SPEDTalk

The SPEDTalk team is in San Antonio at the Mermaid Cafe. Listen as they talk with cafe Manager Drew to hear the story of his daughter Leah (the CEO) , her journey with disabilities, and how the Mermaid Cafe came to be. The Mermaid Cafe serves Coffee, and gluten free light bites and sweet treats, and they employ many people with disabilities. The team and Drew discuss it all on this episode of SPEDTalk.

Region Six Education Service Center and Dr Michael Munro host a cooking skills event for students with visual impairments and their teachers. Listen as the SPED talk team interviews kids, parents and teachers about cooking and using kitchen knives.

SPEDTalk visits with the people responsible for brining this Tim Tebow Foundation event to Amarillo. Hear about their experiences, who benefits, and how you could become involved.

The SPEDTalk team sits down with Jill Kerby to discuss the Region 10 Diagnostician Certification Program. Jill explains what the program entails, where interested candidates can find information, how to apply, and the requirements for admission. The conversation highlights how Region 10 ESC is helping address the need for diagnosticians across Texas.Educational Diagnostician Certification SiteSpecial Education Small and Rural Schools (SPED SRS) Email Amy Lambert with any questions: [email protected]

In this episode, the SPEDTalk Team visits with Pam Sepulvado who oversees the Speech Language Pathology Masters Degree program hosted by Region 10 ESC. Find out about how they are helping to fill a need and how to get the degree for FREE!

The SPEDTalk team spends some time with its founders Pam and John.

Jen and Myra visit with Memphis ISD. They discuss how TIA has worked for them and how you could help your teachers earn bonus checks of up to $32000 a year.

Speaking to the teams entered in the "race", as well as some of its organizers, the SPEDTalk crew learns about why it exists. As a fundraiser it is definitely unique, and you will hear some fun stories about the participants adventures.

SPEDTalk travels west for a check in with Camp Able on Wild West Sensory Day. In this episode the team interviews a variety of visitors to Camp Able's new home of 83 acres on FM 89 just outside of Abilene.

The SPETalk team gets an amazing opportunity to speak with the Founder and some of the Leaders of To Be Like Me.

SPEDTalk travels to Corpus Christi to check out the Seaside Summit. Listen to find out what people are saying about the event.

Morton ISD is food trucking across the Panhandle. The SPEDTalk team discusses how they got started, what the students are accomplishing, and where they are going.

The SPEDTalk team visits with Dr. Layne Pethick again. In this episode the conversation focuses more on the parenting side.

The SPEDTalk team travels to Lake Belton HS. In this episode they interview the teachers and students behind the coffee shop at Lake Belton HS. Listen as they describe their growth as well as how you could do the same thing at your school.

The SPEDTalk team goes to Wichita Falls and visits the Region 9 Education Service Center. Myra who has a background in Early Childhood Special Education connects with ESC 9 consultant Christi Kelton to discuss all thing Early Childhood Education.

Want to know how to fill your open positions? The SPEDTalk team visits Wichita Falls ISD. They speak with and learn from not only the Executive Director of Special programs, but also the Executive Director of Human Resources. Together they share their innovative solutions to staffing and how it could work for you.

SPEDTalkers Molly and Evan travel to Lake Jackson, TX to learn and talk about an opportunity for people with special needs to be a part of a dance studio.

Abbie Fikes is a college student with Autism. During the interview the SPEDTalk team learns about her journey and her future. They also get to speak with Region 14's Autism Consultant.

The SPEDTalk team travels to Lubbock . In this episode we speak not only about the power of the Cotton Boll Consortium, but also its influence. Two other spin offs are happening in other regions of the state and SPEDTalk chats with their organizers.

The SPEDTalk team talks to Kim Brannan of the Texas Education Agency. They discuss "one site to rule them all" and how this great resource is helping educators save time while getting what they need.

The SPEDTalk team sits down with Dr. Layne Pethick to talk Autism, behavior, and whatever comes up.

Dr Jana Melsheimer shares her story. How did she rise from Special Education resource teacher to Executive Director of the state's second largest Education Service Center? Jana shares how she was rewarded for "growing where you are planted" and "pouring into people."

