Special Educators Resource Room Podcast: Real Talk for Special Education Teachers

Jennifer DeBrosse
  • 5.0 (17)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Special Educators Resource Room with Jennifer DeBrosse is the podcast for busy special education teachers. Whether you’re brand new to the world of special education or an experienced teacher, this podcast will provide time-saving solutions for any busy special educator. Get ready to move things off your special educator plate without feeling like you have to live at school. I’m your host, Jennifer DeBrosse. I’m dual-certified, have been in education for over 25 years, and spent time in both the inclusion classroom and the resource room setting. I was also a special education instructional coach and mentor to hard-working educators just like you. Tune in each week for quick action-packed episodes. They will be short, sweet, and to the point because I know how busy you are. I’m on a mission to help you get your time back! Let’s connect! You can find more special education support at: Positively Learning Blog (PS: while you’re there, be sure to grab the free Special Educators Cheat Sheets!)

  1. 6D AGO

    161. When You’re Overstimulated and Out of Energy: A Survival Guide for Teachers

    Some days, teaching feels like too much—too loud, too fast, and too demanding. And when you’re overstimulated and out of energy, you don’t need another “do more” solution… you need something that helps you get through the day. In this episode, Jennifer shares real, practical strategies she used on the hardest teaching days—especially when it was only Tuesday and quitting wasn’t an option. These ideas are simple, realistic, and designed to protect your energy while still supporting student independence. You’ll hear about: What an “Observation Day” is and why going calm can change student behaviorHow to add small moments of joy without extra prep or effortWays to reduce verbal overload while still teaching effectivelyHow letting students take the lead can actually improve engagementSurvival strategies for overwhelmed teachers that actually work in real classroomsThis episode is a reminder that getting through the day is a win—and that you’re not alone when teaching feels overwhelming. If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    7 min

  2. JAN 16

    160. Special Educator POV: You Just Inherited a Stack of IEPs

    Stepping into a new classroom or absorbing a fresh batch of students midyear? If your caseload feels more like chaos—overdue IEPs, missing data, and a sea of goals you didn’t write—you’re not alone. In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we’re breaking down what to do when you inherit a mess. 💥 If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    8 min

  3. JAN 9

    159. The Real Reason Independent Work Feels So Hard (and What to Do Instead)

    If independent work feels like more work—you’re not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down the real reasons why independent work systems often fall apart (especially in self-contained classrooms)... and what to do instead. You’ll learn:  ✔ Why task box burnout happens  ✔ What most systems are missing  ✔ A simple 4-week approach to build trust and routines  ✔ How to stop chasing perfection and create a system that actually works 🎯 Real talk + real solutions, no fluff. Let’s make independent work doable—for your students and your sanity. If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    8 min

  4. JAN 2

    158. Top 3 Tasks? Teachers Spilled the Tea 🍵

    Welcome to the first episode of 2026—and a gentle nudge into the new year. This isn’t a list of flashy favorites. It’s a conversation about what’s actually helping students build independence—and how you’re making it happen, one small win at a time. In this episode, I’m sharing what real educators (just like you) are leaning on in their classrooms—from foundational tools like WH questions to some quiet gems that deserve more attention. But more than that, we’re talking about what your choices say about the systems you’re building—and how powerful they really are. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing enough (you are), or needed a spark of encouragement (this is it), this episode is here for you. If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    9 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Task Box Giveaway! Pick Your 3 + Win Your Starter Kit 🎁

