Surprise! April had five Wednesdays, so you're getting a bonus episode to wrap up our Inclusion Series—and this one is all about action.

Throughout the month, we’ve broken down the barriers to inclusion, defined what inclusion really means, explored reverse inclusion, and shared how to build strong inclusive teams. But there’s one piece we haven’t covered yet: how to actually implement inclusion successfully.

In this episode, I’m sharing practical, realistic tips to help you support students in general education settings with confidence and purpose—whether you’re a special education teacher, paraprofessional, or co-teaching partner.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why “hovering” isn't the best strategy—and what to do instead
• How to use roaming support to increase student independence
• Ideas for using small group instruction effectively in inclusive classrooms
• What true co-teaching should look like and feel like
• The biggest dos and don’ts for providing support during inclusion
• How to keep collaboration strong and student dignity intact

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusion isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about taking small, intentional steps to help every student feel seen, valued, and supported.
• The less you are doing for your students, the BETTER you are doing your job!

✨ Free Resource Alert!

To celebrate the week before Teacher Appreciation Week, I’ve teamed up with 12 amazing special education educators to give you a bundle of FREE resources!
From task boxes to IEP tools, impact statement support to classroom visuals—you’ll find tons of useful goodies for your program.

👉 Click here to grab your freebies (**You'll click this link to opt-in to each contributor's email list to receive the freebies**)

Or head to spedprepacademy.com/podcast to sign up for the newsletter and get access there, too.

• Sign up for the weekly newsletter: spedprepacademy.com/podcast
• Follow me on Instagram: @spedprepacademy
• Leave a review or share the episode with a fellow educator!

Thanks for hanging out with me today. You’re doing amazing work—and you’re never alone on this journey. 💛

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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Inclusion sounds amazing in theory—but in practice? It can feel scary, complicated, and even a little overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m addressing into the real-world barriers that can stand in the way of building inclusive classrooms… and sharing what we can do to push past them. From time constraints and unclear roles to limited resources and resistance from staff, we’re talking about the tough stuff—and how to respond with creativity, teamwork, and intention.

You’ll walk away from this episode with a knowledge of common barriers keeping us from implementing inclusion and practical tips you can implement right away, whether you're a new special education teacher or a veteran navigating a tough team dynamic.

What You'll Learn:

• Common barriers to inclusion
  • Administration
  • Teachers
  • Students
• How to advocate for time to collaborate with general education teachers
• Tips for clarifying roles and responsibilities on inclusion teams
• The importance of building a culture of belonging for all students
• A real-life example of simple, inclusive differentiation using colored paper

Links & Resources:

• Join the weekly newsletter for exclusive content & freebies: spedprepacademy.com/podcast
• Looking for strategies to improve team communication? Check out my Conversation Skills: Tips for Courageous Conversations resource on TpT
• Follow me on Instagram: @spedprepacademy
• Email me: jennifer@spedprepacademy.com – I love hearing your stories!

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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This third segment in our April inclusion series discusses the crucial aspect of building successful inclusion teams. If you missed the earlier discussions on the core principles of inclusion and reverse inclusion strategies, be sure to check out the previous episodes.

Today, we focus on the importance of teamwork in providing inclusive classrooms for our students because true inclusivity cannot be achieved single-handedly.

Key Insights:

1. The Power of Teamwork:
   • Effective inclusion requires a united team where general education teachers, paraprofessionals, specialists, and special education teachers communicate openly and share clear roles.
   • Challenges arise when inclusion is treated as a checkbox item, leading to frustration and a lack of genuine inclusivity.
2. Why Teamwork Is Non-Negotiable in Inclusion:
   • Inclusion must be a shared mindset, not just a physical setting, necessitating clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect among all team members.
3. 5 Steps to Effective Inclusion:
   • Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Use tools like expectation sheets and weekly planning templates to clarify who does what, enhancing confidence and effectiveness.
   • Support Paraprofessionals with Purpose: Provide adequate training, clear instructions, and regular feedback to paraprofessionals to ensure they are valuable, informed team members.
   • Choose the Right Co-Teaching Model: Select from various co-teaching models to find the best fit for your classroom dynamics and educational goals.
   • Use Scheduling and Planning Tools: Implement tools like Google Calendar and visual schedules to manage logistics and ensure consistent, compliant support.
   • Address Challenges Proactively: Encourage regular team check-ins to discuss what’s working, address challenges, and refine strategies to prevent issues from escalating.

