Episodes
Published 04/25/24
Chaos erupted on my Instagram when I asked if teachers and parents list curriculum in IEPs. 75% said no, fearing issues if a student moves districts or the curriculum stops working. But I'm here to set the record straight! Listing curriculum (in areas like present levels, not goals) provides crucial context on what worked before. It doesn't lock you in - we can make adjustments as needed. And if you're unfamiliar with the listed curriculum? The IEP can include training support! In this...
Published 04/25/24
Let's be honest - that parent input section inside the IEP is often left blank, filled with a weak "no concerns" statement, or a dumping ground for complaints. Not on my watch! Let's flip that section into the heart and soul of the entire IEP. Parents, get ready to level up your input inside your child's IEP. Teachers, learn how to ditch the guesswork of what goals to choose for a child and tap into a goldmine of invaluable family insights.  Send me a DM on Instagram:...
Published 04/17/24
Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a big IEP deal, friends. There are so many decisions to navigate that it can leave parents feeling totally overwhelmed. But in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing insights from a mom I'm coaching through this process. You'll hear how she's ensuring she can observe the proposed middle school placement, how she's getting crucial supports and services documented, and how she's customizing that Special Education Extended School...
Published 04/11/24
It is to have certain non-negotiables in place for every child's IEP. Because let's face it - not every school day is sunshine and rainbows. There will be those chaotic, hectic, downright bad days where nothing seems to go right. Listen in and then start the conversation with your IEP team to find the non-negotiables ASAP!  Because when the wheels come off, at least you'll know every child will be able to access their day. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/ Join the Master IEP...
Published 04/07/24
Are you feeling straight-up depleted from your IEP and special education struggles? Waking up in a full-body cringe over the challenges you're facing? It doesn't have to be this way! The school year isn't over and you can still turn things around in a major way. On this episode, I'll walk you through getting super honest with the three biggest obstacles that are blocking your joy and progress. This is the insight and fire you need to create the changes you need before the last day of...
Published 03/29/24
Sometimes I get scared to call myself a "special needs sibling" or talk about what "inclusion" looked like for my brother who thrived in a private therapeutic day school. If you've ever filtered yourself and the words you say because you're worried about what the "loud" people might say to you... this episode is for you. Get more IEP resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/  
Published 03/21/24
🟢 I just finished recording an IEP workshop for a National Autism Organisation. Here's your sneak peek of 3 Green Flags I'm helping parents find inside their child's classroom.  Teachers, if you've got these 3 things... celebrate! Parents, if you see these 3 things... breathe a sigh of relief! If you don't have these 3 things, it's time for us to work together. Learn More: www.masteriepcoach.com  
Published 03/14/24
Please stop saying "Let's put that in the parking lot" during IEP meetings! Instead bring these 3 essential strategies to your next IEP meeting and help everyone know their expertise and perspectives are a priority. Learn More and Get Your 12 IEP Questions at: www.masteriepcoach.com  
Published 03/07/24
When is the last time you paused, reflected, and SHARED your wins? Not just the big wins, but the little wins that are so important to you and all the things you are doing. Take a few minutes to listen to this episode and then send me a message on IG to tell me your latest win. 🎉I want to celebrate with you! Check out the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship here.
Published 02/28/24
What's better than a checklist when it comes to remembering all the things you need to do inside the Special Education system? Your own system! Special Education Teachers and Parents, You can swipe my system for your biggest Special Education struggles when you join us inside the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Find the next Mentorship date and more resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
Published 02/22/24
🛑 Ever seen the phrase: "Visual Supports" inside of your child's or student's IEP? 🖇Learn why you need to change that phrase and how to use visual supports that grow with a child to build independence.   ✨Connect with Molly Johnson https://www.theautismconsultant.us https://www.instagram.com/theautismconsultant/   🔥Learn about the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/    
Published 02/14/24
Could you be a Master IEP Coach® and do you have to fight at the IEP table?  I'll share with you 7 VERY different reasons why parents, teachers, admins, and therapists chose to become Master IEP Coaches® and change the outcomes in Special Education. Get my favorite 12 IEP questions and learn more about becoming a Master IEP Coach® at:  https://www.masteriepcoach.com/info  
Published 02/07/24
I've been using this list of 12 IEP questions for over a decade and I want you to have it! Use these questions before, during, and after your IEP meeting to work together and change Special Education.  Download the 12 IEP Questions Guidebook here. Learn how to become a Master IEP Coach® here.