    Want to finally start your task box system—without the stress?  This giveaway is for YOU. In this quick episode, I’m sharing how to enter the Task Box Starter Kit Giveaway—and what you’ll win if your name gets drawn! Here’s what’s included in the prize: 🎁 16-count rainbow task box storage set 🎁Cardstock + laminating sheets to get prepped fast 🎁 BONUS: I’ll email you the 3 task boxes you pick from the library!  How to Enter (it’s EASY!): 1. Click here to browse the Task Box Dollar Library (no login needed):  👉 Task Box Library Link 2. Pick your 3 favorite task boxes 3. Submit your entry right here: 👉 Task Box Start Kit Giveaway Deadline to enter: Wednesday December 18, 2025 Winner will be announced on December 19, 2025 Thanks for listening—and GOOD LUCK!   Let’s make 2026 the year your students work independently… and you get your time back.  If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    3 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    157. Looking Back to Move Forward: A Year of Systems, Surprises, and Survival for Special Educators

    Ready to reset for the new year—but feeling like the last one ran you over? In this special end-of-year episode of the Special Educators Resource Room podcast, I’m sharing a personal behind-the-scenes look at what really happened in 2025—and how I used simple organizational systems to survive some of the most overwhelming seasons of my life. From medical emergencies and tech chaos to travel, moving, and launching a new website for the Task Box Dollar Club, I put all my favorite time-saving strategies to the test… and they held up. Whether you're planning for a new quarter, tackling burnout, or looking to rebuild routines after the holidays, this episode is filled with tips and encouragement designed for real classrooms and real lives. ✅ Plus, I’m sharing what’s next for the podcast, why I’m taking a short break, and how to stay connected on YouTube for quick tips and new videos focused on independent work systems and task boxes. Come follow along here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOwUms-ennQ36JBXYnComA Do you have a topic or question you'd like to see covered in a future podcast episode? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/WVv9xQcYP4mRDML28 If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    8 min

  7. 11/28/2025

    156. Inbox Boundaries Every Special Educator Deserves

    Is your inbox starting to feel like a stress trap? 😬 You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about how I started to dread my own inbox (even while running a membership I love), and what I did to turn things around. Inside this episode: Why some emails hit harder than othersWhat you can do when your inbox feels heavyHow to take proactive steps with families (without burning out)Simple boundaries that help you protect your peaceA behind-the-scenes peek at what I learned from the Task Box Dollar Club updateWhether you're avoiding a tough email or just tired of that constant inbox pressure—this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical support. If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    9 min

  8. 11/21/2025

    155. Why I Stopped Doing Themes (and what you can do instead)

    Theme weeks can be fun—but what if they’re also burning you out? In this episode, I’m walking you through the moment I decided to stop planning my entire week around pumpkins, apples, or snowflakes… and what I did instead to keep students progressing and save my sanity. Inside this episode:  ✔ Why theme overload happens  ✔ The systems to use instead of seasonal overhauls  ✔ A realistic way to sprinkle in themed fun without derailing your routines 🎧 Listen in and take a deep breath—you have permission to skip the scarecrow centers this year! If you're a busy special education teacher looking for tips, tricks, and resources to save you precious time, I've got you covered! I'm here to help you regain your confidence in the classroom and feel calm and collected as a special educator. Tune in every Friday for practical tips, tools, and the support you need to to THRIVE in the classroom. Grab your FREE Special Educators Cheat Sheets at positivelylearningblog.com/free-resource-library/ Join the Facebook group I'd love to hear what's working for you! Send me a message on Instagram @positivelylearning

    8 min
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About

Special Educators Resource Room with Jennifer DeBrosse is the podcast for busy special education teachers. Whether you’re brand new to the world of special education or an experienced teacher, this podcast will provide time-saving solutions for any busy special educator. Get ready to move things off your special educator plate without feeling like you have to live at school. I’m your host, Jennifer DeBrosse. I’m dual-certified, have been in education for over 25 years, and spent time in both the inclusion classroom and the resource room setting. I was also a special education instructional coach and mentor to hard-working educators just like you. Tune in each week for quick action-packed episodes. They will be short, sweet, and to the point because I know how busy you are. I’m on a mission to help you get your time back! Let’s connect! You can find more special education support at: Positively Learning Blog (PS: while you’re there, be sure to grab the free Special Educators Cheat Sheets!)

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