This episode outlines a straightforward five-step process to boost your inclusion efforts. Remember, effective inclusion starts with a well-coordinated team where every member understands their role and contributes towards a common goal.

If you'd like a FREE Inclusion Planning Sheet, sign up for the weekly newsletter at www.spedprepacademy.com/podcast.

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

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We are continuing the theme of Inclusion during the month of April.

In my opinion, inclusion is one of the most important things that we can do for our students, but finding ways to do that can be challenging, especially when your program is self-contained and when your students are with you, the majority, if not all, of the school day.

You're going to have to get creative in finding those opportunities. And that's where today's guests come in.

Megan and Jen from Moms Managing Behavior have created a program in their school where they are doing some reverse inclusion. I found this idea and this conversation very enlightening, so I hope you do too.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Defining Successful Inclusion
• Implementing Reverse Inclusion
• Training for Inclusion
• The Impact of Reverse Inclusion
• Advice for Educators-Where to begin

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Megan and Jen’s initiatives and professional development services at Moms Managing Behavior.
• Moms Managing Behavior TPT store
• Instagram and Facebook: @momsmanagingbehavior
  
  

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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Inclusion is a word we hear constantly—in IEP meetings, PD sessions, and school mission statements. But for many special educators, inclusion still feels more like a buzzword than a practical reality.

In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, I discuss what inclusion really means—and why it’s more than just placing a student in a general education seat. I share my personal perspective on the true purpose of special education, offer real-life stories that bring inclusion to life, and outline 5 inclusive practices that special educators and paraprofessionals can use to create more meaningful opportunities for students with disabilities.

Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned educator, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to take action—because inclusion isn’t just a philosophy. It’s a practice.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why “inclusion” has become a buzzword—and how we can move beyond it
• The real-life impact of inclusive experiences for students with disabilities
• How inclusion builds empathy and understanding for all students
• Why full-time self-contained placements should not be the default
• 5 actionable strategies to help teachers and paras support inclusion every day

Unfortunately, inclusion is often talked about, but not always backed up with systems, supports, or intentionality.

That’s where you come in.

As special education teachers, you are often the bridge—the connector between students who need the support and the general education settings we want them to thrive in. Inclusion isn’t just a general education or special education responsibility.

It’s a team effort.

And we play a vital role in making it happen.

So here’s your challenge for the week:
Think about one classroom, one teacher, or one team that you could support in becoming just a little more inclusive.

>>Maybe it’s a conversation.
>>>>Maybe it’s a strategy share.
>>>>>>Maybe it’s helping someone see a student’s potential in a new light.

Whatever it is—your voice matters. Your expertise matters. And your students deserve classrooms built with them in mind.

Resources Mentioned:

• Prompting Hierarchy Visual

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

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In this final installment of our series on assistive technology (AT), I want to provide you with a way to effectively plan and implement AT within your IEPs. This episode provides educators with a comprehensive toolkit designed to ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed and gain independence in their learning environments.

What You'll Learn:

• How to effectively integrate assistive technology into IEPs.
• Strategies for involving all stakeholders in the AT planning process.
• An overview of the Assistive Technology Toolkit, including input forms and planning guides.
• Success stories demonstrating the transformative impact of assistive technology on student independence and learning.

Featured in This Episode:

• The Assistive Technology Toolkit: An essential resource for educators, including student, family, and teacher input forms; an evaluation & planning guide; and a resource ring with over 600 AT solutions.

The toolkit includes an Evaluation, Input Forms, Planning Guide & a Data Tracking form as well as a 65 card resource ring and digital input forms for students, families and teachers.

