Tune in to hear my 6 best productivity tips for when it feels like you can’t fit everything into your day!

In this episode, I am diving into the 6 areas you need to look at first before thinking of changing a student’s placement.

Hey Special Ed Teacher, Are you unsure if you want to teach in a mild to moderate or extensive needs classroom? Are you not really sure what the differences are between the two? I’ve been there and I’m breaking it all down for you today so you can make the best decision possible for you! There are some distinct differences between teaching mild to moderate support needs vs extensive support needs. Some of these differences may affect which setting you want to teach in. Join me as I unpack the...

I am sharing the 5 questions I believe you should ask yourself before you make a decision about leaving your special ed teaching position.

Join me in this episode as I break down the 5 different types of specialty areas in special education.

In this episode, we’re diving into 5 things to avoid when building strong relationships with our students’ parents

Today, I’m breaking down the 5 steps I take to ensure I am ready to step into my IEP meetings prepared and confident.

Hey Sped Teacher, How do you use token boards in the special ed classroom? How do you use token boards effectively? How can it be used to promote positive behavior? In today’s episode, I’ll share 7 steps to replace behaviors you want to change with your students with special needs! Sometimes, our whole classroom behavior system does not work for every student. This is when extra behavioral support is needed to help our students with disabilities. The faster we set these strategies, the sooner...

Hey Special Education Teacher, How do you work with parents of your students with special needs? What do you say when you first introduce yourself? How do you keep your special needs parents' relationship going strong?   In today’s episode, I’ll share how I collaborate and keep a good relationship with my special needs parents! That first impression is crucial in building a relationship with them. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way to make it a better supportive experience for the...

Hey Special Ed Teacher, How do you structure your special education classroom? How do you manage your special ed class? What do you do to keep it organized? In today’s episode, I’ll share my top, tried, and true organization tips that I use in my own sped classroom! After going to two different districts, two different positions, three different schools, and moving into seven different classrooms (yes, SEVEN!)...I’ve made many organizational decisions throughout my 15 years of teaching! These...

Hey Sped Teacher, How was your 2023 year? Did you learn any new lessons personally and/or professionally? Any upcoming goals you’d like to accomplish for the next 2024 year? In today’s episode, I’ll be getting personal and sharing the hard lessons I learned in 2023 and some new goals I foresee this upcoming year! Reflecting on a not-easy year can be difficult, but it’s freeing to be open and honest and understand how to better ourselves so it doesn’t happen again. We can all start this new...

Hey Special Ed Teacher, It’s almost time for winter break! Do you have a plan for how you are spending your vacation? Will it be all about rest time? Or will you be catching up on work? Today, I share the pros and cons of working during your break and what I do during my vacation time! When our winter break finally arrives, all we want to do is….NOTHING!! But before you know it, it’s the day before returning, and we’re in panic mode, scrambling to finish work tasks! It’s time to plan your...

Hey Sped Teacher, Is your classroom environment feeling overwhelming? Want to feel more organized after winter break? Don’t know what areas to start clearing? Today, I share 7 areas to begin decluttering your special education classroom! We are so busy teaching and writing IEPs that we sometimes let our classrooms go. Let’s start the new year with a clear classroom and a refreshed mind! Take Care, Michelle Connect with Michelle Vazquez: Download your FREE IEP Meeting Checklist HERE! Join the...

Hey Special Education Teacher, Struggling with lesson planning? How do you begin teaching your students with special needs? What does your aide do during instruction? Today, I share 5 must-haves when planning lessons for your special ed classroom! As special education teachers, unfortunately, we do not get the training and support we need right away. This episode gives you a head start to structure your lesson plans quickly! Take Care, Michelle Resources mentioned: Download your FREE IEP...

