What does it really mean to use AI ethically as a special education teacher?

AI is everywhere—but how do you use it without losing your professional judgment or risking student privacy? If you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of AI in special education, sharing why AI can support your work but never replace the human connection. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to approach AI with curiosity, clarity, and caution—the three roles every teacher needs to take on.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• What AI can actually do well—and where it falls short
• How to use AI for lessons, documentation, and IEP writing responsibly
• Why protecting student privacy isn’t optional
• The importance of professional judgment and ethical decision-making
• How to be a smart consumer, thoughtful creator, and lifelong learner when it comes to AI

If you want to learn how to use AI tools in a way that supports your expertise and keeps your students safe, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest conversation about using AI.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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

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What does “sensory-friendly” actually mean?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the what, why, and how of creating a sensory-friendly classroom. Spoiler: it’s not about buying all the things—it’s about designing a space that helps students feel safe, supported, and regulated.

Every student has a sensory system. And every single one can benefit from a classroom that’s calm, intentional, and responsive to different sensory needs

We’re talking:

• What sensory-friendly really means
• Simple ways to create a supportive environment (think: calm colors, less clutter, visual schedules)
• 15 practical tools—from movement breaks to multi-sensory approaches

Whether you're just getting started or looking to make a few key changes, this episode will help you create a classroom that works better for every learner.

Sensory friendly classroom ideas: https://www.mrsdscorner.com/sensory-area-in-classroom/

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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 breaking down some of the most common (and frustrating) misconceptions about IEPs—the ones every special education teacher has heard at some point. If you’ve ever been told “that’s just how it is,” this episode clears the air and sets the record straight.

What You’ll Learn:

– Why special education does not mean separate education

– What happens when an IEP needs to be changed before the annual meeting

– The truth about accommodations and “unfair advantages”

– Why no two students with the same disability should have the same IEP

– Whether students with IEPs can be held to grade-level standards

– What inclusion actually means for special ed and gen ed teachers

– Why general education teachers must understand each student’s IEP

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with reminders, clarifications, and myth-busting truths to help you advocate with confidence.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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 shares how to approach teaching during Extended School Year (ESY) with purpose and clarity. If you're walking into a summer classroom wondering what to actually teach, this episode breaks it all down—so your time is meaningful, manageable, and data-driven.

What You’ll Learn:

– The true purpose of ESY (hint: it’s not content coverage)

– Where to start with each student’s IEP

– How to choose goals that matter most

– Tips for simple planning using themes, centers, and crafts

– Ideas to make ESY fun while still focusing on skill maintenance

– How to document data efficiently and prepare a strong handoff for the fall

Whether you’re teaching ESY for the first time or looking to streamline your approach, this episode will help you make every minute count.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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

Accommodations and modifications aren’t the same thing—and knowing the difference is key to providing the right support. In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down what each one means, how they impact student learning, and why getting it right in the IEP matters.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• The difference between how a student learns vs. what they’re expected to learn
• Clear examples of accommodations and modifications
• Why this section of the IEP can’t be a copy-and-paste job
• The 9 types of adaptations every team should understand
• How specially designed instruction fits into the picture

When you understand the difference, you’re better equipped to support students in a way that builds on their strengths—without lowering expectations.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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 dives into one of the most common questions she hears from educators: “How many data points do I actually need?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, she walks listeners through how to think about data collection in a way that’s practical and purposeful.

Stephanie shares what to do after the data is collected—how to organize it, what to keep, and how to graph it so it tells a story that makes sense to the entire IEP team. She breaks down the difference between line graphs, bar graphs, and scatter plots, and helps listeners figure out which one will best represent the skill they’re tracking.

She also reminds teams that analyzing data shouldn’t just happen once a year. It’s something that should be scheduled regularly—every few weeks or at least monthly—so it’s meaningful and actionable. And most importantly, Stephanie encourages educators to lean on their team. You don’t have to do it alone, and you shouldn’t.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much data is “enough,” or what to actually do with the data once you have it, this episode will give you clarity and next steps.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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 today's episode, Stephanie breaks down 7 different types of IEP goal criteria and explains how to use them effectively. She walks through concrete examples to help you understand how to measure student success.

Stephanie covers criteria like accuracy, frequency, duration, and more, while reminding listeners that mastery means a student can perform the skill across different settings, materials, and people. When IEP goals are written with the right criteria, your data collection will naturally follow—and the progress becomes clearer.

This episode is perfect if you’re looking for simple, practical guidance on setting meaningful goals that lead to real results for your students.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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 breaks down the core of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. Hint: accommodations like extra time or special seating don’t count as SDI.

She walks through the three essential elements of SDI: the what (content), the how (methodology), and the who/where/when (delivery). Stephanie also clears up the difference between SDI and differentiation, sharing simple, relatable examples that bring it all to life.

Whether you're in special education or supporting students with IEPs in the gen ed classroom, this episode gives you a clear understanding of how SDI works and how to implement it with intention.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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