The SPEDTalk team talks to Anna Mondragon, Director of ESC and Stakeholder Support, Special Populations Systemwide Integration Division, and Dana Garza, Manager on the Strategic Integration team at the Texas Education Agency. They discuss how integration helps things move forward especially related to the new Strategic Integration Liaison initiative.

The SPEDTalk team speaks to the mother of two boys with the "gift of dyslexia." She shares her journey as well as some suggestions for other parents as well.

Lori and Evan go to "rose country" to speak with Tyler Chapel Hill's SPED director. They discuss the value of relationships, taking on a new role, and the support an Education Service Center can provide.

The SPEDTalk team is in the El Paso area speaking with a new SPED director from Fabens ISD.

The SPEDTalk team is in McAllen ISD talking 18 + programming. Also in this episode, they get a parent's and a student's perspective.

PSJA episode "Pathways for Independence" The SPEDTalk team goes to the Valley to discuss 18+ programming with Pharr San Juan Alamo ISD. They discuss the "Life House", hear success stories and talk about how someone else might start a new program.

Description: In this episode, we hear a mother’s honest story about how she fought and continues to fight for her daughter to have the best educational and life experience.  We are reminded that the power of community is great and how schools who lead with love for their students unleash their potential while providing the tools that parents need to be strong advocates. Barriers can be broken, even cultural barriers are no match for a community who truly cares.   Descripción: En este episodio, escuchamos la historia honesta de una madre sobre cómo luchó y continúa luchando para que su hija tuviera la mejor experiencia educativa y de vida. Se nos recuerda que el poder de la comunidad es grande y cómo las escuelas que lideran con amor por sus estudiantes liberan su potencial al mismo tiempo que brindan las herramientas que los padres necesitan para ser firmes defensores. Las barreras se pueden romper, incluso las barreras culturales no son rival para una comunidad que realmente se preocupa.

The team talks with Angi Thomas, Consultant Special Education Behavior at Region 14 ESC. The conversation centers around building culture and revisits an earlier episode with Merkel Middle School. Additionally, Angi shares some tips for educators.

The SPEDTalk crew speaks with Garland ISD about its partnership with Project Search.

Team member Molly Savant is not only a certified teacher for Deaf/Hard of Hearing she is also the parent of two Deaf/Hard of Hearing children. The SPEDTalk team talks with Molly about her experiences and struggles as a parent while the interpreter signs in this video episode.

The SPEDTalk crew chats with Merkel Middle School Principal about changing culture, overcoming adversity and a plan to turn the campus around.

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic partnership between Region 16 and Amarillo College, a collaboration reshaping educational opportunities and professional development for aspiring teachers. The episode highlights the innovative initiatives under this participation. Listeners will gain insights about the impact of this alliance on education to aspiring teachers providing a first-hand account of their journey and growth through these opportunities. This podcast is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the future of teaching and the power of educational collaboration.

In this episode the SPEDTalk team hears from Pam and John as they discuss the history of their involvement with the podcast and what is up next in each of their lives.

Emily Robinson, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist at the Texas Education Agency, and Twyla Loftin, DHH Project Lead, discuss educating students who are deaf or hard of hearing with the SPEDTalk crew. Emily will be speaking through an interpreter.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the positive impact that project based learning is having on the performance, achievement, and outcomes of students at the UT Tyler University Academy Charter School. UTTUA is a public university Charter School that incorporates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into daily classroom curriculum and utilizes a hands-on learning approach to better equip students with the 21st century skills required to succeed in the future. https://www.uttua.org/ 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, new members of the team are introduced. The current challenges of special education are discussed, along with possible solutions. This episode was recorded live in video format and can be viewed online at Spotify podcasts. 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

