Accelerating Education

The Future of Special Ed: AI & Empowerment, with Chad Rummel Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Chad Rummel, M.Ed, CAE Executive Director of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) with host Richard Capone Episode P2E3, Apr 13, 2026 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com About the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) - https://exceptionalchildren.org/ Connect with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): The CEC is the largest professional organization in the world for special educators, offering 18 specialized divisions and chapters in nearly every state. Summary In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Chad Rummel, Executive Director of CEC, about re-imagining support for special education teachers, the role of AI, and the future of the industry. They discuss innovative tools like the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit, challenges in workload, and strategies to empower educators. As IEPs grow from 4 pages to nearly 30, the "compliance trap" is causing record-breaking burnout. Chad explains how the CEC is fighting back with the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit (TET)—a new CEC member benefit resource designed to slash administrative workload and put the focus back on student instruction. Key Topics — Support for special education teachers — The role of AI in education — The Teacher Empowerment Toolkit and technology modernization — Workload reduction and workload management — Future trends and leadership in special education Chapters 0:00 - Introduction to Chad Rummel & CEC 1:18 - Moving from Compliance to Empowerment 1:58 - Launching the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit 4:41 - The Role of AI in Special Education 6:00 - AI in Special Education: Opportunities and Concerns 7:54 - How Administrators Can Support Staff 8:37 - Addressing Educator Shortages and Future Trajectories 9:10 - Solving the Educator Shortage in the Next 5 Years 11:51 - CEC's Evolving Leadership and Support for Teachers 12:32 - A Message to Overwhelmed Teachers 13:15 - How Do You Support Teachers Today? 14:43 - Rapid Fire: The Future is Positive 17:15 - The Importance of Supporting Teachers, Not Replacing Them 17:43 - What Gives Chad the Most Hope Today? #SpecialEducation #SPED #TeacherBurnout #IEP #EdTech #AIinEducation #CEC #TeacherEmpowerment #SpecialEdTeacher #LetsGoLearn

The "Closed" AI Model in Special Education, with Dr. Angie Balsley Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Guest: Angie Balsley, Ed.D. CEO of Unified Leadership UnifiedLeadership.org with host Richard Capone Episode P2E2, Feb 19, 2026 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Summary In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Angie Balsley, CEO of Unified Leadership, discussing her extensive background in special education and the challenges faced in the field. They explore the importance of relationships and systems in special education, the innovative FAPE Compass tool designed to assist educators, and the future of special education leadership. Dr. Balsley shares insights on the impact of AI in education and the positive feedback from districts using FAPE Compass. Takeaways — Dr. Balsley's background in special education is deeply personal and rooted in inclusive practices. — Strong relationships are foundational to effective special education leadership. — The educator shortage is a significant challenge in special education. — FAPE Compass is an AI tool designed to provide instant answers to special education questions. — The tool enhances legal literacy for educators in real-time. — FAPE Compass is tailored to district-specific needs and procedures. — AI can help reduce the cognitive load on special education directors. — Feedback from districts indicates increased confidence and efficiency with FAPE Compass. — The tool aims to empower staff, reducing the need for directors to attend every meeting. — The future of special education may see more streamlined systems through tools like FAPE Compass. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Angie Balsley 01:06 Shaping Philosophy in Special Education 02:54 Challenges in Special Education Systems 04:35 Innovations in Special Education Leadership 06:21 Introducing FAPE Compass 10:00 The Future of FAPE Compass in Special Education 12:32 Feedback and Success Stories from Districts   #SpecialEducation, #LetsGoLearn, #AIinEducation, #EdTech, #FAPE

Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Angela Miller, Special Education Teacher, Case Manager, and SSD Coordinator Carlsbad Municipal School District, New Mexico with host Richard Capone Episode P2E1, Feb 19, 2026 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Stop letting paperwork lead to burnout! Discover how Angela Miller is using the Airma AI Assistant to revolutionize the IEP process and reclaim the "heart" of special education. In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Angela Miller, a special education teacher, case manager, and SSD coordinator in the Carlsbad Municipal School District in New Mexico. Angela shares her powerful personal journey from being a student with a reading disability to becoming a "Jill of all trades" educator motivated by her own son's autism diagnosis. We explore the "solution-based" strategies Angela uses to drive student success, including the use of Airma AI, an innovative educational technology tool. She explains how AI in education allows her to create highly individualized education programs (IEP) and progress reports with fidelity, while maintaining data privacy and FERPA compliance. Whether you are interested in social emotional learning (SEL), effective professional learning communities (PLC), or how to combat teacher burnout, this conversation offers a roadmap for meeting the needs of the "whole child". Takeaways —Angela's personal experience with special education shaped her career. —Empathy is crucial in building rapport with students. —Teachers often face burnout due to lack of support and resources. —Collaboration among educators enhances student outcomes. —AI can be a powerful tool for personalized learning. —Professional development should focus on the whole child, not just academics. —Finding one's 'why' can help combat teacher burnout. —Data-driven decisions can improve educational practices. —Students should be involved in their own learning processes. —Education is a community effort, requiring collaboration and support. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction to Angela Miller 0:49 - Angela’s personal journey: From student to teacher 1:42 - A mother’s motivation: Navigating an autism diagnosis 3:56 - Combating teacher burnout with empathy and SEL 7:19 - Collaboration: Building a bridge between SpEd and GenEd 10:48 - How Airma AI is transforming IEPs and data collection 12:04 - The Future of AI in Education 14:38 - Addressing AI privacy and FERPA compliance 17:15 - The future of AI: Giving students autonomy over their data 19:59 - Words of wisdom for hardworking educators 
 Featured Resources Let's Go Learn: Diagnostic data platform for DORA (reading) and ADAM (math) assessments. Airma AI: The AI assistant helping teachers individualize instruction. #SpecialEducation, #LetsGoLearn, #AIinEducation, #EdTech

Teaching Kindness Through Animal Welfare with Richard Verlander Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Richard Verlander, Board Member Goochland Pet Lovers in Richmond, VA with host Richard Capone Episode P1E10, Oct 30, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Summary In this episode, Richard Capone interviews Richard Verlander, a founding board member of Goochland Pet Lovers, an animal shelter in Richmond, Virginia. They discuss the transformation of the shelter, the importance of kindness and empathy in education, and the innovative 'Teaching Kindness' initiative that integrates animal welfare into school curriculums. Verlander shares insights on building community partnerships and the impact of their programs on children's behavior and social skills. The conversation highlights the power of animals to unite people and foster positive change in society. Takeaways Richard Verlander shares his unexpected journey into animal welfare. Goochland Pet Lovers raised $1.5 million to improve their shelter. The 'Teaching Kindness' program uses animal welfare to teach empathy. Community partnerships are essential for program sustainability. The curriculum is designed to be repeatable and teachable. Animal welfare can help address bullying in schools. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the shelter. The program culminates in a visit to the animal shelter. Animals have a unique ability to unite diverse groups of people. There is a need for more positive stories in the media. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Goochland Pet Lovers 02:57 The Journey of Transformation 05:58 Teaching Kindness: A New Initiative 09:02 Building Community Partnerships 11:52 Curriculum Development and Implementation 15:06 The Impact of Animal Welfare on Behavior 17:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations Teaching Kindness Program https://www.goochlandpetlovers.com/education Keywords #TeachingKindness, #AnimalWelfare, #EducationPodcast, #GoochlandPetLovers, #EmpathyInEducation, #letsgolearn , #behavioralskills , #AnimalShelter, #RichmondVA, #BullyingPrevention

Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap: Teacher Ed, AI, and the Future of Special Education with Dr. Jennifer Sears Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Dr. Jennifer Sears, Associate Professor Department of Elementary and Special Education, University of North Georgia with host Richard Capone Episode P1E9, Oct 3, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Summary In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Sears shares her journey into special education, highlighting the importance of advocacy and the evolution of educational practices. She discusses the innovative teacher education program at the University of North Georgia, which prepares students for diverse classroom environments. The conversation also addresses challenges in teacher retention, the role of technology in education, and the importance of embracing new tools and ideas in special education. Dr. Sears emphasizes the need for open-mindedness among special education directors and the value of insights from new teachers. Takeaways —Dr. Sears' journey into special education was influenced by her family's advocacy for individuals with disabilities. —The IDEA legislation was significantly impacted by early advocates like Dr. Sears' grandparents. —Dr. Sears emphasizes the importance of practical experience in teacher education programs. —The University of North Georgia's program uniquely certifies students in both elementary and special education. —Teacher retention is a significant challenge, with many new teachers leaving the profession within five years. —Dr. Sears encourages students to remember their 'why' in teaching to combat burnout. —Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for educators. —Technology can enhance teaching practices, but it requires proper training and integration. —New teachers often bring fresh ideas and technological skills that can benefit experienced educators. —Collaboration between new and experienced teachers can lead to innovative solutions in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Special Education Journey 03:11 Family Legacy and Advocacy in Special Education 05:08 Teacher Education Program Structure 12:10 Challenges in Teacher Retention 17:15 The Role of Technology in Education 24:59 Embracing New Tools in Special Education #SpecialEducation, #TeacherTraining, #TeacherEd, #IDEA, #EdTech, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #AIinEducation, #TeacherRetention, #DataDrivenInstruction, #LetsGoLearn

Navigating Today’s Special Education with CEC President & UNCG Professor, Dr. Julie Bost Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Dr. Julie Irene Bost, CEC President, Clinical Associate Professor, UNCG with host Richard Capone Episode P1E8, Sep 26, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Summary In this conversation, Richard Capone speaks with Dr. Julie Bost about her extensive experience in special education, the current challenges facing educators, and the importance of support and advocacy for students with disabilities. They discuss the pressing educator shortage, the need for effective professional development, and the impact of funding changes on special education. Dr. Bost emphasizes the significance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the positive trends in technology and data utilization in education. The conversation concludes with a message of hope and the importance of community support in the field of special education. Takeaways —Dr. Bost has 28 years of experience in special education. —The educator shortage is a significant issue affecting schools. —Teachers need to feel supported to reduce burnout. —Funding for special education is still lacking despite promises. —IDEA has transformed access to education for students with disabilities. —Technology and data are increasingly important in special education. —Professional development needs to be more accessible and relevant. —Less is more when implementing new technologies in schools. —Community support is crucial for educators and students alike. —Celebrating achievements in the profession can foster a positive environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Special Education and Personal Journey 02:43 Current Challenges in Special Education 05:39 Supporting Educators and Professional Development 08:48 Funding Changes and Advocacy for IDEA 11:39 The Impact of IDEA and Historical Context 14:33 Trends in Technology and Data Utilization 17:33 Implementation Strategies for New Administrators 20:38 Closing Thoughts on Hope and Community Support #SpecialEducation, #EducatorShortage, #TeacherSupport, #DisabilityAdvocacy, #IDEA, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #EducationTechnology, #StudentSupport, #SPED, #InclusiveEducation

The Role of AI Assistants in Special Education: Richard Capone, CEO Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ with guest host John Williams Episode P1E7, Aug 7, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Summary In this episode of Accelerating Education, John Williams and Richard Capone discuss the integration of AI into special education through Let's Go Learn. They explore the maturity of AI technology, the introduction of AI assistants for teachers, and the importance of data-driven approaches in writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Richard emphasizes the significance of context engineering in AI applications, the management of documents, and the support provided to educators. The conversation also touches on future developments in AI for education and how to get started with Let's Go Learn. Takeaways —AI is becoming more mature and integrated into education. —Special education leaders need guidance on AI policies. —AI assistants can help with writing IEPs and PLAFs. —Data privacy is crucial when using AI in education. —Context engineering is essential for effective AI use. —Teachers need good data to write effective IEPs. —AI can automate tasks that teachers normally do. —Let's Go Learn provides a document management system. —Professional development and support are available for users. —Future developments will enhance AI capabilities in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 01:53 AI Assistants in Special Education 04:41 The Role of Data in AI Implementation 08:04 Context Engineering and AI Writing 09:35 Validating AI-written PLAAFPs 10:13 Training and Support for Educators 16:27 Future Developments in AI for Education 19:58 Getting Started with Let's Go Learn 22:02 Accelerating Education Outro v03.mp4 #Specialeducation, #LetsGoLearn, #AI, #AIAssistants, #IEPs, #ContextEngineering, #EdTech, #Education, #Teachers

