Let's shower our paraprofessionals with appreciation on their special day AND all year long! It's quick and easy with these simple teacher appreciation gift ideas.
All of the ideas you'll learn in this podcast episode use a set of FREE printable sticky notes. Grab your own set here:

Free Paraprofessional Appreciation Download

Special education teachers, why wait for Paraprofessional Appreciation Day?

Anytime is the perfect time to show our appreciation to instructional assistants!

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Saving time is always on special educators' minds, but is Chat GPT - or any AI tool - the right approach? I'm weighing in on this 🔥 topic!
 
In this episode, I'll be sharing 10 time-saving tips that Chat GPT suggested for special education teachers and then I'll be adding my own personal opinion about these tips!
Spoiler Alert: some are great and some are not for me!
 
Be sure to download my newest freebie:
AI Prompts for Special Educators - Click Here!

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Data Collection is... a lot. I promise I'm not adding MORE to your plate,  but instead sharing some ideas for using basic skills checklists as part of your regular data tracking. Learn how these checklists can help move things along even faster as you're able to gain a more holistic approach.
Special Educators  - be sure to listen to the end for a major time-saving BONUS tip!

Read more about how to incorporate basic skills checklists into your regular data tracking routine here:
https://positivelylearningblog.com/special-education-basic-skills-checklists/

Looking for done-for-you checklists? Check these out (PS: they are editable!):
42 Basic Skills Checklists

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Special Educators, task box overwhelm is real! If the idea of choosing the right tasks to meet your students' need is keeping you from getting started, these tips are for you
These quick action tips will help you align tasks with your students' IEP goals and objectives, plus leave room for building independence. Try out 1, 2, or all the tips this week in your classroom!

Looking for low prep tasks? Check out the Task Box Dollar Club and get instant access to a growing library of tasks:

Task Box Dollar Club:
https://positivelylearningblog.com/task-boxes-for-special-educators/

Read all about choosing the right task boxes for students on your caseload:
https://positivelylearningblog.com/how-to-choose-task-boxes-for-students/

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

As a special educator, have you ever had to explain why an accommodation is important (and must be followed)? This podcast episode will give you ideas! 
We'll walk through the four categories of accommodations, plus dive into five common accommodations. 

Looking for more details? 
Check out the show notes:
https://positivelylearningblog.com/classroom-accommodations-for-elementary/

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

IEP Snapshots - a.k.a.: IEP at a Glance. Are they a need or a want? In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, I'll be sharing all the reasons to provide an IEP snapshot AND some considerations on when NOT to use them!

Check out the show notes - there's examples of an IEP at a glance snapshot, details on what to include, and a link to a how-to video to create one today! 

https://positivelylearningblog.com/i-e-p-snapshot-template/

https://youtu.be/uaPYq09IKTs

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Accommodations vs Modifications. Although these special education terms may be used in the same conversation between team members at the IEP meeting table, they are VERY different things! It’s important to understand the difference between the two and the impacts they have on an individual student receiving specialized services.

Check out the show notes for more details AND examples of accommodations and modifications:

https://positivelylearningblog.com/is-it-an-accommodation-or-a-modification/

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Test Prep - Should we teach these skills or not?
Please note that as I share what test prep steps look like, I'm speaking from my experience working with K-2 students. So many feelings come up when even thinking about having to teach these skills, however testing is a non-negotiable for many school districts.

This engaging test prep includes best practices for whenever our students want to put their best foot forward!

Check out the exact test prep skills we used here:

 https://positivelylearningblog.com/5-test-prep-steps-i-always-teach-my-students/

Want to see exactly what test prep practice looked like in the special education resource room setting? Be sure to check it out here:

https://positivelylearningblog.com/test-prep-in-the-resource-room/

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Do you use visuals to support students in your classroom? I'm convinced visuals save lives, lol! But seriously, I can't imagine teaching without the support of visuals in the special education classroom setting.
 
In this episode, I'm sharing best practices for using visuals with individual students and small groups, PLUS some creative ideas to refer to visuals throughout the busy school day. I can't wait for you to try out these ideas!

Learn more about how to incorporate visuals into your small groups throughout the school day: https://positivelylearningblog.com/visuals-special-education/

Thank you so much for listening!
Connect with me on Instagram @positivelylearning and check out my TpT store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Positively-Learning
Talk to you soon!

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Are you coteaching in the inclusion classroom this year? Let's step beyond the six models of coteaching and talk about what's REALLY going to work for your coteacher partnership!