We have a special guest in this SPEDTalk episode: Dr. Rodney Watson, the Executive Director of Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX. He talks about his personal and professional journey in special education and how he supports and advocates for students with disabilities. He also shares his insights on the current challenges and opportunities in education and his vision for the future of learning. Join us as we learn from Dr. Watson's wisdom and passion for special education. 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this combination episode of SPEDTalk, we learn about how Elizabeth Chapman and Alli Fletcher co-teach 6th-grade math at Lake Dallas Middle School, and we interview Cassie White, a special education teacher in Birdville ISD, who shares her experience and insights on implementing student-led IEP meetings in her district.  2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Elizabeth Chapman and Alli Fletcher co-teach 6th-grade math at Lake Dallas Middle School. They are creating a learning environment that benefits all students. The student's knowledge and skills dictate the level of support provided to students and not the label. Students receiving special education services are finding success. The co-teachers regularly collaborate to plan and deliver instruction that meets the diverse needs of their learners. They use data to monitor progress and adjust their strategies accordingly. They also foster a positive classroom culture where students feel valued and respected. 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we interview Cassie White, a special education teacher in Birdville ISD, who shares her experience and insights on implementing student-led IEP meetings in her district. She explains how student-led IEP meetings empower students with disabilities to take charge of their learning goals and outcomes and how they foster collaboration and communication among students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. She also provides practical tips and strategies for preparing students to lead their IEP meetings and overcome potential challenges. 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn from two SPED Administrators in the field how to leverage the Self-Assessment process to achieve effective implementation and lasting impact through a programmatic continuous improvement process. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/review-and-support/self-assessment 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the amazing work of Camp Able of Buffalo Gap, who's mission is to cultivate healthy, independent living for people with special needs through skills based training and equine therapy, with a special focus on using horses that have been given sanctuary from difficult circumstances. Camp Able’s vision is that self-sufficiency is a reasonable and achievable goal for humans regardless of mental, emotional and physical capabilities, with the full acceptance and understanding of their caregivers and society at large. Camp Able is a nonprofit organization that provides equine therapy to people with special needs and sanctuary to unwanted or neglected horses. At Camp Able, people with special needs experience broad improvements that lead to greater confidence and self-sufficiency, while horses find rehabilitation, care, training and a home. https://camp-able.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/349014899666428/ 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards⁠ ⁠www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/⁠ ⁠Twitter@spedtalk2020⁠ ⁠SPEDTalk Dashboard⁠ ⁠ARD Buddy Elite⁠ It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the Project Updates to the Legal Framework on ESC Region 18 website. The purpose of the project is to provide and maintain an updated web-based platform to assist stakeholders such as local educational agencies (LEAs), advocates, and parents in learning about state and federal laws and regulations by providing rich resources regarding obligations and rights for the provision of a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to students with disabilities. https://fw.escapps.net/ 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this special extended episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by career educator, Lori Ray to hear about her connection to an exceptional young man with autism who she was blessed to work with throughout his public school journey named Ty Vinson. Then, you will hear Ty's story in his own words as he describes what it was like growing up with autism.  2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn how Jasper ISD is reversing the trend of significant disproportionality by giving kids hope and help. From Capturing Kid's Hearts to Equine Therapy and much more, this group of educators is making a significant impact on their students and community. 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the amazing Transition Related Opportunities coming our of ESC Region 19. Listen in to this conversation to hear all about how the Elevate and Excelerate Program provides opportunities for students with disabilities to work to learn and learn to work.  Elevate and Excelerate: ESC Region 19 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite Big Changes It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we circle back to our friends at Corsicana ISD to hear about the amazing new directions the Penguin Project has gone since we first visited with them last school year when they were performing Annie. Named for the exceptional characteristics of penguins, the Corsicana ISD Penguin Project is a unique theatre production in which all roles are filled by students with developmental disabilities; allowing students to shine forth and demonstrate their strengths. Students are joined on stage by a dedicated group of "peer mentors" who work alongside these talented students through rehearsals and performances. As the only education institution across the United States partaking in this program, the Corsicana ISD Penguin Project invests in positive, inclusive culture change, community engagement, bolsters confidence, and empowers children with special needs through theatre. Upcoming Penguin Project showings of SHREK are scheduled at Corsicana ISD on November 18th and 19th. To learn more and get you tickets visit the links below.  https://www.cisd.org/penguinproject https://www.facebook.com/CISDPenguinProject/ 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite Big Changes It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)

In this episode, we record our first ever Video Podcast edition of SPEDTalk at ESC Region 10. Listen in to hear the audio version of this podcast in which we talk about the evolution of SPEDTalk or check out the Video version on YouTube at the link below https://youtu.be/YrgOFsgdMzo ------>   SPEDTalk Video Podcast Episode: Now You See Me... 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite Big Changes It Takes Courage To Create Culture & Kindness To Keep Us Connected! (Dr. JCB)