Teachers are our “boots on the ground” partners for all we want to accomplish in education. There are real mental health challenges all around us, and teachers need our support more than ever. Nothing will impact a child’s learning like a great teacher–and the reverse is also true, unfortunately. Join us as we explore this important topic!

Karen Foley is the president and CEO of The Juvenile Protective Association, a Chicago nonprofit founded in 1901. The JPA provides therapy in schools and clinics to give children the mental health care and support that they need. Karen is a former corporate executive who left that field to care for her son and found her calling in nonprofit work. 

Show Highlights:

• Karen’s background and passion for the work she does today
• The truth about teachers: 48% experience burnout and leave education within the first 5 years.
• A real-life example of a teacher’s impact on a student
• The work of the JPA to make a difference in schools and communities
• Karen’s advice for administrators
• Signs of teacher burnout: increased turnover, mindset shifts, and overloaded responsibilities
• Karen’s experience with social-emotional development in the school setting
• Tips for teachers
• The importance of building rapport with students
• Data that validates the success of the JPA’s work with students

Links/Resources:

Connect with Karen Foley and the JPA: Website and Karen's email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org  

Thank you for listening!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts,  Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Executive functioning is more than a catchy buzzword phrase in the world of education. What does it mean, how can we understand it better, and how can we do a better job of helping students? Join us as we explore this topic in today’s episode!

Dr. Tara Williams is the owner and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, which assists students with learning difficulties via a personalized plan based on their strengths and weaknesses. Students learn to hone their executive functioning skills and build confidence in an online environment through working with the staff at ICC. 

Show Highlights:

• What are executive functioning skills?
• Differences in executive functioning skills for elementary, middle school, and high school students
• The balance needed in providing an accommodation skill AND teaching the child how and when to use the skill
• The problem when kids are good at masking
• Challenges for older students who have to advocate for themselves
• Identifying a student’s motivation
• It’s all about building confidence!
• The difficult transition from high school to college (or life)

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Tara Williams and Innovative Collegiate Consultants: Website and Instagram

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org  

Thank you for listening!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts,  Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Grassroots efforts usually work to bring about change. Unfortunately, our political leaders don’t look closely at education, disability rights, and reform in the same way we discuss these topics here in this space. Our goal is always to spur more conversations about education, disability rights, civil rights, and support for marginalized communities. Patrick Jones, aka “Mr. JonesX,” joins us for today’s discussion in light of the current political climate in the US. Join us!

Show Highlights:

• Patrick’s background and path to the advocacy work he does today
• Inclusion and educational equity challenges are everywhere.
• Being a good person matters most.
• Patrick’s perspective on “laying out the facts” without ulterior motives
• Why we can’t stop talking about equity and inclusion
• Patrick’s experience as a basketball coach who focused on much more than just basketball
• What we vote for has an impact on our kids and their education
• Patrick’s thoughts on the 2024 election 
• When the most marginalized are lifted up, so is everyone else.
• Patrick’s beginnings on TikTok, thanks to his kids

Links/Resources:

Connect with Patrick Jones: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Believe it or not, October is over. It was a busy month for IEP meetings, and the holiday rush is about to begin. In today’s episode, we want to give helpful insights about community building in a classroom through a simple, actionable technique; this conversation will benefit teachers, parents, and administrators–anyone who wants to foster confidence and community in kids. 

We are joined by Rob Sanders, a children’s book author who spent time as a 4th grade ELA teacher and writing coach. Rob is the author of several books, including the newly published picture book, We Are a Class. 

Show Highlights:

• Rob’s writing journey by way of the classroom
• The biggest classroom challenges in building community
• Why Rob wrote We Are a Class. 
• Empowering students to be confident writers through embracing a common purpose
• Creating a good classroom culture through pledges
• Students take ownership when they know what to expect.
• The inner voice that a student can rely on to recognize their purpose through a simple pledge
• Alternatives to the word “pledge” to fit your culture and preferences (i.e. agreement, promise, guarantee, etc. )

Links/Resources:

Connect with Rob Sanders: Website (Find Rob’s other books!), Facebook, Instagram, Email, and We Are a Class

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Today’s episode includes a look into the controversial Project 2025 plan, a 900-page roadmap created by far-right think tanks, like The Heritage Foundation. With the elections looming, we are giving our perspectives on some of the alarming implications of this proposal, particularly its potential to dismantle essential educational protections, erase civil rights language, and threaten public education across the United States.

Tune in as we discuss how Project 2025 threatens diversity, equity, and inclusion, how it threatens The State Department of Education and Title 1 funding, and the risks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income families. We also discuss how this could have broader consequences for public education and society, as a whole.

Please be sure to share this episode with your family, friends, and others!

Show Highlights:

• Deleting terms—and the effects on the American education system
• Potential defunding of public schools through voucher programs
• Transfer of IDEA and Title I funding to private block grants
• Risks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income families
• Forcing more segregation: Is that what we want?
• P. 319–”Federal education policy should be limited.”
• How the removal of federal oversight would widen educational disparities
• Project 2025’s attack on key civil rights laws (Section 504, IDEA, Civil Rights Act)
• Connection to policies from the Trump administration and Betsy DeVos
• Real-world impacts on school lunch programs and state education departments
• These kinds of changes outlined in Project 2025 affect everyone, whether you have young children or not. Have questions about Project 2025? Email us: [email protected]

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

In today’s episode, Vickie and Amanda discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions, highlighting the shift away from standardized testing and the importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions. Emily shares insights on the challenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and emphasizes the need for more equitable admissions policies. If you are a parent navigating the college admissions process, tune in!

