Hosts Ryan Rarick (Education Pathway Teacher/Instructional Coach and 2026 UACTE Teacher of the Year) and Lauren Merkley (2020 Utah Teacher of the Year) discuss special education with Teacher Fellows Shannon Neeley, a ninth-grade special education math teacher who co-teaches and teaches solo, and Sydney Whatcott, a K–2 special education teacher who frequently pushes into classrooms and pulls small groups for academics and social skills. They note 7.5 million U.S. students qualify for IEPs, special educators have dropped 17%, and many students spend most of their time in general education. Shannon describes co-teaching models like parallel teaching, stations, and one teach/one assist, plus consultation on accommodations and behavior. Both guests address misconceptions about disability and low expectations, emphasizing access, high expectations, and student success, and share what they love: relationships and foundational growth (Sydney) and data, meetings, and protective IEP documentation (Shannon).

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:27 Why Special Education Matters

02:18 Meet Shannon and Sydney

03:18 What SPED Looks Like Daily

06:10 Co-Teaching That Works

12:07 Misconceptions and Mindsets

16:49 What They Love Most

20:57 Final Advice and Takeaways

26:25 Wrap Up and Subscribe

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Shannon Neeley - 9th Grade Special Education Math Teacher
  • Instagram:@spedmathwithmrsneeley
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-neeley-a6053616b/
• Sydney Whatcott - Early Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Instagram:@risewithroom15

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• USBE - Special Education Services

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

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Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.