In this episode, Stephanie welcomes Nichole for an important conversation about keeping trauma informed practices in IEPs. This episode is pulled straight from the members only training vault, giving you a peek inside one of the powerful conversations usually reserved for members.

Together, they explore what it truly means to be trauma informed and why this understanding is essential in today’s classrooms. Nichole shares how shifting our reactions and responses through a trauma informed lens can make a lasting difference for students. She also explains how these practices can be written directly into IEPs to create meaningful, long term support.

Here’s what Stephanie and Nichole cover in today’s episode:

• What it means to be trauma informed in the classroom

• Why this mindset is so important for both teachers and students

• The one golden question that helps reframe reactions and responses

• How trauma informed practices can be reflected in a student’s IEP

• What changes you might see when trauma informed strategies are used consistently

• Ways educators can stay regulated and model calm for students and support staff

If this conversation helps you rethink how you write and implement IEPs, share it with another educator who could benefit from it.

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

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down one of the biggest questions in special education: how does a student actually get an IEP? She explains what begins the process, what signs to look for, and what happens during and after the evaluation.

Whether you are a teacher noticing ongoing challenges or a parent wondering if your child needs extra support, Stephanie walks through the path from concern to services in a clear and practical way.

Here’s what Stephanie covers in today's episode:

• Why a student might be referred for special education

• What signs could indicate the need for an evaluation

• What happens during the evaluation process

• How eligibility for services is determined under IDEA

• What happens if a student qualifies or if they do not

Stephanie reminds listeners that special education is not about labeling but about support. If this episode brings clarity, share it with another teacher or parent who needs it. Listen in to learn how a student gets from concern to an IEP and why understanding this process matters.

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

AI is everywhere in education right now, and it’s easy to feel unsure about it. Today, we break down practical ways it can support your work without taking over your role.

In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, we look at three ways AI can help special education teachers — from IEP writing to lesson planning and daily systems — all while keeping your professional expertise and heart at the center.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to use AI to jumpstart IEP drafts while keeping your professional judgment at the center
• Simple ways AI can streamline data collection, communication, and daily systems
• How AI can save you hours of planning time by helping you adapt lessons for multiple learners
• The truth behind the biggest AI myths keeping teachers stuck in fear

AI won’t replace a good teacher. It can’t build relationships, notice a student’s subtle cues, or celebrate their small victories — that’s all you. But it can take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on what matters most: your students and your time.

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’ve ever thought, Am I collecting enough data? Am I even doing this right? Does this even count as progress monitoring? You’re not alone. Data collection is one of the biggest stress points for special education teachers, and much of that stress comes from common myths.

In this episode, Stephanie tackles 5 of the biggest misconceptions about data collection and progress monitoring. From the pressure to take data every single day to the idea that spreadsheets are the only “real” way to track progress, you’ll get clarity, peace of mind, and practical fixes you can use right away.

You’ll hear:

• Why daily data collection isn’t required (and what to do instead)
• How to make any format — even sticky notes — work for you
• Simple ways to collect data during routines without stopping instruction
• How to monitor progress more consistently (and stress less at report time)
• What to do when a student isn’t meeting a goal — without scrapping the IEP

By the end, you’ll see that data isn’t about perfection. It’s about using the information you have to guide your instruction and support your students — and small shifts can make a big difference.

Check out the IEP Toolkit

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

Not all IEP meetings are created equal — and knowing the differences can make the entire process smoother for you and for families. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie walks through the most common types of IEP meetings, what to expect in each, and how to prepare so every conversation feels purposeful and productive.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The most common IEP meeting types — annual reviews, eligibility, dismissals, amendments, and more
• What actually happens at each meeting (and how to keep it simple when explaining it to parents)
• Quick prep tips that save time and make meetings run smoother
• How to approach specialized meetings like manifestation determinations or transition planning
• The pros and cons of in-person, virtual, and phone meetings — and how to make the most of each format
• Why intentional prep makes meetings feel less stressful and more collaborative for everyone involved

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel ready to walk into any IEP meeting knowing what’s ahead and how to prepare. When you show up confident and organized, families feel supported and the whole team can focus on what matters most — creating the best plan for the student.

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’ve ever wondered what absolutely must be in every IEP you write — whether it’s your first or your 400th — this episode is for you. Stephanie breaks down the 8 legally required components of an IEP under IDEA, plus a few bonus considerations that often get overlooked but are just as important.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why present levels set the stage for everything else
• How to write measurable annual goals that keep you compliant and meaningful
• What IDEA says about progress monitoring and parent communication
• The services, supports, and accommodations section — and why it must tie back to data
• What to include in your LRE statement and why it’s one of the most litigated areas of an IEP
• The logistics that make your plan actionable: start dates, frequency, location, and duration
• Transition planning requirements (and why waiting until age 16 is often too late)
• Placement decisions and the importance of considering general education first
• Plus: extra legal requirements for students with specific needs

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what belongs in every IEP — no fluff, no “my district likes it this way,” just the federally required pieces that keep your paperwork compliant and your students supported.

Make IEP writing easier with the IEP Toolkit

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

This episode might look a little different, but Stephanie is excited to give listeners a peek into one of the expert guest trainings from The Intentional IEP. Stephanie sits down with Sam to tackle changing your mindset about challenging student behaviors and explore practical strategies for managing behavior in the classroom.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How to shift your perspective on challenging student behaviors, moving from seeing them as disruptions to understanding the messages behind them.
• Ways to train and support other staff, including paraprofessionals, so everyone responds consistently and effectively.
• Strategies for communicating with staff to prevent re-triggering students and recognizing early signs before behaviors escalate.
• How to know when a situation requires additional support and when to ask for help.
• Methods for partnering with parents and administrators to ensure consistent, collaborative approaches.
• How to maintain classroom routines and protect learning for all students, even when one student’s behaviors are challenging.
• Actionable strategies and mindset shifts educators can apply immediately to create a calmer, more effective classroom environment.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, mindset shifts you can actually use, and a clearer sense of how to respond thoughtfully and consistently in the moments that matter most.

Connect with Sam:

https://www.instagram.com/theedqueen

Teachers Pay Teachers

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

That phrase on IEPs — “80% accuracy in 3 out of 4 trials” — doesn’t actually measure mastery. On today's episode, Stephanie breaks down why this one-size-fits-all approach is a red flag, what it does to your data, and how to write mastery criteria that actually matter.

You’ll get real examples, reflection questions, and strategies for creating goals that guide instruction and track meaningful progress.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why “80% in 3 out of 4 trials” is vague and ineffective
• How mastery criteria impacts data collection and reporting
• Key questions to consider before writing any goal
• Examples of clear, actionable mastery criteria that reflect student needs

Writing clear, intentional mastery criteria changes everything: it guides instruction, aligns the team, makes data meaningful, and ensures every goal has impact. If your goals aren’t doing that, it’s time to rethink them — for every student, every skill, every day.

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