Special Education Inner Circle
by Catherine Whitcher
The Special Education Inner Circle podcast is hosted by Catherine Kahl, M.Ed, founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Get your notebook ready as Catherine brings you real-world strategies for everyone at the IEP table. With her family's experience in the disability community and her journey from Special Education classroom teacher to IEP expert, Catherine knows what it takes to prepare students and families for the future. Get ready to be inspired and learn actionable steps you can take immediately to change your special education experience.
Episodes
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261. This IEP Section Should Never Be Empty
Parents and teachers—this one IEP mistake happens all the time. The Parent Concerns section is often left blank or filled with "No concerns at this time." That's not just wasted space—it's a missed opportunity to shape the entire IEP. When the Parent Concerns section is used the right way, it…
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260. Child Removed from Classroom? 4 Quick Collaborative IEP Advocacy Next Steps for Teachers and Parents
What should parents and teachers do when a child is removed from the classroom? Whether it's a hallway break, a move to another room, or a more significant removal, immediate collaborative advocacy is crucial! In this episode of the Special Education Inner Circle Podcast, I'm sharing four quick…
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259. Clear Your To-Do List & Make Room for What Matters Most
Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? You're not alone! In this episode, I walk you through four simple prompts to help you clear your mental clutter, free up time, and finally tackle the tasks that matter most. Whether you're a parent, teacher, admin, or therapist, these strategies will help…
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258. Reducing IEP Conflict - Two Key Phrases
IEP meetings can be tense, but small shifts in communication can make all the difference. In this episode, I'm sharing two common phrases that create unnecessary conflict at the IEP table—and what you should say instead. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, these simple yet effective...
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257. An Aide Isn't Always the Answer
If you've been struggling with the "do we need a 1:1 aide" conversation with your IEP team... this quick episode with strategies and perspective is for you! Free Resources at Master IEP Coach® Contact Catherine
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256. Your 90 Day Plan for Special Education Peace Next Year
As 2024 enters its final quarter, it's time to take stock and plan for a peaceful finish! In this episode, you'll be challenged to reflect on your IEP practices and personal goals. Learn why these last 90 days are crucial for setting yourself up for success in 2025. Whether you're a parent,...
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255. Turning Your IEP Expertise into an Advocacy Business
In this episode, I'm sharing the real deal on how I help parents and teachers inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship set up their businesses. We'll cover: How I run my business mostly from my phone (which was a lifesaver when my stepson broke his arm recently) A simple way to host webinars that...
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254. Two Master IEP Coach® Strategies You Can Keep
Ever wondered what kind of IEP solutions other people are finding? In this episode, we're dishing out some clever strategies straight from our Master IEP Coaches®. Hear how one simple idea got a struggling student the therapy they needed, and find out why Assistive Technology isn't just about...
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253. Rewrite Your Special Education Story
Ever felt like you're supposed to do something more to help create change in Special Education? You're not alone. I'm taking you behind the scenes of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship that's turning the tables on traditional special education advocacy. Discover how everyday parents and educators…
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252. From Mom to Master IEP Coach® - Meet Sandy
Discover the journey of Sandy, a mom who transformed her frustration with the special education system into a mission to help others. From struggling to secure an IEP for her autistic son to becoming a respected Special Education Advocate and Master IEP Coach®, Sandy's story is a testament to the...
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251. Is this Special Education Curriculum Okay?
I've been presenting IEP Workshops at PTAs nationwide and these two concerns from parents and teachers keep creeping up... The "What Curriculum?" Conundrum: Because winging it just doesn't cut it anymore. The Inclusion Illusion: Spoiler alert - it's not just about sharing a classroom! In this...
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250. Special Education Inclusion Begins Day One
Inclusion of children who receive Special Education services is not a luxury we can afford to delay. Let's challenge the common practice of postponing inclusion until "routines are established." Discover why inclusion should start on day one and how waiting can be a huge set back for children…
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249. Two Easy School to Home Communication Solutions
Are you tired of the communication breakdown between school and home in Special Education? In this episode, I'm sharing two game-changing strategies that will transform how you handle IEP updates. Discover why sending weekly reports on Fridays might be sabotaging your weekend, and learn a simple...
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248. The IEP Box You Might Be Missing: Assistive Technology Made Simple
Feeling overwhelmed by back-to-school prep? I've got a box you need to check that could make a huge difference this year. It's all about that assistive technology box the IEP - you know, the one that's often ignored? Let's chat about what it really means and how it can help a child with...
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247. Time Management Made Visual: How Time Timer® Supports Special Education
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246. Building Inclusive School Experiences Through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools
Listen in for an eye-opening journey into the world of Special Olympics' Unified Champion Schools! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a revolutionary approach to inclusion that's sweeping through schools nationwide. You'll hear from Haylie, about Special Olympics' global education...
