Life in the IEP Tribe

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Classroom behavior challenges have reached unprecedented levels, with more than 70% of teachers reporting increased disruptions post-pandemic. As educational professionals and parents navigate this complex landscape, we unpack the multifaceted impact these behaviors have on everyone involved in the classroom ecosystem.

Disruptive behaviors don't just affect the student exhibiting them – they create ripple effects throughout the entire learning environment. Teachers lose valuable instructional time, students miss learning opportunities, and the classroom community experiences a diminished sense of belonging and connection. For educators, these constant interruptions contribute to stress, burnout, and ultimately, th...

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Back with renewed energy for season two! After a whirlwind summer filled with unexpected adventures—including camping mishaps involving ninja trees and discovering they're woefully unprepared for tent camping in Florida's scorching heat—they're diving back into the podcast with fresh perspectives from their new professional roles.

As the school year kicks into gear, behavior challenges emerge as students readjust to classroom structures after months of summer freedom. These transition periods reveal a universal truth in education: resistance is natural when expectations shift. For students with special needs, this adjustment can...

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Every parent knows the challenge of a child's first haircut—the tears, the squirms, the fear. Now imagine that experience amplified by sensory sensitivities or communication barriers. For countless families of children with disabilities, something as routine as a haircut can become an overwhelming ordeal.

Meet Brianna Wells, a hairstylist who transformed her career path from aspiring kindergarten teacher to specialized children's stylist. Working at Cookie Cutters salon in Yulee, Florida, Brianna has created a safe space where children with sensory sensitivities, autism, and various disabilities can receive haircuts in a...

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Enter the world of special education through the eyes of Jenny Jacks. Her twelve years at a small private preschool, followed by six years as a para in various public school settings, have given her unique insights into supporting diverse learners. With warmth and practical wisdom, Jenny reveals how the strategies that work best are rarely one-size-fits-all but must instead be tailored to each child's specific needs.
 
 From simple modifications like providing lined paper for students with spatial challenges to understanding when a child just needs space to process emotions, Je...

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Discover the transformative world of school-based occupational therapy with Taylor Pinson, an experienced OT working across all grade levels. Far beyond the common misconceptions of painful physical therapy, school OTs help students develop crucial skills for educational success through thoughtfully tailored interventions.

Taylor demystifies how occupational therapy adapts across developmental stages - from foundational play and fine motor skills in preschoolers to classroom tool mastery in elementary years, and finally to executive functioning and vocational preparation for teenagers. She explains how therapists create personalized "sensory profiles" to understand each student's...

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The mysterious world of speech therapy extends far beyond correcting pronunciation errors. In this eye-opening conversation with Speech Language Pathologist Eliana Rodriguez, we discover the vast "speech umbrella" covering everything from articulation and grammar to social language and alternative communication methods.

Rodriguez reveals how speech therapists serve as crucial "gatekeepers" in child development, often being the first professionals to identify communication challenges in young children. She dispels common misconceptions, particularly the fear that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices might prevent verbal speech development. Using a brilliant comparison, she explains...

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Ever wondered what it's like to walk in two pairs of shoes simultaneously? Meet Marlee Stevenson - first grade teacher by day, autism mom around the clock. Her journey with her nonverbal son Carson illuminates the powerful intersection of professional expertise and deeply personal experience.

Marlee takes us behind the scenes of a transformation that changed her family's life - the introduction of a communication device for Carson. "We had that same fear," she admits, addressing the common concern that technology might discourage verbal development. Instead, it "opened up so...

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What happens when a grandmother recognizes the signs of autism in her grandchild before anyone else? Robin Curtis, a veteran educator and children's ministry leader, shares her powerful journey of supporting her grandson Xander through his autism diagnosis and development.

The conversation reveals the delicate balance of approaching parents with concerns about their child's development - a moment Robin describes as "one of the hardest conversations I've ever had." Her story illuminates how that difficult conversation sparked a transformative journey for her grandson and entire family.

Robin's professional...

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Amber Lueth never planned to become a special education teacher. When she first stepped into a special education classroom as a paraprofessional, it was simply a practical decision to align her work schedule with her daughter's school hours. "At first, I was like, I can't do this," she confesses, describing her initial reaction to the challenging environment. But something unexpected happened – the students grew on her, and she discovered a sense of purpose absent from her previous career in a law office.
 
 This transformation from reluctant para to passionate special educ...

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Lindsey Workman takes us on a deeply personal journey through her experience raising a daughter with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) - a rare genetic disorder causing benign tumors throughout the body. When Daisy was diagnosed at just three months old after experiencing infantile spasms, Lindsey found herself navigating unfamiliar medical territory with little community support.

What follows is a candid conversation about the realities of special needs parenting - from the early days of diagnosis where doctors cautioned against Google searches to the present day where Daisy, now approaching her...

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The episode features a discussion with Gina Volstorff about her transition from general education to special education. She shares insights into the importance of collaboration, communication, and understanding the diverse needs of her students, showcasing how this transformative journey enriches her teaching experience.

• Gina's transition from Gen Ed to SPED 
• Understanding specific needs of students with IEPs 
• Enhancing collaboration with general education teachers 
• Benefits of a diverse classroom environment 
• The impact of communication on student success 
• Recognizing and addressing behavioral challenges 
• Personal growth and joy in teaching spec...

