big difference in helping students navigate routines, social expectations, and behavior challenges. But how do you make sure they actually work? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down: ✅ What social stories are (and how Carol Gray developed them) ✅ Real-life examples of social stories for different student needs ✅ When to introduce a social story (so it’s helpful, not just reactive) ✅ A simple 5-sentence formula for writing an effective social story ✅ Pro-Tips to get ...
Ever had a general education teacher refer a student for an IEP, hoping for a classroom aide or a removal—but deep down, you knew that wasn’t likely to happen? 🙋♀️ In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life scenario where a gen ed teacher was struggling with a student’s behavior and looking for a quick fix. Instead of just saying “no” to the IEP request, I took a proactive approach to support BOTH the student and the teacher—without adding extra work to my plate. You’ll learn: ✅ How I used a...
Oops, you might be over-prompting! Let's fix that. Ever feel like your students could do more on their own—if only they weren’t so used to getting help? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into the prompt hierarchy and how using it the right way (and training paraprofessionals to do the same) can increase student independence instead of creating dependence on adult support. 🔹 What is a prompt hierarchy, and why does it matter? 🔹 How to train paraprofessionals to fade ...
Data collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially for paraprofessionals! In this episode, I’m breaking down simple, stress-free ways for paras to help track student progress without extra work. Learn how to make data collection quick, seamless, and part of the independent work routine using checklists, sticky notes, and even photos. If you’ve ever struggled with getting consistent progress monitoring—or worried about adding too much to a paraprofessional's plate—this episode is pack...
Templates have always been a game-changer for special educators, but what if there’s a way to take them even further? In this episode, we explore the next level of time-saving tools: custom AI. You’ll learn how templates and AI work together to save you time, reduce stress, and make recurring tasks like IEPs and progress reports feel easier. Plus, we’ll cover practical tips for getting started and address the pros and cons of using AI in your workflow. Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 83: S...
Life Skills 101: This episode breaks down everything you need to know about teaching life skills in a way that fits into your busy day. Learn what life skills really are, why they’re essential for student growth, and how to weave them into your daily routines without adding extra work. Ready for practical strategies you can put into place TODAY? What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The five key categories of life skills every student needs.How to teach life skills naturally througho...
Feeling burned out from saying “yes” to everything? In this episode, I’m diving into the art of setting boundaries and why saying “no” isn’t just okay—it’s essential. From managing requests from admin and parents to dealing with guilt and staying in control of your workload, we’ll explore practical strategies that will help you protect your energy and focus on what truly matters. What You’ll Learn: Why saying yes to everything leads to burnout.Practical tips for setting boundaries with admin,...
Data collection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m getting real about the struggles of tracking all the things and why most of us are doing way too much. You’ll learn how to streamline your data collection process, focus on what matters, and use tools like independent work systems to simplify your life. What You’ll Learn: Why more data doesn’t equal better teaching.Simple strategies to track meaningful progress without the overwhelm.How to use task boxes, file folders,...
Happy New Year! 🎉 In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most impactful changes you can make for your classroom in 2025: setting up an independent work system that actually works. Whether you’re new to task boxes or looking to refine your current setup, I’ll walk you through the essentials to save time, reduce chaos, and help your students thrive independently. Plus, I’m sharing a free, on-demand webinar that breaks it all down step by step—perfect for a fresh start this semester! Read...
🎉 Surprise! I’m popping in real quick with exciting news—it's GIVEAWAY time! You could win Lifetime Membership to the Complete Independent Work System—your ultimate tool for creating a calm, independent, and thriving classroom in 2025. This giveaway prize is valued at $240 per year and includes: ✅ Task boxes, work binders, and file folders. ✅ Time-saving tools to set up your independent work system. ✅ All the resources you need to empower student independence. Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Click t...
This week's podcast episode is for you if 1) you're unsure how to set goals that actually stick and 2) you're unsure if you even want to set goals for 2025. Ep 107 Teacher Goal Setting Yay or Nay? There's a free download that will help you organize your new and improved goals for the new year! Find it in Positively Learning's Free Resource Library (plus a TON of other teacher freebies): Click Here to Gain Access the Library: https://positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Check ou...
Is a family advocate attending your next IEP meeting and you're wondering what to expect? This episode is for you! Learn what a family advocate is there for and practical strategies for navigating the meeting. This episode is for special educators, but it's also full of ideas for the entire IEP team. Be sure to check out the previous episode all about communication - it's the perfect prelude to this episode: 105: Parent Communication: Let's Talk About It! If you were hopi...
This episode is full of scenarios every special educator has probably experienced at least a few times. Let's talk about some possible strategies and solutions with a focus on improving communication with parents and caregivers. I can't wait to hear what you think! Need a freebie to make the next step feel easier? https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Teacher-Input-Forms-Free-Editable-IEP-Meeting-Parent-Form-9929329 If you're a busy special education teacher looking ...
Thank you for tuning in to Special Educators Resource Room! This is a special episode all about finding your path to progress. Come take a tour of the Independent Work Clubhouse - a free resource hub that just opened up this week to members of the Task Box Dollar Club. Not a member yet? No worries, there's still helpful information for you ESPECIALLY if you're troubleshooting your own classroom systems. Be sure to click on over to see the inside of the clubhouse on YouTube: Independen...
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