If your IEP system only works because you are the one holding it all together, it is not actually a system yet. It is a dependency. And that is exactly what leads to burnout when staff changes happen, caseloads shift, or someone new steps into the role.

In this episode Stephanie breaks down what it really takes to build an IEP system that does not fall apart when people change, including the types of burnout that show up when systems are missing and the key shifts that create long term consistency and support for your team.

In this episode Stephanie discusses:

• The five types of burnout special education teachers experience when systems are not in place
• Why strong systems should support consistency even when staff changes happen
• The five foundational shifts that help build an IEP system that actually lasts

By the end of this episode you will start to see where your current system is holding strong and where it may be relying too heavily on you instead of supporting the team as a whole.

When academic goals are in place but a student still can’t access instruction, it may be behavior—not academics—that needs to be addressed first. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down how to recognize when behavior is the real barrier to learning, when it’s appropriate to shift IEP priorities, and how to use data to guide those decisions.

In this episode, Stephanie discusses:

• The difference between academic and behavior goals in an IEP
• Signs behavior is preventing access to instruction
• How to use data to support a temporary shift in goal focus

If this episode helped you rethink how you approach goal writing, be sure to share it with your team or another educator who might need the same perspective. For more support with writing effective, intentional IEPs, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next episode.

Not a member? Join Today — 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

In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie is talking about what general education teachers should bring to every IEP meeting. While special education teachers often lead the meeting, general education teachers play a critical role in making informed decisions. The key is coming prepared with data, not just observations.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why general education teachers should bring data on IEP goals, accommodations, and classroom performance.
• How simple data collection leads to stronger recommendations and better team decisions.
• Easy ways to track student progress without creating extra work.

Whether you're a general education teacher preparing for your next meeting or a special education teacher supporting your team, this episode will help you make IEP meetings more productive and student-focused.

Not a member? Join Today — 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

Writing standards-aligned IEP goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told to align goals to grade-level standards without being shown what that actually looks like in practice.

In this episode, we're breaking down a simple framework for aligning IEP goals to state standards while keeping them individualized and appropriate for each student's needs.

Stephanie covers:

• Why standards-aligned does not mean copying and pasting a state standard into an IEP goal

• How to use baseline data, grade-level standards, and skill gaps to identify the next appropriate step for a student

• How prerequisite skills can help you create meaningful goals that move students toward grade-level expectations

If you've ever wondered how to balance standards, data, and individual student needs, this episode will help you write goals that are aligned, purposeful, and focused on real progress.

Not a member? Join Today — 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

Do you ever look at your calendar and realize an IEP meeting is coming up much faster than expected?

In this episode, we're breaking down a step-by-step system for preparing for IEP meetings without the last-minute stress and scrambling. From scheduling the meeting and gathering team input to writing present levels, developing goals, and preparing families, you'll learn how to create a process that keeps you organized and confident every step of the way.

If you're tired of feeling rushed before every IEP meeting, this episode will help you create a system that saves time, reduces stress, and leads to better outcomes for students.

Not a member? Join Today — 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

In this episode, Stephanie is talking about simple systems that help special education teachers communicate more effectively with paraprofessionals, reduce confusion, and create stronger team collaboration throughout the school day.

She shares:

• Why communication systems matter more than constant conversations

• Ways to create visual communication systems that reduce questions and increase independence

• Strategies for building a culture of open communication and feedback

Whether you're working with one para or managing a larger team, these practical strategies can help improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and create a more organized classroom environment.

Not a member? Join Today — 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

Summer is the best time to get ahead before the school year starts.

That’s why we created the Summer PD Series.

This is practical professional development for special education teachers who want strategies they can use right away. With over 50+ trainings, you’ll get expert-led sessions focused on IEPs, behavior, data collection, collaboration, and student success.

Everything is built to help you walk into the new school year prepared, confident, and ready.

Join the Summer PD Series today.

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/summer-pd-series/

Talking to parents about a lack of progress is one of the most challenging parts of being a special education teacher. When you've been working hard, collecting data, and providing support, it can be difficult to explain that a student isn't growing as expected.

In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach these conversations with confidence, use data effectively, and collaborate with families to determine the best next steps.

Stephanie covers:

• What progress really means within an IEP
• Why consistent progress monitoring matters
• How to analyze data before talking with parents
• Ways to explain lack of progress clearly and honestly

Lack of progress doesn't mean anyone has failed. It provides valuable information that helps the IEP team make informed decisions and better support the student. This episode will help you navigate these difficult conversations with clarity, professionalism, and a focus on problem-solving.

Not a member? Join Today — 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