Supporting Learning Through Educational Therapy with Polly Mayer

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 67 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Polly Mayer, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Masters of Arts in Educational Therapy Program at Notre Dame de Namur University. Polly brings a wealth of experience, having spent 25 years as a classroom teacher and now dedicating her career to teaching educational therapists. Polly's journey into educational therapy began with her curiosity about neurodiverse students and how best to support them in academic settings. As a parent of a neurodiverse child herself, Polly has a personal understanding of the challenges and rewards of special education. Episode’s Key Takeaways:  * Polly’s Personal Experience with Special Education: Being the parent of a special needs child (now successful adult) complemented her professional training  * The Inclusion Model is Not Just for Students: Both teachers and students benefit when the general education Gen Ed supports neurodivergent learners  * The Difference Between Educational Therapy and Tutoring: Often commingled in definition, educational therapy is more learning-based, while tutoring is more subject-based  * Training to Be an Educational Therapist: The certifications involved in becoming an educational therapist and how a parent or guardian can find a qualified one  * How to Set a Student Up for Success: “Be the scientist of your own learning” — strategies for effective learning  Learn more about Polly Mayer:  * Connect with Polly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polly-mayer-05a32227  * Email: [email protected]  * Learn more about the Master’s of Special Education program at Notre Dame de Namur University: https://www.ndnu.edu/school-of-education/mase *********************************** Stress-Free IEP®:  Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need. Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:  * On website: https://shefterlaw.com/blog  * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff0foIeCETrWbtsQSDwckQ Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:  * https://shefterlaw.com/#contact-me  * https://shefterlaw.com  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesshefter  * https://www.facebook.com/ShefterLawPA  * https://twitter.com/shefterlawpa  * https://www.instagram.com/shefterlawpa  * https://www.tiktok.com/@shefterlawpa