Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind Podcast Por Mark Ingrassia arte de portada

Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

De: Mark Ingrassia
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This former Special Ed classroom teacher is on his own with a microphone, to share some of the magic he's learned in his 36+ years in the field. Stories, strategies, and a true grasp for what life can be like for parents and caregivers of Disabled children are waiting here! Witnessing, first hand, your challenges in the home has invigorated my desire to share what I know and to be a cheerleader for your lives and the lives of your child using mindfulness as a fulcrum to success. You are not alone and your life matters. Join me as we let go and grow together!Copyright 2026 Mark Ingrassia Ciencias Sociales Crianza y Familias Relaciones
Episodios
  • From Advocacy to Impact: Raja Marhaba’s Fight for Exceptional Learners
    Mar 30 2026

    Raja Marhaba shares her inspiring journey as a mother of two twice-exceptional children, navigating the complex special education system, advocating for her kids, and founding The Jonathan Foundation to support families with learning disabilities. Her story highlights the challenges, legal battles, and the importance of parental advocacy in securing appropriate education and services.

    Keywordsspecial education, advocacy, learning disabilities, IEP, legal battles, parental empowerment, twice exceptional, education reform, mental health, Raja Marhaba

    Key Topics

    1. Navigating the special education system
    2. Legal battles for children's rights
    3. The importance of parental advocacy

    Guest Name Raja Marhaba

    Website https://www.thejonathanfoundation.org

    titles

    1. The Fight for Education Rights: Raja Marhaba's Journey
    2. How One Mother Changed the System for Twice-Exceptional Kids

    Sound Bites

    1. "What message are you sending to a 10-year-old?"
    2. "He tore a two-inch hardcover book apart"
    3. "Knowledge is power in advocacy"

    Chapters

    00:00Navigating the Special Education System

    18:15The Impact of Advocacy on Families

    25:41Empowering Parents and Children in Education

    27:19Understanding Standardized Testing and Its Implications

    29:39Building Trust Between Parents and Schools

    31:32Empowering Parents in IEP Meetings

    33:00Navigating the Challenges of Special Education

    35:34The Impact of Legislation on Special Education

    37:59Mental Health and Its Role in Education

    41:38The Need for Comprehensive Support in Schools

    45:42The Jonathan Foundation: Advocacy and Support for Families

    Specialedrising.com

    Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

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    57 m
  • Ignorance Isn’t Leadership: What We’re Really Saying About Our Kids
    Mar 24 2026
    🧠 Episode Overview

    This brief but powerful episode takes a direct look at recent public comments about learning disabilities—and why they matter far beyond politics. Mark speaks from decades of experience in special education to challenge harmful narratives and reframe what dyslexia really means for individuals, families, and society.

    At its core, this episode is about one thing:

    the message we send to kids when we misunderstand how they learn.

    🎯 Key Takeaways
    1. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence
    2. It impacts language processing—not cognitive ability, leadership, or potential.
    3. What looks like struggle is often strategy in progress
    4. Many individuals with dyslexia rely on tools like audiobooks, verbal processing, and summaries—and go on to thrive.
    5. Words from leaders carry real consequences
    6. Public statements about disability don’t stay in politics—they shape how children see themselves.
    7. The real issue is not disability—it’s ignorance
    8. Misunderstanding learning differences leads to stigma, lowered expectations, and lost opportunities.
    9. Kids internalize what the world tells them
    10. When they hear limits, they believe limits. When they’re supported, they rise.

    🧩 What Dyslexia Actually Impacts
    1. Decoding (sounding out words)
    2. Reading fluency
    3. Spelling and written expression
    4. Processing speed with language

    👉 And at the same time, many individuals demonstrate:

    1. Strong verbal reasoning
    2. Creativity and innovation
    3. Big-picture thinking
    4. Leadership and interpersonal strengths

    🔥 Core Message

    This episode challenges the idea that learning differences define capability—and calls on parents, educators, and advocates to push back against narratives that diminish individuals with disabilities.

    Your brain works differently.

    Your challenges are real.

    And your potential is not up for debate.

    🧭 Notable Context Discussed
    1. Public comments made by Donald Trump regarding Gavin Newsom and dyslexia (March 2026)
    2. Newsom’s lived experience with dyslexia and his adaptive strategies
    3. Responses from Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    4. The broader impact of stigmatizing language on individuals with learning disabilities

    📚 References & Resources
    1. Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery
    2. Ben and Emma’s Big Hit
    3. International Dyslexia Association – Research and resources on dyslexia
    4. Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity – Science and strengths-based perspective on dyslexia

    🎧 Final Thought

    Ignorance may be loud…

    but it doesn’t have to be what leads.

    specialedrising.com

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

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    12 m
  • Part 2: From Trauma to Transformation: Dr. Joey Weisler on Teaching with Heart
    Mar 16 2026
    What happens when an educator refuses to treat students like data points?In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mark speaks with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Joey Weisler about trauma, resilience, and what it really means to show up for students.Joey shares his deeply personal journey—from witnessing the aftermath of the Parkland school tragedy to navigating a difficult first year of teaching that ultimately led to his dismissal. What initially felt like failure became the turning point that shaped his mission: to build classrooms centered on connection, presence, and emotional engagement.Today, Joey teaches literature and composition at the college level while developing his HEART Framework, a model focused on creating learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.This episode explores how trauma, compassion, and purposeful teaching can reshape education—and why learning should never be the result of compliance.In This EpisodeMark and Joey discuss:Joey’s experience teaching near the Parkland tragedy and how it shaped his understanding of student traumaWhy many schools struggle to address emotional realities in the classroomThe moment Joey was unexpectedly dismissed from his first teaching job—and why it became the best and worst day of his careerHow storytelling and literature can help students process emotions and life decisionsWhy Joey arranges his classrooms in a circle to create presence and communityThe concept of “cognitive presence” vs. cognitive overloadWhy showing up and caring may be the most important thing a teacher can doHow educators can balance academic expectations with emotional developmentJoey’s upcoming book on the HEART FrameworkKey TakeawaysStudents remember how teachers make them feel more than what they teach.Trauma affects learning—even when it’s not visible.Presence and care often matter more than instructional techniques.Classrooms that allow students to explore meaning and identity create deeper engagement.Education systems focused solely on data risk losing the humanity of learning.Memorable Quotes“Learning should not be a result of compliance.”“When you teach to the heart instead of just the brain, everything changes.”“Students don’t remember every lesson—but they remember the teachers who cared.”“Instead of cognitive overload, we need cognitive presence.”About Dr. Joey WeislerDr. Joey Weisler is an educator, researcher, and writer focused on trauma-informed teaching and emotionally engaged learning environments. He teaches literature and composition at the college level and hosts the podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education.He is currently developing the HEART Framework, a model designed to help educators create classrooms centered on connection, presence, and meaningful learning.Resources & LinksListen to Part 1 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220Listen to my interview on Joey's podcast, Classroom Narratives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220🌐 Website josephweisler.com🎬 The Throne in the Classroom (Short Film & Trailer)🎧 Joey’s Podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education📘 Resources Available on Joey’s Website10 Steps to Trauma-Informed TeachingEmotionally Equipped Educator Conflict Styles QuizHEART Framework (forthcoming book)Connect with Mark🎙️ Podcast: SER: No Parent Left Behind!Website: specialedrising.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a fellow educator or parent, and leave a review to help more people discover the show.
    Más Menos
    33 m
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