We spend so much time preparing for IEP meetings—writing goals, gathering data, pulling everything together—yet when we finally sit down at the table, the words we use can make or break the entire conversation.

There are a handful of phrases that can instantly shift the tone of a meeting, and not in a good way. Some of them come out of habit, others because we’re trying to save time or keep things moving. But here’s the thing: what we don’t say is just as important as what we do say.

In this episode, Stephanie will:

• Share more than 10 phrases to avoid during an IEP meeting
• Explain why comments like “we only have an hour” or “there’s no way we can increase their minutes” can shut down collaboration
• Offer practical alternatives that keep conversations positive, strengths-focused, and student-centered
• Give tips for navigating tricky moments with confidence and professionalism
• Help you create smoother, more collaborative meetings where families feel heard.

If you’ve ever left a meeting wishing it had gone more smoothly, this episode will give you practical swaps, helpful reminders, and the confidence to navigate IEP meetings without stress. Because when the team works well together, the student always wins.

IEP Meeting Agendas: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/product/editable-meeting-amendment/

And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

If you teach in a general education classroom, this episode is for you. Students with IEPs are in your class every day, and knowing how to read, understand, and use those IEPs makes a real difference—for your students and for your teaching. This episode gives you practical, clear guidance to feel confident supporting every learner.

Here’s what we’ll cover together:

• What inclusion really means (and why it’s more than just a trend).
• The difference between accommodations and modifications—explained simply.
• How service time works, and what role you play in it.
• Why related service providers—like OTs, speech therapists, and counselors—are your secret classroom allies.
• How your observations and input make IEP meetings stronger and more accurate.
• And the big one: why yes, YOU can provide services too.

This isn’t about being perfect or becoming a special education expert. It’s about practical steps you can use right now to support every student in your classroom with more confidence.

Grab the Bundle of Input Forms

And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

Let’s be honest — writing IEP goals can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between annual goals, objectives, and benchmarks. In this episode, Stephanie breaks it all down so you can finally feel confident and clear about what you’re writing and why it matters.

You’ll learn how the annual goal acts as the big-picture target for the year, while objectives break that goal into smaller, manageable skills that build toward success. Benchmarks, on the other hand, show progress over time within that same skill — helping you track growth without adding extra complexity.

Stephanie shares real-life examples from math, reading, and writing, and walks through how to write each piece using S.M.A.R.T. criteria, so your goals are not just paperwork but meaningful guides for your teaching.

This episode also tackles the common confusion between objectives and benchmarks, what your state might require, and why writing clear, scaffolded goals makes your life easier—from lesson planning to progress monitoring and communicating with families.

If you want to stop guessing and start writing goals that truly support your students’ growth, this episode is a must-listen.

And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep