Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! September is such a critical month for teachers. It’s the time when routines are still being built and the habits you create now will either set you up for a calm, structured classroom or leave you constantly putting out “fires” all year long.

In this episode, we’re talking about prevention...how to stop behaviors before they start. Of course, we know there’s no way to erase every single behavior, but wouldn’t it be nice to reduce the frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of those behaviors with just a few proactive systems?

I’ll walk you through 7 practical strategies that special educators can start using right away to create smoother routines, reduce disruptions, and build a more positive, predictable environment for students. These strategies include:

• Setting clear, explicit expectations (and teaching them like academics)
• Using predictable routines to create a sense of safety and structure
• Building relationships before enforcing rules
• Offering simple, meaningful choices to give students ownership
• Incorporating movement, sensory, and even snack breaks before problems escalate
• Reinforcing the positive behaviors you want to see more of
• Aligning the adults so every staff member responds consistently

You’ll come away with concrete examples, classroom tips, and easy-to-implement strategies that make behavior management feel less reactive and more intentional.

💡 Free Resource for Listeners: If you’re on my email list, you’ll automatically receive a free set of Behavior Management Cards with these 7 strategies plus a few bonus ones. They’re printable, easy to clip on a ring, and perfect for quick reminders for you and your team.

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At the start of a new school year, everything can feel big. The stress, the expectations, the changes...they all seem to hit at once. If you’re in that season of overwhelm, this episode is your much-needed pep talk.

In Episode 225, I’m sharing the mindset shifts that have helped me stay grounded, protect my peace, and stop giving energy to things that don’t matter in the long run. Whether you’re already in the thick of it or gearing up to start the 2025–26 school year, this is the perfect time to take a deep breath and shift your perspective.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why it's normal to feel overwhelmed at the start of the year (you’re not alone!)
• 3 key perspective shifts that can help you stay grounded and avoid burnout
• How to tell the difference between a moment and a mountain
• Why building strong connections with your team (especially your paras and gen ed colleagues) matters more than ever
• What it means to zoom in, zoom out, and find the balance in between

Quick Recap of This Month’s Back-to-School Series:

• Ep. 222: Where Do I Even Start? — 3 Priorities for Special Educators
• Ep. 223: Mastering the Special Education Schedule (One Tetris Piece at a Time)
• Ep. 224: How to Choose the Right Data Collection System for Your Classroom

If you missed any of those episodes, now’s a great time to go back and catch up!

Key Takeaways from Episode 225:

🔄 Perspective Shift #1: Will This Matter in 3 Days, 3 Weeks, or 3 Months?

Use the “Triple 3 Rule” to filter your stress and energy. Not everything is worth your mental real estate.

🤝 Perspective Shift #2: Stay in Your Lane—But Don’t Isolate

Focus on your students and your goals, but build strong connections with your support team and gen ed teachers. You’re not alone, and your people can help lighten the load.

🔍 Perspective Shift #3: Know When to Zoom In… and When to Zoom Out

Being detail-oriented is a superpower—but don’t forget to zoom out and look at the big picture. Your students are making progress. So are you.

Final Thoughts

You can’t do it all and you don’t have to. The job is big, but it should never come at the cost of your well-being. Protect your peace, give yourself grace, and remember: you’re doing better than you think.

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Collecting data is one of the most important parts of being a special education teacher, but let’s be honest—it’s also one of the most overwhelming. Between figuring out how to track academic, behavioral, and anecdotal progress, and deciding how often to collect it, most teachers end up feeling stuck without a system that really works.

• In this episode, I’m breaking down the reality of data collection and sharing practical systems you can use to make the process manageable. From data notebooks and sticky note systems to exit tickets, independent IEP folders, and IEP boxes—you’ll hear tried-and-true strategies that can be customized to fit your classroom. I’ll also give you tips for training your paraprofessionals, keeping data organized, and making sure your notes actually make sense when you go back to use them.

What We’ll Cover in This Episode

• Why data collection often feels confusing and stressful
• The “how, when, and what” of data—and why consistency matters
• Tried-and-true systems you can try, including:
  • Data notebooks
  • Sticky note system
  • Exit tickets
  • Independent IEP folders
  • IEP boxes

Plus... Extra Tips to make your system work

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a “perfect” system—you need a consistent one.
• Data should serve you by guiding instruction and showing growth, not just add to your workload.
• With the right tools in place, data becomes a resource, not a burden.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
👉 Data Collection Sheets for Special Education Teachers – ready-to-use, customizable forms to simplify data tracking and keep you organized.

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