Transforming Special Education Through Urban Agriculture: Teacher Michael Craig Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ with host Richard Capone Episode P1E6, June 5, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Contacting Michael about his horticulture program kids in special education: Michael Craig Director, Drew Horticulture Program Charles R. Drew Transition Center Detroit Public Schools [email protected] Summary In this episode of the Accelerating Education podcast, host Richard Capone interviews Michael Craig, a special education teacher and also the 2025 CEC Teacher of the Year. Michael is the Director of the Drew Horticulture Program at the Charles R. Drew Transition Center. In this podcast, he shares his unique journey from general education to special education, detailing the evolution of his horticulture program that teaches vocational skills to special needs students. The conversation highlights the daily operations of the program, success stories of student engagement with fresh produce, and the challenges faced in securing employment opportunities for these students. Michael offers valuable advice for educators looking to start similar programs and discusses the importance of community involvement and support. Takeaways —Michael Craig transitioned from general education to special education for job security. —The horticulture program focuses on teaching vocational skills to special needs students. —Daily operations involve planning tasks based on students' abilities. —The program has successfully introduced hydroponics to accommodate all students. —Monthly tastings help students appreciate fresh produce and culinary skills. —Collaboration with local restaurants has created unique opportunities for students. —Curriculum development is tailored to meet diverse student needs. —Community support is crucial for program sustainability and growth. —Finding employment opportunities for special needs students remains a significant challenge. —Policymakers need to clarify SSI benefits to encourage employment for special needs individuals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Craig and His Journey 07:55 The Horticulture Program's Evolution and Daily Operations 17:06 Success Stories and Community Impact 23:57 Advice for Educators and Future Aspirations 30:11 Challenges and Policy Recommendations #specialeducation, #horticulture, #vocationaleducation, #FarmToTable, #inclusion, #teacheroftheyear, #detroitpublicschools, #disabilityemployment, #TransitionEducation, #LifeSkills

Revolutionizing Transition Education: Dr. Stacie Dojonovic on Life-Centered Learning 2.0 —Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ with host Richard Capone Revolutionizing Transition Education: Dr. Stacie Dojonovic on Life-Centered Learning 2.0 | Accelerating Education Podcast Episode P1E5, May 29, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com Summary In this conversation, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Stacie Dojanovic, the executive director of DCDT, about the evolution and importance of transition education for students with disabilities. They discuss the significance of early transition planning, the changes in societal expectations, and the need for explicit teaching of skills that lead to successful post-secondary outcomes. The conversation also highlights the development of Life-Centered Education 2.0 and the integration of technology to enhance teaching practices. Takeaways —Transition has been a lifelong passion for Dr. Dojanovic. —Transition planning should start as early as possible, ideally at age 14 or 16. —The focus of transition services has evolved from just employment to a broader set of skills. —Explicit teaching of skills is crucial for improving post-school outcomes. —All students, not just those with disabilities, benefit from transition education. —Life-Centered Education 2.0 aims to provide relevant skills for today's society. —Technology integration is essential for effective transition education. —High leverage practices can significantly improve instructional delivery. —Collaboration between educators and researchers is vital for curriculum development. —Continuous adaptation of educational practices is necessary to meet changing societal needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DCDT and Transition Education 00:22 Dr. Stacie Dojonovic 00:30 How did you get into transition curriculum? 00:44 Growing up as a sibling of someone with a disability 02:30 Tell us about yourself? 03:56 Understanding Transition Planning in Education 06:18 Evolution of Transition Services and Expectations 11:06 The Importance of Explicit Teaching in Transition Education 12:22 Relevance of Life Skills for All Students 13:27 Adapting Life-Centered Education for Modern Needs 16:28 Overhauling the LCE Curriculum 19:08 Integrating Technology and AI in Education Keywords transition education, DCDT, special education, life-centered education, high leverage practices, post-secondary outcomes, independent living, evidence-based practices, curriculum development, technology in education Hashtags #TransitionEducation, #SpecialEducation, #DCDT, #LifeCenteredEducation, #PostSecondarySuccess, #DisabilityAwareness, #EducationTechnology, #EdTech, #CurriculumDevelopment, #InclusiveEducation