Show Highlights:

• The evolving landscape of college admissions post-COVID-19
• Implications of standardized testing in admissions processes
• Importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions
• Challenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds
• The need for holistic admissions processes that recognize individual circumstances
• Economic biases in traditional admissions metrics
• The role of student engagement and interest in the admissions process
• Accessibility of online resources for prospective college students
• Financial challenges and the true cost of college attendance

Links/Resources:

Connect with Emily Chase Coleman: Website (complete contact form) LinkedIn

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Today’s episode focuses on a Supreme Court case in favor of eliminating affirmative

action, which has huge implications in the world of education. In reality, what the

Supreme Court does and how they make decisions stems from who the justices are.

With every decision, we should evaluate if it aligns with what we believe and what is

best for our country. The upcoming election is a pivotal time because of the impact

on the Supreme Court and who our justices are. Join us for more!

Show Highlights:

● The case in question concerning Harvard, UNC, affirmative action in higher

education

● The dissenting justices’ statements: Are our justices in touch with our

population?

● The reality of racial inequality in the US today

● The issue goes beyond college admissions and permeates other areas, even

the rights of children with disabilities.

● This ruling sets the stage for what we could face in the future.

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts,  Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram – We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us:  [email protected]

Today’s focus is on accommodating children in the general education classroom to provide a truly inclusive environment. It’s vital for all of us involved in education to understand the WHY of these accommodations with an emphasis on empathy. Join us for a closer look.

Dr. Jessica Werner is the founder of Northshore Learning, a team of consultants based in Minneapolis. They support schools, parents, and teachers worldwide to work with students of ALL types by incorporating cutting-edge neuroscience insights into their coaching and training programs. They offer support for inclusion, classroom management, instructional excellence, executive coaching, and educator wellness.  Jessica’s experience with her 9-year-old son’s educational needs has opened her eyes to learning challenges and how to better train teachers in accommodating ALL learners.  

Show Highlights:

• The truth about educators and their training (and why they need more)
• Many ADHD accommodations can be applied to every student–and will be beneficial
• Alternatives to “the old ways” are necessary in education today.
• Threading in neuroscience to understand executive function deficits from an empathetic viewpoint
• Understanding why classroom environments really do matter
• What we call defiance in a student isn’t always defiance.
• Teacher pushback is often fear-based.
• Fresh perspectives on the anxiety epidemic in today’s classrooms

Links/Resources:

Connect with Jessica and Northshore Learning: Website and Email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram – We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us:  [email protected]

 Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle Freeland

Character education can happen in many forms. Today’s episode highlights a unique program that is fun, effective, and quickly growing in popularity. What child doesn’t love taking care of a pet? Join us to hear more from our two guests.

Kristin Woodward-Vaassen founded Two by Two Character Development in 2005. The program fosters positive character traits in thousands of youth and families across the nation. It has grown from its beginnings in Dubuque, Iowa, to 36 states and several other countries. Kristin spent many years as a 3rd-grade teacher and noticed that kids’ socio-emotional needs were not being met, so she started this innovative program in an effort to make a real difference.

Icle Freeland is the Community Outreach Director at Two by Two. From his initial background as a 2nd-grade teacher, he has worked in character education with elementary through college students. He works with schools to help implement the Two by Two program. 

Show Highlights:

• Highlights of the programming offered by Two by Two for all grade levels
• The basis of Kindhearted Kids, which uses ten lessons about kindness, empathy, responsibility, and more to grow productive citizens
• “Pet ownership” opens the door for connections with students.
• Encouraging and supporting inclusion and acceptance in classrooms
• Real-life results of Kindhearted Kids
• The components of Kindhearted Kids are important in building many real-life skills in versatile ways. 
• The impact of using pets to break down barriers, address challenges with communication and expression, and teach responsibility

Links/Resources:

Connect with Kristin, Icle, and Two by Two: Website and Email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Most of the country is off and running into another school year, and it’s a great time to reflect on where we can improve and how we can be more knowledgeable in supporting students and addressing their needs. This episode focuses on training for school staff, district staff, and parents. Today, we share part two of our interview with Andrew Goff. Part one aired at the end of the last school year and share his perspective as an early childhood teacher advocating for students at IEP meetings. If you missed part one, listen to Episode 311 here. Join us to learn more about ongoing trends in teacher training. 

Andrew Goff taught early childhood special education in five different least restrictive environments spanning 12 years. He is currently the lead instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College, not far from Steamboat Springs. He wrote a memoir, Love is a Classroom, and is a fierce advocate for “inclusion–early, everywhere, and always.”

Show Highlights:

• Andrew’s role at community colleges training in the virtual space
• The importance of collaboration in developing and implementing accommodations
• Teacher experiences and three components of curricula: indirect, direct, and temporal
• Thoughts about co-teaching
• A big root of the problem is that we aren’t educating all teachers on all the varieties of ways kids learn.
• All children deserve to learn equally and have their needs met.
• Barriers to learning—and how they show up
• Relationships and connections allow students to learn better!
• Teaching teachers to create cultures in a classroom
• Teachers with biases find it difficult to show up and give a child what they need.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Andrew Goff: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Love is a Classroom Podcast, and Love is a Classroom book

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Today’s episode is a replay of our session at the BOOST Conference from a few months ago. It relates specifically to next week’s conversation, which is the reason we want to air it again. This episode was also featured as an encore episode over the summer. Enjoy!

We loved having the opportunity to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California, to participate in classes, workshops, networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!

Show Highlights:

• An overview of the IEP podcast
• What is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?
• The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP process
• Individualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.
• The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting
• 95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a breakdown in communication.
• Vickie and Amanda field questions from the audience about IDEA provisions for school-sponsored events, supporting students with extreme behaviors, and expanded learning programs in the IEP process. 

Links/Resources:

Find out more about the BOOST Conference: Website

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]