Be The Exception

Dawn Ellis
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Be The Exception Podcast

How do I become a special education teacher? How do I get everything with data collection done? Where do I start in mastering something? How do I become exceptional at one thing? How do I perfect a special education classroom? Welcome to Be The Exception Podcast where we will answer all these questions and so many more. Each episode, host Dawn Ellis will bring you productivity tips, mindset motivation, special education strategies, education hacks, and inspirational stories that can help you become the exceptional human you were meant to be. We all have something that comes naturally to us that others would love to know more about. So let’s start the conversation and learn from others, so we can grow together.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    230.Mastering Independent Work Stations

    In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we’re joined by Jenn from Teach Love Autism. She is a specialist renowned for her innovative strategies in teaching students with autism. Jenn takes us through the essential elements of setting up and managing independent work stations in the classroom, shedding light on why these tools are vital for fostering independence and supporting diverse learning needs.   In this episode you will learn about:   Independent Work Stations Explained: What they are, why they work, and how they benefit students with autism. The Importance of Timing: Why implementing these stations in the first weeks of school is crucial for setting a positive tone for the year. Step-by-Step Setup: Jenn’s comprehensive guide to launching independent work stations effectively. Organizational Tips: How to keep your materials and resources in order for smooth operation. Training and Expectations: Strategies for teaching students how to use the stations and setting clear expectations. Personalization: How to adapt tasks to meet the individual needs of your students. Monitoring Progress: Methods for tracking and assessing the effectiveness of the work stations. Links and Resources FREEBIE: Independent Work Binder Sample Independent Work Binders Bundle Independent Work Task Starter Kit Product: Task Card Bundle for All 4 Core Subjects!    Connect with Jenn   Teach Love Autism Facebook Page Teach Love Autism Facebook Group Teach Love Autism Instagram Teach Love Autism Tik Tok Teach Love Autism Pinterest Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    36 min

  2. 12 SEPT

    229.Things I’ve Learned Since Starting Back to School - SPED Teacher Tips

    Starting a new school year is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and this year has been no exception. With a few weeks under our belts, it's clear that this school year is like nothing we’ve experienced before. We knew it would be a unique challenge, and now that we're in the thick of it, I can say with certainty—we were absolutely right! As teachers, we’re always learning, growing, and adapting. Every day brings new discoveries about our students, our classrooms, and even ourselves. From unexpected quirks in our routines to new ways of making our days run smoothly, there’s a constant adventure awaiting us. Sometimes, a bit of silliness is exactly what’s needed to keep the momentum going! In this episode, I’m excited to share five key lessons I’ve picked up already this school year. My hope is that these insights will support you, help shorten your own learning curve, and remind you that you’ve got this—because together, we really do! In this episode, you will learn: A Game-Changer for Interactive Lessons - Discover a tool that has made a huge difference in hands-on teaching and where to find a handy tutorial. Tips for Opening and Maintaining Communication with Parents - Effective strategies to keep parents in the loop and involved in their child’s education. Why Digital Lessons Matter for All Students - Explore the benefits of digital resources for both traditional and remote learners. Setting Aside Time to Connect with Your Students - The importance of getting to know your students and fostering connections among them. The Most Important Lesson of All - Why giving yourself grace is crucial right now. We all knew this school year was going to be different, but did we expect it to be this transformative? As I dive into this new year, I’ve come to realize that teaching is as much about learning as it is about instructing. The first few weeks have been a whirlwind of new experiences and insights. It’s been a journey of discovering what works, what doesn’t, and sometimes, what’s just plain unexpected. From adapting to new routines to embracing moments of silliness, every day has brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Links and Resources Starfall.com Interactive Tool   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    17 min

  3. 29 AUG

    228.Opening Doors to Inclusivity: Exploring ‘The Room With The Rainbow Door

    Welcome to Episode 228 of Be The Exception in Special Education! In this inspiring episode, host Dawn Ellis sits down with Lucy Altway, a passionate educator and author of “The Room With The Rainbow Door.” Lucy shares her incredible journey in education and dives deep into her new book that celebrates inclusivity and neurodiversity. In this episode you will learn:   The Inspiration Behind the Book: Discover what motivated Lucy to write “The Room With The Rainbow Door” and how her experiences shaped this meaningful story. Inclusivity and Neurodiversity: Lucy discusses how she integrated these essential themes into both the narrative and illustrations of her book. Character Insights: Meet the book’s main characters and explore how they help convey a powerful message of acceptance and understanding. Educational Impact: Find out how “The Room With The Rainbow Door” can be a valuable tool in classrooms and special education settings. Overcoming Challenges: Hear about the obstacles Lucy faced during the writing process and how she successfully navigated them. Future Projects: Get a sneak peek into Lucy’s upcoming projects and books related to inclusivity and neurodiversity. Links and Resources The Room With The Rainbow Door Purchase on Amazon Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education   Connect with Lucy Lucy Altway's Website Instagram Facebook Group Pinterest Threads TikTok   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    20 min

  4. 22 AUG

    227.Mastering the Alternate Standards: Strategies for Success for Special Education Teachers