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Angela Bost, a former Deputy Superintendent of a large school district, discusses the critical intersection of behavior management and academic performance in schools. She emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to student behavior, integrating it with academic support systems to improve overall student outcomes. Dr. Bost shares insights on the challenges faced by educators in addressing behavior issues, the importance of a strong behavior framework, and the role of technology in assessing and monitoring student behavior. The discussion highlights the necessity for districts to develop a comprehensive behavior core and the support needed to operationalize it effectively. Takeaways —Dr. Bost has extensive experience in education, from teaching to administration. —Behavior management is as crucial as academic support in schools. —A proactive approach to behavior can prevent issues before they escalate. —Schools often react to behavior problems instead of addressing them proactively. —Discipline policies can sometimes exacerbate behavior issues rather than resolve them. —A strong behavior core framework can improve student outcomes significantly. —Data is essential in identifying and addressing behavior problems in schools. —Training and support are necessary for districts to develop their behavior core. —Technology can aid in assessing and monitoring student behavior effectively. —Collaboration between academic and behavioral support teams is vital for success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Angela BosT 02:09 Challenges in Student Behavior Management 04:42 Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches to Behavior 06:37 Discipline Policies and Their Impact 09:05 The Importance of a Strong Behavior Framework 11:43 Training and Support for Behavior Core Development 14:45 Technology Tools for Behavior Assessment 17:37 Conclusion Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/let's-go-learn/ Instagram: @letsgolearn Sponsored by Let's Go Learn, https://www.letsgolearn.com

In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Cassie Dodson, the EC Department Chair at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School. They discuss the challenges faced in special education, the integration of technology to enhance learning, and the importance of data in IEP meetings. Cassie shares her experiences with Let's Go Learn, a platform that helps assess, track, and instruct students, while facilitating communication with parents and regular education teachers. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI in education and the ongoing efforts to improve educational tools for teachers and students.

In this conversation, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Lynn Ryan, a professor at Providence College, about her research on the use of AI in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Dr. Ryan discusses her background in special education, the importance of IEPs, and her recent study comparing AI-generated IEPs with those created by experienced educators and teacher candidates. The discussion highlights the potential of AI as a tool in education, the need for teacher training in AI usage, and the importance of parental perspectives in the IEP process. The conversation concludes with thoughts on operationalizing AI in educational settings and the future of IEP development. Takeaways Dr. Ryan has a long-standing interest in IEPs and special education. AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in educational settings. The study compared AI-generated IEPs with those created by educators and teacher candidates. There was no significant difference in quality between AI and human-generated IEPs. AI can be a valuable resource but cannot replace educators' expertise. Teacher training is essential for effective AI integration in education. Parental perspectives on AI in IEPs are crucial for transparency. AI-generated content often requires human revision and oversight. The IEP process may need to adapt to incorporate AI tools effectively. Future research should focus on the implications of AI for families and students. Titles • Harnessing AI in Special Education • The Future of IEPs: AI vs. Human Insight Sound Bites • "AI is just all over the place." • "AI is a resource, not a replacement." • "AI can generate a C-level paper." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lynn Ryan 02:49 Exploring AI's Impact on IEPs 05:20 Research Methodology and Findings 09:12 AI vs. Human Generated IEPs 12:09 The Future of AI in Education 14:37 Parental Perspectives on AI in IEPs 18:09 Operationalizing AI in IEP Processes 21:22 Final Credits

In this exclusive interview with Phyllis Wolfram, Executive Director of CASE (Council of Administrators of Special Education), we discuss the political shifts impacting special education and what educators and administrators need to do to stay ahead of the changes.   🚀 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ The biggest policy challenges facing special education today ✔️ How administrators can advocate for students and teachers   📢 Join the Conversation: What are your biggest concerns about the evolving education landscape? Comment below!   🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of the Accelerating Education Podcast, where we bring you expert insights to drive student success!   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to CASE and Special Education Leadership 04:31 Current Challenges in Special Education Policy 10:27 The Role of Legislation in Education 14:19 How Individuals Can Advocate for Special Education 20:30 Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Future Directions   Sponsored by Let's Go Learn, https://www.letsgolearn.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/let's-go-learn/