Published 01/30/24
Hey there 👋 I just wrapped up a training for Master IEP Coaches and wanted to share some major aha moments from the session - straight from the perspective of NEW Master IEP Coaches®! 💡 The first big takeaway was getting general education teachers more involved in the IEP process. 👩‍🏫 Often there's a divide between gen ed and special ed in schools.  It doesn't have to be that way! Inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship we cover specific strategies to break down those walls and get all...
Published 01/23/24
Before you jump into "fix it" mode when you see things going wrong with an IEP, ask yourself these 5 questions! Special Education Teachers and Parents, When you slow down and ask these 5 questions you can get out of the cycle of IEP struggles and band-aid fixes. Learn More IEP Strategies at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
Published 01/18/24
Tired of fighting through the IEP process and feeling like you get peanuts for your child or your students?  Let me show you 3 steps to help you get MORE without activating your "fight or flight" response every time you step into an IEP meeting. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/  
Published 01/12/24
👋 Let’s chat about what’s IN and OUT for IEP Meetings in 2024.✨ * Parent Input Statements: In: 😍 Beautifully crafted statements showing a parent’s vision AND incorporating their priorities throughout the IEP Out: 🚫 Generic "no concerns at this time" * IEP drafts and reports: In: 📝 Sharing documents ahead of time, with open communication for questions and collaboration Out: 🙅‍♀️ Surprises and reading reports word-for-word at the meeting * ESY (Extended School Year): In: 🎯...
Published 01/03/24
This year, give yourself permission to stop what's not working at the IEP table and simplify the process to get better results. 1. First, stop signing paperwork you don't fully understand. Never assume. Ask questions until you're 100% clear. Teachers, know what you're responsible for if your name is on it. 2. Next, stop thinking more volume means more value. Quality over quantity! Core, focused goals create a domino effect of progress. 3. Finally, stop comparing your child's IEP or your...
Published 12/27/23
What are we going to do about staff shortages, technology, and ugly threats at the IEP table?  Tune in to find out what solutions you can use starting immediately at your own IEP table! Get More Master IEP Coach® Resources Here Learn How to Become a Master IEP Coach® Here 
Published 12/20/23
You've got a lot of resources to choose from when it comes to getting results in Special Education - I'm sharing the resources I LOVE! Delight Station: An app providing streaming educational content for adults and students with disabilities. https://delightstation.us/ Coupon Codes: INNERCIRCLE - good for 25% off for 3 months if a user selects a monthly subscription INNERCIRCLEYEAR - good for 25% off a yearly subscription   Slant System: Reading...
Published 12/13/23
I had the absolute joy of sitting down with the remarkable Diane Strand. Diane's journey is nothing short of WOW – from facing dyslexia head-on to creating magic behind the scenes of iconic shows like "Friends" and "General Hospital". She's even worked behind the scenes for legends like Barbra Streisand! But here's the heart of Diane's story: she's passionately dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through her work at JDS Creative Academy, using the power of the arts. Diane's...
Published 12/08/23
Often, general education teachers feel unprepared and disconnected from the IEP process, especially at meetings. Let's explore three strategies to involve general education teachers more effectively in the IEP process without overwhelming them. Strategy 1: Ensure that the IEP's "supports for school personnel" section is checked and filled out inside the IEP paperwork. This box is frequently overlooked in IEPs or not used to its maximum potential. Strategy 2: Engage general education...
Published 12/01/23
It's time for a cozy conversation Special Education and what to do when deadlines are missed! Here’s what we’re unpacking today: A Real-Life Story: Sit down with me as I share an insightful experience from a one-on-one consult with an amazing mom from our Master IEP Coach® community. Discovering the Overlooked: Ever wonder how small details can make a big difference? We’ll explore how communication gaps in schools can lead to missed cues in student behavior and development. Join Our...
Published 11/22/23
Grab your coffee, and join me in a candid chat about what's brewing in the special education world. In this episode, we chat about two hot topics: 1. It's not just about more money for Special Education, but how we use it. Ever thought about looking into your district's budget? Let's talk about making every dollar count. 2. Special Education or No Special Education? It's a heated debate, but at its core, it's about what’s best for each unique child. I share how my mom's perspective on this...
Published 11/15/23