In honor of Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance Month, this week's episode features a discussion with Heather Hall from Embracing Autism about the statement, "Autism is not a choice, but embracing it is." This  conversation addresses critical misconceptions, such as the belief that all individuals with autism are cognitively low and that their behaviors are uniform.  Heather and Jennifer explore effective educational strategies that can significantly benefit individuals with autism such as: Structured routines Visual schedules  Affirmations and celebrations  Innovative ..read more

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by guest Alicia Tripp to discuss the frequently overlooked but prevalent issue of comparison in special education. Alicia recounts her personal journey, starting from the inspiration she received from her brother with Down syndrome, to her own development as an educator who confronted and triumphed over the challenges of comparison. Together, they discuss strategies for educators to overcome feelings of inadequacy and fully embrace their distinct paths in the profession. Key Points Discussed: Theodore Roosevelt's Quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy." Ali ..read more

Welcome to 4th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul,  answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: What do I do when my paras aren't getting along- Margaret Is it okay to teach my students math facts?- Sara Managing Paraeducator Conflicts Key Points: Address conflicts immediately for effective resolution. Open communication and setting clear expectations are vital. Utilize preventive measures at the start of the year to minimize conflicts. The role of a special education teacher as ..read more

In today's episode, I have a guest to help me discuss one of my favorite topics: supporting paraprofessionals. These unsung heroes play a pivotal role in our classrooms, and it's crucial we acknowledge their contributions.  Joining me is Lydia Hunninghake, an experienced teacher in special education, who shares my enthusiasm for this cause. As a passionate special education teacher and entrepreneur, Lydia is always excited to forge meaningful relationships and share her journey.  Lydia's insights into the challenges and triumphs of working with paraprofessionals are invaluable, and ..read more

When a former student approaches you after 25 years, thanking you for lessons long past, it hits in a way that words can't quite capture. That's the essence of the latest Sped Prep Academy podcast episode—stories that demonstrate the unforeseen and lasting impacts we special educators have on our students. The focus of this episode are 3 heartwarming anecdotes from my personal journey in special education, each one underscoring the powerful connections and transformative influence we can have on the lives we touch. These stories brought my role as an educator full circle: But these stories a ..read more

Today we are discussing something that is coming up here pretty quickly in the world of education and typically has a greater level of impact on our students than general education students and that is the super fun time of state assessments.  There are many opinions on state testing...We need to know where our students are academically in comparison to their peers, but are we creating an environment where the focus is more on the test scores rather than the overall growth and learning of each student? How does this affect our students with IEPs?  Don't get me wrong...I whole hearte ..read more

Welcome to 3rd segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul,  answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: How do I work with so many different levels of students at one time- Andi How can I help a student with autism who doesn't engage with other kids learn how to play with other kids? -Tyler Episode Highlights: Managing Diverse Learning Levels: Jennifer and Paul discuss the challenging task of catering to various learning levels in a special education setting. They emphasize the importance ..read more

Welcome to another episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast with your host, Jennifer. Today, we explore the Spring IEP season, a period of time in the field of special education known for its intense demands, hectic schedules, and unique challenges.  Jennifer shares her expertise and offers practical strategies to help special educators navigate and overcome these seasonal hurdles with confidence and effectiveness. Episode Summary: We discuss WHY the Spring season is notoriously challenging and provide 9 Essential Strategies for Success: Organize and Prioritize: Tips for managing the o ..read more

In this episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, we take a break from instructional content to share a deeply personal experience that reignited Jennifer's passion for special education.  Join Jennifer on this special episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast as she shares her transformative experience volunteering at the Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine event.  Amidst the daily challenges of special education, Jennifer's involvement in this celebration of inclusion and empowerment reignited her passion for the field of special education and was reminded of the profound impact ..read more

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, where we continue our discussion on supporting paraprofessionals. A few weeks ago, in episode 148 we worked on mindset around the fact that you most likely didn't go to school to be the boss and you don't have the knowledge or skillset to lead anyone. I shared how, in spite of not having any training, you ARE the leader of your classroom and like it or not, you have to lean into that role. Today I want to give you some tools to do just that...accept your leadership position and thrive in it.  Here's a breakdown of the ..read more