Hey Special Ed Teacher,

*Special Announcement at the end of the episode!*

Do you know what to prep your educational aides before the beginning of the school year? What do they need to know before your students step into your classroom? How do you create an inclusive classroom so your staff feels part of the team?

Today I’ll be sharing steps to ensure your Paraprofessionals feel like team members of the classroom community. We need to acknowledge their contributions, involve them in decision-making processes, and provide opportunities for professional growth. When paraprofessionals feel respected and included, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. By investing time and effort into these areas, we can help our paraprofessionals feel confident and capable in their roles, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our students.

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• EP 3: 5 Tips to Work Best with Your Paraprofessional

• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Special Ed Teacher,

In today’s episode, we have special guest Melanie Brethour. Melanie Brethour is a resource teacher from Montreal, Quebec, dedicated to dyslexia awareness and the science of reading. Her commitment was sparked by her son Benjamin's dyslexia diagnosis at age 9. To better support him and her students, she earned Orton-Gillingham associate-level certification and became a CERI structured literacy teacher.

Melanie founded Decoding Dyslexia Quebec and Soar With Dyslexia on social media to provide resources and support. She also volunteers for Dyslexia Canada, helping parents navigate dyslexia. Guided by the motto "when you know better, you do better," Melanie continues to advocate for dyslexia understanding and support for struggling students and their families.

In this interview, Melanie and I discuss the challenges and potential solutions for identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. Melanie shared her personal experiences and recommended structured literacy approaches for teaching reading skills to dyslexic students. They also discussed the importance of transparency in parent communication and the role of special education teachers in identifying learning difficulties. This is a very insightful conversation you don’t want to miss!

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• Scholastic Science of Reading Teacher Resources
• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
• Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!

Connect with Melanie Brethour:

• Soar with Dyslexia Resources
• Instagram: @soarwithdyslexia
• Facebook: Soar with Dyslexia
• Linkedin: Melanie Brethour

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Special Ed Teacher,

Already stressed with the new school year coming up? Don’t want to feel overwhelmed with all the things that come with being a special education teacher?

In today’s episode, we have special guest Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed. Brittany is an award-winning special educator and teacher burnout & sustainability strategist from South Carolina. With over thirteen years of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms, Brittany has become an expert in addressing teacher burnout. She is also the host of the popular podcast "The Resilient Teacher Podcast".

In this interview, I discuss with Brittany the challenges and strategies of teaching special ed, focusing on using technology to streamline processes and prioritize self-care. Brittany shared her experiences and introduced her programs, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's personality traits to manage stress and avoid burnout. We also discussed the importance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Listen in to reduce your stress this next school year!

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!
• Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!

Connect with Brittany Blackwell:

• Website: http://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com
• Podcast: http://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/podcast
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TeachingMindBodyandSoul
• Tiktok: http://www.tiktok.com/msprincessteach
• Email: brittany@teachingmindbodyandsoul
• Personalized Roadmap to Teacher Burnout Recovery Quiz: http://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/quiz

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Sped Teacher,

Are you wondering if the way you are teaching your students math is effective? Are you curious what the best way to teach math to your students with special needs is?

In this episode, we are diving into how to utilize the Concrete-Representational-Abstract, or CRA, method with your students. I am sharing my top 6 tips for implementing the CRA method effectively. You’ll learn the importance of assessing students, setting your classroom up for success with the CRA method, integrating the method into your lesson plans, and more!

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
• Episode 99. Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Method in Math for Special Education Teachers an Overview
• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Special ed Teacher,

Happy 2nd birthday to the Stepping into Special Education Podcast! I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since the first episode was released. Thank you so much for being part of the show for the past 2 years!

Today we are looking back through the second year of the Stepping into Special Education Podcast. I am sharing the top episodes from the past year and giving you an overview of each of the episodes so you can find the ones you want to go back and listen to. Whether you’re looking for which episodes you should check out or need a refresher on a certain topic, tune in to find the top episodes from year two!

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• EP 58: Paraprofessional Training 101: 4 Main Areas You Need to Train Classroom Support Staff, Special Ed Assistants, One-on-One Aides
• EP 50: How to Handle Challenging Behavior from Students with Dr. Christine Reeve
• EP 57: Back to School Special: Best Episodes to Start Up Your Special Education Classroom
• EP 54: Co-teaching Models: 6 Methods Used for Students with or without Special Needs
• EP 53: How to Write Meaningful Impact Statements / Present Levels for IEPs with Jennifer Hofferber
• EP 64: My 8 Favorite Special Ed Teaching Strategies That I Use for My Students with Learning Disabilities
• EP 55: Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes: 1st Birthday Celebration for the Podcast!
• EP 59: Student Relationships: 4 Reasons Why Connecting with Your Students with Special Needs Are Necessary
• EP 52: 5 Things You Can Do NOW to Get Your SPED Class Ready for the New School Year!
• EP 56: Plan the Year with Me! How to Set up Your Planner as a Special Education Teacher
• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!

Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Special education Teacher,

Are you a new special education teacher excited to jump into your very own classroom next year? Have you found yourself hoping you know everything you need to know to be prepared for whatever the year brings?

The truth is, whether you are a new teacher or have been teaching for 15 years like me, you will never know everything and you will always be learning something new. I thought it would be so valuable if some of the veteran teachers in our private Facebook community offered some of their best advice for new teachers, and honestly, they are great reminders for all teachers. These six tips are things I wish my mentor teachers would have told me early in my career so I am so happy to be able to share them with you!

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Sped Teacher,

Have you wondered how to ask your administrators for support? Are you looking for tips on how to build a strong relationship with your admin as a special education teacher?

I am so excited to have a very special guest on today’s episode! We are joined by my principal, Dr. Patricia Corral, who is sharing some incredible insight on building a great special education teacher - admin relationship and how special ed teachers can work collaboratively with their administration. If you are looking to have your admin more actively involved in special ed meetings or just looking to improve your working relationship with your admin, this episode is for you!

Dr. Patricia Corral has been in education for 25 years, 10 years as an elementary school principal, 15 years teaching in kindergarten, third, and fourth grade. She’s been an English learner resource teacher, reading intervention teacher, and teaching vice principal. She was an adjunct professor for a teacher education program with Claremont Graduate University. Her work in improving the outcomes for students stems from growing up as a first generation Mexican American trying to maneuver through public education. She believes in equity for all students especially in marginalized groups and communities. She mentors aspiring school administrators who are dedicated to the work in underrepresented communities. Dr. Corral has a BA in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona, a Masters in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, and a Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from USC. Dr. Corral is a wife and mother of A 29 year old, 21 year old, and 12 year old. She enjoys reading a good book, watching football, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• Get your Spotify ‘Back to School Special’ playlist HERE!
• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com

Hey Special Ed Teacher,

We made it to 100 episodes of the Stepping Into Special Education podcast. I cannot believe it! I am beyond excited and so grateful for each and every one of you for tuning in each week!

When I started this podcast, I knew I wanted to provide a resource for special educators who were looking for support, tips, and community. I have truly been blown away by the incredible support I have received and the amazing community that has been built around this podcast. I am so grateful and truly blessed! Join me today as I look back on the past 100 episodes, reflect on why I started, celebrate big milestones, and what I am grateful for through this journey. I’m so glad I get to celebrate with you!

Take Care,

Michelle

Resources mentioned:

• Apply for the IEP Success Method: IEP 101 Course
• Episode 1. My Special Ed Journey and Why I Wanted to Start a Podcast
• Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

Connect with Michelle Vazquez:

• Leave a 5 star review
• Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE!
• Become an INSIDER & join the email list HERE!
• Follow on INSTAGRAM!
• Contact: steppingintospecialed@gmail.com