    Alternate achievement standards, also known as AAS, are academic standards that different states, like Alabama, use for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in general assessments.    These standards are aligned with grade-level academic content standards, but may be less complex, deep, and broad. The goal of alternate standards is to help students achieve higher academic outcomes and prepare them for the future. In this episode:   🐝 Discover why the one-size-fits-all approach to AAS doesn’t cut it and what to do instead  3️⃣ Learn the AAS Strategy Trifecta—3 critical elements that will elevate your teaching game  🖥️ Get a peek at my must-have resources and tools for effective AAS implementation  ✏️ Understand the hidden benefits  and time savers involved in AAS bundle in my TPT shop 👩🏼‍🔬 Find out the 5 commandments to follow for successful AAS integration into your classroom     Links and Resources The Ultimate AAS Teaching Toolkit Freebie! Teaching Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards Curriculum Teaching Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards Blog Teaching the Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards Facebook Group   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    18 min

  5. 15 AUG

    226.Debunking Myths and Unlocking Potential: Understanding AAC

    Do you have non-verbal students in your classroom? Are you ready to help them communicate in a way that works for them?    In this week’s episode, we dive into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with our special guest, Marisa.  In this episode you will learn:   Introduction and Background: Marisa shares her journey into the field of AAC, explaining what inspired her to focus on this vital area of communication. Defining AAC: For those unfamiliar with AAC, Marisa breaks down what it is and the various forms it can take, from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. Who Uses AAC?: Discover the diverse group of individuals who rely on AAC and the communication challenges they face without these essential tools. Benefits of AAC: Marisa discusses the profound impact AAC can have on the lives of individuals with communication challenges, including enhanced social interaction and independence. Whether you're an educator, therapist, or someone eager to learn more about communication tools, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Links and Resources The Artsy SLP Feelings-Emotions Freebie The Artsy SLP Store Communication Bundle         Connect with Marisa   The Artsy SLP Blog The Artsy SLP-5 Common Myths About AAC The Artsy SLP on TPT  The Artsy SLP on Pinterest Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    34 min

  6. 8 AUG

    225.10 Organization Tips to Survive Back to School in the Sped Classroom

    Back to school can always present its own set of challenges each year. But, going in with an organized classroom can make life so much easier.    In this week’s episode, I am sharing my top tips, including some Amazon must-haves, to create an organized, welcoming environment for your students. In this episode you will learn:   My favorite tools to keep your classroom organized How to make things clear for your students so they know exactly where they need to be Tips + strategies for staying organized throughout the year. How to split up your room so that the floorplan works best for you. Links and Resources Blog: 10 Classroom Setup and Organization Tips for Special Educator Back to School Special Educator Bundle Brand new Special Educator Teacher Stickers   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    13 min

  7. 1 AUG

    224.Inclusion Matters: Tips + Strategies for Making it Work for Your Students

    Inclusion is allowing all children to have access to the general education setting with their peers. It is not always appropriate for every student, but there are almost always pieces that you can insert into a child’s schedule throughout the day.   In this week’s episode, I am chatting with my friends Audra from ABA in School and Caitlin from Beltran’s Behavior Basics about all things inclusion.  We are sharing tips and strategies for making it work for your students. In this episode you will learn:   Tips and Strategies for fitting inclusion time into your student’s schedules. How to get support from general education teachers. How to get your admin team on board with allowing for more access for your students.   Connect with Audra and Caitlin   ABA in School, Audra’s Instagram Beltran’s Behavior Basics, Caitlin’s Instagram   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    32 min

  8. 25 JUL

    223.Enhancing Communication in ECSE: CORE Vocabulary Strategies

    In this episode, we welcome back Ashley Lutz to discuss the importance of CORE vocabulary in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). Ashley shares her expertise on incorporating play to enhance learning, using visuals effectively, and modeling CORE vocabulary for students. Join us for practical tips, success stories, and a special freebie that will support your classroom implementation. In this episode you will learn:   The essentials of CORE vocabulary and its importance Enhancing learning through play Effective use of visuals to support communication Practical tips for modeling and practicing CORE vocabulary Overcoming challenges and ensuring consistency at home Links and Resources How to Use Core Vocabulary in the Classroom Blog FREEBIE: Top Core Vocabulary Words to Use  Connect with Ashley from Spedtacular Days Ashley’s Instagram Ashley’s Facebook Ashley’s Blog Join Ashley’s Email List   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

    27 min
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About

How do I become a special education teacher? How do I get everything with data collection done? Where do I start in mastering something? How do I become exceptional at one thing? How do I perfect a special education classroom? Welcome to Be The Exception Podcast where we will answer all these questions and so many more. Each episode, host Dawn Ellis will bring you productivity tips, mindset motivation, special education strategies, education hacks, and inspirational stories that can help you become the exceptional human you were meant to be. We all have something that comes naturally to us that others would love to know more about. So let’s start the conversation and learn from others, so we can grow together.

Information

  • Creator
    Dawn Ellis
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Be The Exception

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