• Success Story: Hear about Emily, a student who found new independence through the use of a calculator, illustrating the profound impact of tailored assistive technology solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Assistive Technology Toolkit: Available for purchase on the Sped Prep Academy Teachers Pay Teachers store. Remember, if you’re on our email list, watch your inbox for a special deal on this toolkit!
• Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Get this toolkit at a discount, updates on new episodes, information on sales, and much more by signing up at www.spedprepacademy.com/podcast

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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Welcome to this episode of Special Education for Beginners, where we are continuing the discussion on assistive technology in special education. As we continue this series, today's episode focuses on how to build sustainable systems that endure and evolve with our educational needs and changes. Joining us is Paige Buckingham, the Assistive Technology Lead Facilitator for Kansas Infinitec, who has been instrumental in training districts, including mine, to integrate and sustain assistive technology effectively.

Talking Points:

1. What sustainability means in the context of assistive technology and why it's crucial not just to introduce tools but to integrate them as long-lasting components of educational plans
2. Discuss the centralized and distributed models of assistive technology implementation. Learn how these models affect the roles of IEP teams and the overall effectiveness of technology integration
3. Importance of training educators and staff to ensure that assistive technology tools are not only implemented but are also effectively used to enhance student learning experiences
4. Address common challenges that districts face in maintaining assistive technology systems and the innovative solutions that can help overcome these obstacles
5. Insights into the resources available for districts to enhance their assistive technology practices, including state guides, action checklists, and professional development opportunities

Conclusion: Remember, building a sustainable assistive technology environment is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to student success. Be sure to tune in for our next episode, where we will put everything discussed this month into action, from AT evaluations to integrating AT into IEPs based on individual student needs. Thank you for joining us, and continue to advocate for the impactful integration of technology in special education.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Paige through Kansas Infinitec

• Kansas AT Guide
• Learn more about TASN/Infinitec
• Email Paige pbuckingham@ucpnet.org
  
  

Learn more from Paige
pbuckingham.com
Instagram @BESTskills4life
YouTube channel- BESTskills4life

If you found value in today’s episode, please subscribe to the podcast, share it with other educators or parents, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to support the special education community with valuable insights and resources.

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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Today we're going beyond the basics of Assistive Technology and exploring its expansive potential to transform educational experiences for students with special needs. Joining us today is Brian, CEO of RoboKind, who brings a wealth of experience with over 15 years in educational technology leadership. We'll be discussing:

• The challenges teachers face with understanding and implementing AT.
• How RoboKind's innovative technologies are providing real solutions that align with educational standards and IEP requirements.
• The role of data in customizing educational experiences to improve student outcomes.
• Success stories that highlight the transformative effects of RoboKind's technologies in classrooms.
• The future of educational technology and the trends shaping it, with a special focus on AI and personalization for exceptional connections.

Talking Points:

• What RoboKind is and how its technology stands out in the field of AT
• Specifics of how RoboKind's technology works—no prep, standards and IEP alignment, and evidence-based approaches
• Innovative strategies like the use of virtual avatars and multi-sensory training tools to engage students
• Stories of how RoboKind has been instrumental in student success and classroom transformation
• Discussion on how these technologies support mastery-based learning and inclusion.

Brian's insights remind us of the powerful impact that innovative tech can have on special education settings. Remember, the key to successful integration of AT is understanding its scope and potential to help our student access life easier.

Learn more about Robokind at robokind.com/teachers

Connect with Brian at Robokind

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I'm so happy that Chelsea reached out after learning about this podcast from Dawn at Be the Exception Podcast. I'd love for you to listen to her podcast as well and learn even more about the world of special education!

Hey special educator…Do you feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water? Like you're stuck in the same old routines, wondering how to make a bigger impact in your classroom? Well, I’ve got something special just for you. I’m excited to offer a unique opportunity to take your teaching to the next level. I’m ready to step outside my district to offer individualized coaching calls designed to offer person

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