Hey Special Ed Teacher, Today’s episode is a re-release of episode 20! Are you up late, worried? Thinking if you’re doing a good job? Are you wondering what qualities make a good special ed teacher? You just heard that ONE negative comment or critique about your teaching. Now you’re up late at night, thinking if you have what it takes to be a sped teacher. Today I share 4 questions to ask yourself to get that validation you need as a special education teacher! These questions will help you...

Hey Sped Teacher, How do you deal with a power struggle with your students with special needs? Can you prevent these power struggles from happening in the first place? How do we change the dynamics and not engage in negative conflict with our students? In today’s episode, I will share the ONE thing we can do to stop these power struggles from beginning in the first place! Also, I'll explain what steps to take to get there. This will motivate your students to try their best and build their...

Hey Special Education Teacher, Are you new to co-teaching? Do you know how it works in special ed? What materials do you need to get started to be a co-teacher?  In today’s episode, I will share the most significant essentials I need as a sped co-teacher. After pushing into the general education classroom, I learned what is needed to have my students with disabilities be successful. These necessities will help you support their educational journey. Take Care, Michelle Resources...

Hey Special Ed Teacher, It's the end of the first quarter! That means progress reports are due! So, I am re-releasing episode 21, an oldie but goodie! IEP progress reports are due! Are you wondering how often should IEP progress be reported? What should a student progress report include? Wondering how you prepare a student progress report? Today I share how I prepare for when IEP goal progress reports are due. These steps will give you a quick start to enjoy your Winter Break faster! Do not...

Hey Sped Teacher, Struggling with interpreting IEP goals? Need a better explanation of how to teach goals according to your student's individualized education plans? After reviewing your special ed classroom's goals, do you have more questions than answers? I'll answer your most asked IEP goal questions in today's episode. If you're like me, you didn't receive much training in creating IEP goals. As special education teachers, we do not like to admit that we still have questions regarding our...

Hey Special Ed Teacher, Do you need more teaching strategies to use as a special education teacher? What are ways that a teacher can help their students with special needs? Do you need to add more to your list of intervention strategies for sped students? In today’s episode, I’ll share effective teaching strategies that I’ve used in my special ed classroom to meet the needs of our mild to moderate special needs students. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, these...

Hey Special Education Teacher, If you’re a Resource Specialist Teacher, do you struggle with your schedule? Can’t find the right time to service your students with disabilities? Never have enough time to do your academic testing?  In today’s episode, I’ll share the MUST-HAVE components you need to create your RSP teacher schedule! Organizing your schedule so it complies with your special ed student’s IEP is not a choice. It’s a must! But scheduling around so many activities, recesses,...

Hey Sped Teacher, What do you do when you’ve inherited a poorly written IEP? Do you know who to contact about fixing this document for your new student with disabilities? What steps do you take to get their individualized education plan adjusted? In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to fix your student with special needs’ education plan! It is frustrating when you find those errors in IEPs that you have concerns with. Yes, you’ve inherited a new IEP, but you’ve inherited a brand new student...

Hey Special Education Teacher, What do you do when you receive a new student’s IEP? How do you know it’s well-written? After reviewing the document, do you know what clues inform you that the IEP has any red flags?  In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing the 5 signs that your new student’s IEP needs your attention NOW! When that new student walks into your classroom, you’ll automatically receive their new IEP from their last school or district. Some IEPs are very well-written, and some…..not so...

Hey Sped Teacher, How do you work with service providers for your students with disabilities? How often do you communicate with them? Do you collaborate with other special ed related services before that IEP (individualized education plan) meeting?  In today’s episode, you’ll be learning seven different ways with how to work and collaborate with your special education service providers! There are many benefits to working together. But the most important one is that your student will get...

Hey Special Ed Teacher, Why are building relationships with students with special needs important? What is the first step to building relationships? How can Special Education teachers improve their connection with students? In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 4 reasons why connecting with your special needs students is NECESSARY! As teachers, we want to jump into academics right away. But we often forget about the benefits of building relationships with our students first! Listen in as I...