91 episodes
STEPPING INTO SPECIAL EDUCATION, Special Education, SPED, Special Ed, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Management Michelle Vazquez, M.A.Ed., Special Education Teacher, Special Ed Teacher, IEP Writer, Special Education Teacher Coach
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- Education
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5.0 • 117 Ratings
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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!
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/steppingintospecialed
Instagram: www.instagram.com/steppingintospecialed
Connect: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com
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90. Resource Specialist Teacher vs Special Day Class Teacher: What’s the Difference?
Hey Special education Teacher,
Are you considering making a transition from SDC to RSP, or RSP to SDC? Have you wondered what the differences are between these positions?
In my 15 years of experience, I’ve spent 10 years as an SDC teacher before transitioning into my current role as an RSP teacher. I know that knowing and understanding the differences between these roles can be helpful when deciding which position is the best fit for you! So today, I am sharing the 7 biggest differences between the two positions as well as what I personally find to be the pros and cons for each. If you are considering making the transition from one position to the other, this episode is for you!
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 -
89. Transitional IEPs: What Are They and Quick Tips for Sped Teachers!
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 -
88. 9 Tips on How to Lessen State Test Anxiety for Students with Special Needs!
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 -
87. 5 Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with All Students!
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 -
86. Being Evaluated This Year? 8 Things You Must Include in Your Lesson Plan Before Your Next Observation as a Special Ed Teacher!
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 -
85. Top 3 Reasons to Focus on Behavior FIRST before Academics with Your Students with Disabilities!
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
Customer Reviews
Episode 74 Data Binders
This is my plug for Michelle, you Go girl, YOU ROCK🪨 I absolutely love all the wonderful tips she shares for special educators to be successful. I have not been able to listen to episodes regularly since the school year began but now that it is January and we are more than halfway through our school year I find that I need the extra encouragement!! In one of her latest episodes, episode 74. One of Michelle’s tips was about organizing data. In this episode, she talks about creating data binders to keep on the shelf next to a three hole punch for her and the paraprofessionals working in her room to utilize as a tool to help collect an organize data. I can’t wait to try it out🤩As a first year Special Education Teacher, I need as much wisdom as I can get to learn how to be the best that I can be at my job. from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you, Michellle.
Warm, encouraging, and packed with helpful tips!
I absolutely LOVE the way Michelle delivers such helpful, practical tips based on her own real-life experiences and invaluable lessons learned - in such a genuine, caring, grace-filled way. You really sense just her authentic encouragement, and it’s like having a cheerleader or big sister pouring into you as you listen!!
Love it!
I will be a first year special education teacher in less than a month! Listening to this podcast has definitely helped me learn and feel more confident in myself as a teacher. I love the variety of topics and I feel that I learn something from each podcast.
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