Be sure to hop over to the show notes here and read more:
https://positivelylearningblog.com/special-education-co-teaching/

Need Coteaching help YESTERDAY? 

• CLICK HERE to check out the Coteaching Binder!

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Special educators know that there are so many different ways to track student progress through data collection. This episode dives into ancedotal notes and how to make sure this type of data SPEAKS loudly at the next IEP meeting. 

The tips I'm sharing on taking anecdotal notes come from a variety of perspectives I've had over the years - special educator, special education instructional coach, and IEP advocate. 

Can't wait to hear what you think about the examples I share in this data collection episode!

After listening, be sure to click over to the show notes to grab your own free data tracking tools: https://positivelylearningblog.com/data-collection-anecdotal-notes

In this episode, we cover:

• How to make your anecdotal notes more effective in helping your student receive the support they need
• Examples (and non-examples) of constructive ancedotal notes
• What to do with ALL the "extra" observation notes you're taking throughout the school year
• Like or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you can get your weekly dose of special educator support, motivation, and tips!

 
 Send me a message on Instagram and let me know how which example resonated most with you. I absolutely love hearing from you all!

Don’t forget to like or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Welcome back to the classroom after a much-needed break... whether it was winter break, spring break, or maybe a fun-filled weekend!

Let’s talk about what exactly you're supposed to be doing in the special education classroom setting after a break. Pick up where you left off? Start something new? Or go back to basics? There are so many choices! 

I'm sharing 9 tips on transitioning back into classroom routines (and I've learned from plenty of experience!). Use these tips to battle the Sunday Scaries or anytime you're looking for a fresh start. Follow these steps in order or pick and choose what your classroom needs! 

Send me a message on Instagram and let me know how your first days and week back went!  I absolutely love hearing from you all!

Don’t forget to like or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

In this episode we cover:

• The most important thing to do when welcoming back your students after a break (if you only do ONE thing - this is it!)
• Ideas and examples for refreshing routines (or maybe start brand new ones?)
• Tips for reinforcing classroom community where every student feels like an important member.
• How to decide if you should focus on the basics or add a bit of celebration.
• Survive the first week back so the new quarter or semester is off to a fresh start!
• Like or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you can get your weekly dose of special educator support, motivation, and tips!

Related Resources:

• More information on the Returning After a School Break
• Sign up to get weekly tips, resources, and more!

Connect with Jennifer:

• Visit her website at positivelylearningblog.com
• Check out her TpT store
• Follow her on Instagram @positvelylearning
• Follow her on TikTok @positivelylearning
• Join the Facebook Group
• Like her Facebook page
• Check out her YouTube Channel

More about Special Educators Resource Room:

Special Educators Resource Room with Jennifer DeBrosse is the podcast for busy special education teachers. If you’re br

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Are you trying to figure out how to make sure you and your paraprofessionals are on the same page but just don’t have the time to put a massive binder or training together? I have just the solution for you! I am sharing how you can create a training binder for your paraprofessionals that will leave no room for misunderstanding or miscommunication.

In this episode, I am covering what information from your school or district website to include in the binder, the important statements and strategies you should include, and what kind of diagrams and schedules will ensure your expectations are clear.

Thank you so much for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @positivelylearning and check out my TpT store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Positively-Learning. Talk to you soon!

Show Notes:

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Do you have an absolute favorite method for collecting data? There are so many different tools you can use for data collection. Whether you prefer paper and pencil or digital, you have plenty of options to find what works best for you and your students!

In today’s episode, I am diving into the different types of digital and paper data collection tools, pros and cons of each type, and what I found worked best for me and my students.

Thank you so much for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @positivelylearning and check out my TpT store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Positively-Learning. Talk to you soon!

Show Notes:

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

Have you found yourself sitting at the IEP meeting table feeling incredibly nervous and dreading having to speak? IEP meetings can be incredibly nerve wracking no matter how many you have been a part of. My first few years as a special educator, I was so intimidated that I struggled to share the information I needed to share. I don’t want you to feel the way I did!

In this episode, I am sharing what I did to become a more confident contributor at IEP meetings and 2 action steps for you to take so you can feel more confident in any future IEP meetings.

Thank you so much for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @positivelylearning and check out my TpT store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Positively-Learning. Talk to you soon!

Show Notes:

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator.

Tune in every Wednesday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom.

Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/

Join the Facebook group

I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning