This week’s episode is a little different because it’s not about us as teachers. It’s about the incredible individuals who support us and our students every single day: our paraprofessionals.

Throughout July, we've been focusing into how to build strong para-teacher relationships, and in this episode, we’re hearing directly from the voices that matter most. I asked a group of current and former paraprofessionals five powerful questions about their roles, challenges, and what they need from their supervising teachers—and their answers were honest, heartfelt, and eye-opening.

✨ Inside this episode, we explore:

• What makes a para feel valued and respected
• The misunderstandings teachers often have about their role
• What paras wish would change in the way they collaborate with teachers
• Why input, clarity, and recognition matter more than you might think
• How we can better provide the training and tools they truly need

💡 You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to create a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment for your paras—and why doing so leads to better outcomes for your entire classroom.

🎧 Whether you’re new to working with paras or want to strengthen your existing team dynamic, this episode is a must-listen.

Get the FREE 10-Step Guide to Begin Creating a TEAM Culture With Your Staff

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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This is the 3rd installment of the paraprofessional series for July.

In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re tackling one of the toughest (but most necessary) parts of leading a team—what to do when a paraprofessional is disengaged, resistant, or just not meeting expectations.

If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, felt frustrated but unsure how to speak up, or simply wished you had the words and tools to handle tricky para situations… this episode is for you.

We’ll cover:

✅ Common signs of disengagement or burnout
✅ How to lead with both accountability and compassion
✅ A simple 3-step feedback framework: Observe, Ask, Collaborate
✅ What redirection and support can look like in real time
✅ A mini training idea you can use on the spot
✅ Why support doesn’t mean lowering expectations—it means raising your leadership

Plus, I’ll walk you through how to access a FREE bundle of tools to help make these courageous conversations easier. It includes:

• Courageous Conversation Starters
• Para Expectations Checklist
• Actionable Tips for Para Effectiveness
• A List of Practical Para Training Topics

💌 Join my email list at www.spedprepacademy.com/conversations to get access to free tools!

Remember, you don’t have to handle these challenges alone. Let’s grow into stronger, more confident leaders—together.

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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Welcome back to our July podcast series all about working with paraprofessionals!

Last week in Episode 217, we talked about making the mindset shift from boss to leader. And this week, we’re building on that foundation with one of the most practical skills you can master as a special educator: delegating.

If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just easier to do it myself,” or if you’ve assigned a task and then felt frustrated when it wasn’t done right—this episode is for you.

In this episode, Jennifer shares:

• Why delegation is a skill that builds confidence, not control
• Her “5W + H” formula for giving clear, respectful directions
• The glitter door debacle that taught her the power of being specific
• Real-life examples of how vague vs. clear delegation changes everything
• A free downloadable toolkit to help you plan and organize delegation tasks

When done right, delegating doesn’t just free up your time—it builds trust, ownership, and confidence within your classroom team. It turns your paras into true collaborators instead of passive assistants.

🎤 Don’t forget:
Jennifer will be presenting at the Autism Little Learners Virtual Summit July 14–16. Her session, The Power of Us: Strengthening Team Dynamics in Special Education, is packed with tools, templates, and strategies to help you become the confident leader your team needs.
👉 Sign up free at spedprepacademy.com/summit

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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Welcome to a brand new month on the podcast! July is all about working with one of the most essential (and often most misunderstood) members of your classroom team—your paraprofessionals.

In this episode, Jennifer kicks off the series by discussing one of the most important shifts you’ll ever make as a special educator: moving from a boss mentality to a leadership mindset. If you’ve ever struggled with managing adults, felt unsure about how to delegate, or dreaded para drama more than your to-do list—this one’s for you.

You’ll hear:

• Jennifer’s honest story about how her early leadership struggles shaped her career
• The difference between a boss and a leader (and why it matters so much)
• Practical tips for communicating clearly and leading with intention
• Tools that helped transform her classroom team into a collaborative unit
• A reminder that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself

Plus, Jennifer shares a powerful free opportunity you won’t want to miss: her upcoming presentation at the Autism Little Learners Virtual Summit happening July 14–16. In her session, The Power of Us, you’ll get even more real talk, strategies, and editable resources to help you build and lead the para team your students deserve.

🛠 Mentioned in this episode:
🎥 Leading Paraprofessionals Training Video on TpT

🌐 Sign up FREE for the Autism Little Learners Summit

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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In this final episode of our June Summer Strategy series, we’re turning the spotlight back on YOU—your growth, your leadership, and your mindset. Summer isn’t just a time to rest (though that’s definitely important!)—it’s also the perfect opportunity for intentional learning that fills your cup instead of draining it.

Whether you want to build stronger systems, lead your para team more effectively, or learn how to better support your autistic learners, this episode reminds you that professional development can be empowering, not overwhelming.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why summer is the ideal time to invest in your own growth
• How to reframe PD as nourishment—not a task
• What kind of learning actually fuels you as an educator
• How to get FREE access to the Preschool Autism Summit (July 14–16)
• What you’ll gain from my brand-new session: The Power of Us

📌 Mentioned in this episode:
Get your FREE ticket to the Preschool Autism Summit: www.spedprepacademy.com/summit

👥 Whether you're a resource teacher, self-contained teacher, therapist, or paraeducator, there’s something in this summit just for you.

—

👉 Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a 5-star review? It helps other special educators find this podcast—and it means the world to me!

Let’s keep learning, growing, and supporting each other.

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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Let’s be real — August sneaks up fast. The to-do lists pile up, caseloads change, para schedules shift, and IEP meetings seem to pop up before you’ve even unpacked your room.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actionable prep tasks you can tackle this summer — without spending hours in your classroom or losing your well-deserved rest. These are quick wins that can be done in short bursts of 15–30 minutes to give you a major head start when back-to-school season hits.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

✅ Why tiny prep tasks now can save your sanity later
✅ My favorite quick wins that don’t require full-on “summer work mode”

• Prep your para handbook
• Update or create templates
• Build a caseload spreadsheet
• Create an IEP calendar
• Build a Basic Back-to-School Checklist

Mentioned in This Episode:
🗂️ Back-to-School Bundle for Special Education Teachers
Get all the editable templates, forms, handbooks, and checklists I talk about in today’s episode — ready for you to personalize and use.
👉 Grab it for 50% off here

Connect With Me:
Instagram → @spedprepacademy
Website → www.spedprepacademy.com
Email → jennifer@spedprepacademy.com

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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Summer break is here—but before you fill every day with appointments, activities, and professional development, let’s pause. This episode is all about helping you find a better balance between rest, personal growth, boundaries, and just the right amount of planning.

Whether you’re someone who jumps directly into prep mode or someone who needs some solid nap time or lazy mornings (or both!), this episode will help you use your summer with intention—not obligation.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

✅ Why true rest matters—and how to define what that looks like for you
✅ Ways to grow personally that have nothing to do with IEPs or PD hours
✅ How to set boundaries that protect your time (and your sanity)
✅ What a “Do Not Do” list is—and why you need one
✅ How to make peace with not doing all the things this summer

Mentioned in the Episode:

📝 Want to reflect before you reset?
Grab the free End-of-Year Reflection Chart in the show notes of Episode 213 to help you look back before you move forward.

📚 Are you someone who loves to take time during the summer to prep for fall?
Check out my Paraprofessional Handbook. Prepare it now and save yourself some time in August.

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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In this first episode of our Summer Strategies for Special Educators series, we’re taking a pause before the full summer reset begins. Whether your classroom is already packed up or you're heading into Extended School Year, this is the perfect moment to reflect on the past year.

• What went well?
• What could have gone better?
• And what absolutely crashed and burned?

Jennifer walks you through a simple, reflective framework designed just for special educators. You'll review key areas like paraprofessionals, instruction, routines, IEPs, and communication—then identify what worked, what needs tweaking, and how to use those insights to set a few meaningful goals for the next school year.

Grab your printable reflection chart, or sketch it out on paper and follow along as we break down the year—one area at a time.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why reflection is the most important first step to planning for next year
• How to use a simple 4-column chart to reflect on eight key areas of your role
• What questions to ask yourself to dig deeper into what worked (and what didn’t)
• How to turn honest reflection into realistic, actionable goals

Reflection Chart Columns:

• 🟢 Nailed It – What worked well this year?
• 🟡 Could Do Better – What could use a little tweaking?
• 🔴 Crashed & Burned – What needs to go or be totally reworked?

Reflection Areas Covered:

• Paraprofessionals
• Instruction
• Routines & Procedures
• Data Collection
• IEP Management
• Behavior Support
• Scheduling
• Communication

🎯 Final Task:
After completing your chart, choose 2–3 intentional goals to carry into next year—just for you. Use the clarity you’ve gained today to support the version of yourself that will show up next fall with purpose and peace of mind.

📄 Grab the Free Printable:
Download the End-of-Year Reflection Chart from the show notes and use it now—or save it in your planner for a quieter moment this summer. It’s one of the best gifts you can give your future self!

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

Follow Jennifer
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