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245. Simple Special Education Support Spotlight: How Calm Strips Can Help Increase Focus and Reduce Anxiety
Hey there, parents and teachers! Join me for a chat with the creative minds behind Calm Strips. We're exploring how these nifty textured stickers are making a real difference in classrooms and beyond, helping kids (and adults!) with focus and anxiety. Learn about their simple design, many uses…
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244. Determined Teacher Finds a Clickworthy Solution
🖱️ In this episode, Catherine interviews Parker, the inventor of the Hoglet - the world's first fidget computer mouse. Discover how a former tech professional turned special education teacher invented a much needed assistive technology! 🚀 Key highlights: Parker's journey from tech to teaching…
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243. Smooth IEP Meeting? Send This Letter
Hear me out on why sending a recap letter after an IEP meeting is crucial, even when everything goes smoothly. Learn how this simple strategy can prevent misunderstandings, document important agreements, and keep the collaborative spirit alive. I'll walk you through the key elements of an…
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242. Say This, Not That: 5 Shifts for IEP Conversations
Ever feel frustrated with the words being used at IEP meetings? You're not alone! In this episode, Catherine shares 5 critical language shifts that'll transform your IEP conversations. Whether you're a parent trying to express your child's needs or an educator aiming to build better plans, these...
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241. Losing Yourself at the IEP Table
Ever walk into an IEP meeting and struggle to show up as your best self? You know the conversation is going to be tough and you are just crossing your fingers hoping you can say and do the right things. In this episode, I'll give you practical tips on finding support, preparing effectively, and...
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240. Courageously Hit Refresh and Have Less Stress at the IEP Table
It's time to break free of unnecessary stress at the IEP table and courageously hit refresh. Finally, give yourself permission to let go of methods or programs that just aren't working - even if you poured tons of effort into them initially. Whether it's a teaching approach, therapy plan, or...
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239. Create Your Double Win This Summer
Are you constantly striving and achieving at the IEP table, only to crash from burnout shortly after? I've been there, and in this episode I'm sharing how the concept of "high performance" changed everything for me. You'll learn the 6 key habits around clarity, energy, productivity and more that...
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238. Feeling Burnt Out? You need sustainable IEPs
Burnout, exhaustion, and that "never again" feeling after an unsustainable IEP year? Let's get real about the tendency to overload IEPs with too many goals, accommodations, and responsibilities - leaving teachers, therapists, parents, and children overwhelmed. Prioritization is crucial for...
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237. What 3 Words Do People Say Behind Your Back After an IEP Meeting?
What three words would people use to describe you after an IEP meeting? Maybe you owned traits like "caring," "patient," and "collaborative" - or maybe there's room to level up. As the school year ends, I share examples from Master IEP Coaches® striving to be a "lifeline," "data-driven," and…
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236. 3 Buckets of End of the Year IEP Concerns
End of school year chaos got you frazzled? Let me walk you through how to brain dump your concerns, create your 3 buckets, and give you insights on 3 situations I'm coaching parents and teachers through right now inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. If you're struggling through concerns like...
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235. Your Secret Sauce to a Better School Year Next Year
Special Education Teachers and Parents, Was this school year easier than expected, or more difficult than you imagined? In this must-listen episode, I share eye-opening poll results, guide you through identifying your true desires for a better next school year, and 3 must-have steps to get there!...
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234. Curriculum in the IEP? Yes!
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...
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233. Parents Never Have "No Concerns"
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...
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232. Decision Making for Middle School
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…
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231. Non-Negotiables for IEPs: Even on the Bad Days
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…
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230. Don't Give Up On This School Year Yet! 4 Questions for Special Education Teachers and Parents
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...
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229: Second Guessing Special Needs and Inclusion
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......
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228: Sneak Peek: Green Flags in Special Education
🟢 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...
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227. 3 Essentials for Your Next IEP Meeting
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
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226. Celebrating your Wins is Necessary
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...
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225. IEP Systems for Parents and Teachers
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...
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224. Visual Supports in the IEP with Molly Johnson
🛑 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...
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223. Two Important Questions I Get About Master IEP Coaches®
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...
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222. 12 IEP Questions for Teachers and Parents
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.
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221. 3 Takeaways from the Master IEP Coach Mentorship
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...
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220. 5 Questions to Ask When an IEP Isn't Working
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:...
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219. Learn how to get MORE and BETTER Special Education Services
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/
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218. IEP Meetings - What's In and Out in 2024
👋 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...
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217. Stop Doing THIS in Special Education in the New Year
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...
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216. 3 Unfiltered Truths about Special Education in 2023
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
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215. Special Education Resources I Love!
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 -...
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214. Inclusion in Hollywood: Meet Diane Strand
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...
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213. 3 Ways to Get General Education Involved in IEPs
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…
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212. IEP Deadlines Missed - Fix It Fast!
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...
About this show
The Special Education Inner Circle podcast is hosted by Catherine Kahl, M.Ed, founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Get your notebook ready as Catherine brings you real-world strategies for everyone at the IEP table. With her family's experience in the disability community and her journey from Special Education classroom teacher to IEP expert, Catherine knows what it takes to prepare students and families for the future. Get ready to be inspired and learn actionable steps you can take immediately to change your special education experience.
Hosted by
Catherine Whitcher