Conversations with the Co-op

Jeffrey Lee
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"Conversations with the Coop" is the go-to podcast for valuable insights into Special Education. Hosted by experts from Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, listen to thought-provoking conversations with coordinators, specialists, and consultants. Gain knowledge on trends, research, and best practices. Stay up-to-date and enhance your practice, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Join us for engaging discussions and become part of our Special Education community.

  1. 12/01/2025

    The BVI Category Explained: Tools, Access, and Empowerment

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Louise Flickinger, Teacher/Consultant for Students with Visual Impairments at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative. With dual licensure in Learning Disabilities and Blind/Visually Impaired education, Louise brings both expertise and advocacy to this conversation focused on the BVI disability category. Together, they explore how students qualify for special education services under the Blind/Visually Impaired category by breaking down the two-part criteria involving both medical diagnosis and functional evaluation. Louise explains common misconceptions such as the belief that glasses fix everything or that digital means accessible, and offers practical strategies to support student independence, access, and success. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the barriers BVI students face, including curriculum accessibility, social cues, and public perceptions. The episode also highlights how educators can create inclusive learning environments through individualized support and instructional clarity. This episode is a must-listen for educators, case managers, and teams working to ensure that all students, regardless of vision, can thrive academically and socially.

  2. 10/27/2025

    Balancing Precision and Practicality: Two Views on Data in Special Education

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Kate Hurd, ASD Coordinator for the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore two distinct approaches to data in special education. Kate shares her perspective on collecting highly accurate, comprehensive data to inform programming decisions, particularly in Federal Setting III center-based classrooms. Jeffrey offers a more streamlined, functional approach often used in Settings I and II. Together, they examine the benefits and limitations of each perspective, the importance of context, and how teams can find the right balance to best support student success.

  3. 06/05/2025

    What Is Special Education? Defining the Work We Do

    In this final episode of the 2024–2025 school year, Jeffrey Lee is joined by Lynn Krominga, Assistant Director of Special Education at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to unpack one of the most foundational and often misunderstood questions in our field: What is special education? Together, they explore: What qualifies as special education and what doesn’t The role and purpose of related services in schools How teams determine when a student may no longer need special education What supports remain available when academic struggles persist Whether you're a teacher, case manager, related service provider, or administrator, this conversation offers clarity and practical reflection on how we serve students and support teams. Thanks for listening this school year. We’ll be back in the fall with more conversations to inform and inspire your special education practice.

  4. 05/06/2025

    Behavior as Communication: What Are Our Students Telling Us?

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Jim Kath, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Coordinator at PBEC, for a powerful conversation about how student behavior communicates unmet needs. Rather than viewing behavior through a lens of compliance or disruption, Jim and Jeffrey explore how educators can shift toward curiosity, empathy, and proactive support. Whether you're a case manager, classroom teacher, or administrator, this episode will help you: Understand behavior as a form of communication Recognize how unmet needs show up through actions Consider strategies for supporting students more effectively Tune in to reflect on how listening to behavior, not just managing it, can strengthen student and team outcomes.

  5. 03/17/2025

    Testing Supports, Not Students: Shifting the Mindset in Special Education

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Lainey Sandberg sits down with Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss a powerful mindset shift in special education: Are we testing the student, or are we testing the supports? Together, they unpack how starting with the assumption that students can succeed—when the right supports are in place—can change the conversation around interventions and placement decisions. Jeffrey shares how educators can move from focusing on student deficits to critically evaluating the effectiveness of supports and interventions. Key takeaways include: Why the default assumption should be that students can succeed in general education with proper supports.How to reframe team discussions around data and interventions.Practical steps teams can take to assess and adjust supports before making placement decisions.Tune in to learn how testing supports, not students, leads to better outcomes and empowers educators to continually refine their practice.

  6. 02/03/2025

    Understanding the Power of Assistive Technology in Education

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Morty Morton-Aldous, the Low Incidence Coordinator of Physical Impairment, Other Health Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Assistive Technology at PBEC. Morty takes us through the essential role of assistive technology (AT) in special education and how it enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities. During the conversation, Morty explains the distinction between assistive technology, accommodations, and modifications, and highlights how AT can empower students by targeting their specific needs. The episode also explores the key components of an effective assistive technology plan, including the evaluation process, choosing the right tools, and integrating AT into everyday teaching practices. This episode is essential for any special education teacher looking to better understand how assistive technology can create meaningful change in their students' education.

  7. 01/06/2025

    Physical Therapy in Schools - Supporting Mobility and Independence

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Tessa Capelle, a physical therapist with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore physical therapy's critical role in schools. Tessa explains how mobility and independence are foundational to a student’s ability to access their education and engage meaningfully in the school environment. Together, they unpack the indirect service model, where physical therapists empower teachers, case managers, and paraprofessionals to support students' physical and educational needs effectively. From understanding individualized strategies to fostering inclusion, this conversation provides educators, parents, and support staff with a clear roadmap for collaboration in ensuring every child thrives. Tune in to discover how physical therapy in schools is much more than movement—it’s about building pathways to independence and success.

  8. 12/02/2024

    Early Intervention and Developmental Delays

    In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeff Lee welcomes Emily Museus, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss early intervention and its transformative effects on children with developmental delays. Emily shares her expertise on early intervention's pivotal role in a child’s development and how it sets the stage for future success. They discuss the importance of identifying and addressing delays early, collaborating with families, and building strong support systems within schools and communities. From practical strategies to heartwarming success stories, this episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about helping young learners thrive. Tune in to learn how early intervention creates brighter futures—one milestone at a time.

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About

"Conversations with the Coop" is the go-to podcast for valuable insights into Special Education. Hosted by experts from Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, listen to thought-provoking conversations with coordinators, specialists, and consultants. Gain knowledge on trends, research, and best practices. Stay up-to-date and enhance your practice, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Join us for engaging discussions and become part of our Special Education community.

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