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Unlock the potential of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) with our distinguished guests, Rebecca and David Johnson, both Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Discover how ABA extends beyond therapy for individuals with autism and into everyday scenarios like seatbelt reminders and the efficiency of business practices. Rebecca and David share their experiences and strategies for using ABA principles to foster independence and address socially significant behaviors, emphasizing personalized approaches and the importance of collaboration with families.

Explore the journey of effective communication and behavior reinforcement, particularly for children facing communication challenges...

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Heather McMillan, a passionate special education teacher, joins us to share her journey from a scholarship recipient to a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities. Discover how Heather's unique approach to teaching emphasizes the balance between academic skills and adaptive life skills, fostering independence in her students. Through heartwarming stories and invaluable insights, Heather reveals how empathy and understanding can transform the educational experience for both students and their families.

We dive deep into Heather's transformative experiences, from serving as a personal care attendant to engaging with diverse families and...

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Discover the profound impact of inclusive education with our guest, Lane Limpert, a devoted first-grade teacher and passionate advocate for integrating special education students into general classrooms. Lane shares her inspiring journey and offers valuable insights from her 19 years of teaching experience and her perspective as a parent of a child with special needs. Learn how fostering an inclusive environment not only builds confidence and social interaction among students but also enriches the learning experience for everyone involved.

Lane's expertise shines through as she discusses the importance of collaboration between...

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Discover the complexities and triumphs of educational inclusion as we navigate the unexpected chill of Southeast Georgia's weather, drawing us indoors for a reflective conversation. Learn how to transform educational spaces into inclusive environments that empower students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers. With insights from parents and teachers, we explore what true inclusion entails, going beyond mere integration to ensure students receive the tailored support they need through individualized education plans (IEPs).

We unravel the challenges of achieving genuine inclusion in education, emphasizing that it involves more than...

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What if our perception of being the main character in our own story blinds us to the struggles of others? Tune in as we promise to unravel the complexities of trauma-informed care, focusing on the transition back to routine post-holidays and the role of empathy in our interactions. We'll discuss how recognizing each person's unique narrative can foster compassion, particularly in sensitive situations like suicide. Whether you're a parent, educator, or engaged in human relationships, this episode offers insights into how understanding diverse life stories can transform our support for one another.<...

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Can discipline truly be separated from punishment, especially when it comes to special needs education? Join us as we unravel this complex relationship, beginning with a humorous nod to the Miami Dolphins’ most recent game, before transitioning to a deeper conversation about guiding children toward positive behavior. We promise you'll discover how effective discipline focuses on growth and safety rather than punishment, using real-life stories and professional insights from both home and school environments.

Explore the nuanced world of reinforcement and discipline with us, where we demystify negative reinforcement and it...

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Picture this: It's ugly sweater day at school, and a well-meaning comment goes hilariously awry, serving as a gentle reminder of how we need to be thoughtful with our words. As we transition into the festive season, our latest episode tackles the unique challenges faced by parents and teachers of children with special needs, offering practical advice to create inclusive and personalized holiday celebrations. We discuss strategies for accommodating diverse preferences, like encouraging students to bring their favorite snacks, and reassure parents that it's perfectly okay if their child prefers skipping Santa...

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Can mastering the intricacies of school-based therapy unlock the potential of students with disabilities? Join us as we celebrate Edwin Hubble's legacy and explore the vital services available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Discover how occupational and physical therapy can transform the educational journey for students with disabilities, enabling them to overcome challenges and excel academically. Through personal stories and expert insights, we shed light on the essential role of related services in tackling comorbid conditions and breaking down communication barriers that often lead to frustration and behavioral issues. 

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American cheese: love it or hate it, there's no denying its famous melting prowess. But what does cheese have to do with education? Join us as we navigate from the world of cheese to the complex challenges of academic inclusion. We'll tackle the demanding life of scholarly pursuits and the pressing need for genuine inclusion in education. Our conversation hinges on minimizing discrimination and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for every student, especially those in special education. Through this journey, we unveil the realities of inclusive education, spotlighting the integration of students with...

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What if you could transform the challenges of raising a child with special needs into a rewarding journey of empowerment? Join us as we explore this profound topic in our latest episode, featuring an engaging discussion with Laura. Together, we offer a fresh perspective on the landscape of special education, focusing on the significant role of societal acceptance and understanding. We break down essential concepts like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), equipping parents and educators with the knowledge to navigate the educational and legal...

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Discover how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has transformed special education and shaped a more inclusive learning environment for all children. Alongside my co-host and wife, Laura Curtis, we trace IDEA's journey from its early beginnings as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, to its role today in ensuring every child has access to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Together, we unravel the essence of FAPE, emphasizing how it guarantees free, tailored education that meets each child’s unique needs while fostering a collaborative spirit between parents and ed...

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How does one navigate the often challenging yet rewarding world of special education? Join us on our podcast journey as we unravel our personal and professional experiences as special education teachers and parents of a child with special needs. We promise to offer a heartfelt exploration of the unique paths that led us here, filled with unexpected opportunities and a shared passion for uplifting students who often go unnoticed. Through candid anecdotes and reflections, we reveal how our roles in the classroom and at home have shaped our understanding of this complex...