The Intentional IEP Podcast

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]

E54. Fading Prompts + the Prompt Hierarchy: What Every Special Ed Teacher Needs to Know

If a student can only complete a task when an adult steps in, are we teaching the skill… or teaching dependence? In this episode, Stephanie is unpacking the prompt hierarchy, prompt dependency, and what it actually looks like to fade support in a way that builds real student independence. With practical examples and easy-to-apply strategies, this episode will have you rethinking the way prompting shows up in your classroom. In this episode, Stephanie: • Breaks down the different levels of the prompt hierarchy and what they look like in real classrooms • Shares simple ways to start fading prompts without overwhelming students • Explains how teams can work together to reduce prompt dependency and build student independence over time If you’ve ever had a student who relies heavily on adult support, this episode will give you practical ways to step back intentionally and create more opportunities for independence throughout the school day. Download the Free Prompt Hierarchy Poster here [https://intentionaliep.kit.com/prompt-hierarchy] 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]

E53. From Control to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Roadmap for Transforming Student Behavior

If student behavior has been leaving you feeling stuck, this episode is one to lean into. This conversation challenges the way we’ve been taught to think about discipline and offers a shift that actually supports long-term change, not just quick fixes. In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Nathan Maynard to break down what it really means to be trauma-informed and how moving from control to connection can completely change how we respond to behavior. * Why fear-based discipline often escalates behavior and what to do instead * How to tell the difference between a student who won’t comply and one who can’t regulate * What it looks like to build proactive systems and move from power struggles to collaborative problem-solving If you’ve been looking for a more effective, realistic way to support behavior, this episode will give you a strong place to start.

E52. What If a Student Needs a Different LRE?

LRE conversations can feel heavy, especially when you’re trying to figure out if a student’s current placement is actually working. This episode walks through how to approach those decisions with clarity and confidence so they’re based on what the student truly needs. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what Least Restrictive Environment really means and how to know when a change might be necessary. She walks through the LRE continuum, the data you actually need, and how to have these conversations with your team in a way that feels proactive, not reactive. * The key signs a student may need a different LRE, from lack of progress to behavioral data and regulation * What data to gather before making any placement decisions so you’re not relying on opinion * How to approach LRE conversations with families and teams using clarity, support, and flexibility Changing a student’s placement isn’t a step backward. It’s a response to what they need right now and a chance to create a setting where they can actually grow. 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]