E57. How to Explain Lack of Progress to Parents (Without Panic)

E58. Stop the Chaos: Systems for Communicating with Multiple Paraprofessionals

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/ [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/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

Special Education Teachers: This Is for You

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/

E57. How to Explain Lack of Progress to Parents (Without Panic)

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/ [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/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

E56. The Top 5 Self-Reflection Questions Teachers Should Ask at the End of the Year

The school year is over. The desks are empty, the paperwork is done, and for the first time in a long time… there’s space to pause. Not the kind tied to compliance checklists, evaluation goals, or guilt. Real reflection. The kind that helps you figure out what actually worked this year, what left you overwhelmed, and what needs to change so next year feels lighter. If you’re a special educator carrying the weight of IEPs, behavior support, data collection, meetings, communication, and constant problem solving, this episode will help you slow down and look at the bigger picture before jumping into another school year. Inside this conversation, Stephanie walks through five powerful reflection questions to help you identify the systems that supported you, the patterns that drained you, and the kind of teacher you want to become moving forward. This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to carry the same stress, chaos, or burnout into another year. Reflection gives you the opportunity to rebuild with intention. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [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/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

E55. 3 Benefits of Sending a Draft IEP Home Before the Meeting

IEP meetings can quickly become overwhelming when families are seeing everything for the first time at the table. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down why draft IEPs are one of the most effective tools for creating smoother meetings, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful parent participation. In this episode, Stephanie: • Explains what a draft IEP actually is and why it should be used as a conversation starter, not a final decision • Teaches the difference between collaboration and predetermination under IDEA • Gives simple tips for implementing draft IEPs in a way that supports both families and school teams Draft IEPs may seem like a small step, but they can completely change the tone and effectiveness of the IEP process. Stephanie reminds listeners that when families are given time to review, reflect, and participate before the meeting, collaboration becomes stronger and student support becomes more intentional. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [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/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]