The Intentional IEP Podcast

Stephanie DeLussey
  • 4.9 (19)
  • EDUCATION

Are you drowning in IEP paperwork and feeling overwhelmed by the special education process? The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education. Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom experience, Stephanie understands the challenges you face—from writing legally compliant IEP goals to managing special education documentation while still finding time to actually teach. Every Monday, you can expect conversations like: Evidence-based IEP writing strategies that save you time Special education compliance guidelines made simple Effective IEP goal development techniques Data collection methods that work in real classrooms Practical special needs accommodations and modifications IEP best practices to invoke a more collaborative IEP process Breaking down IEP implementation The ins and outs of IEP meetings Whether you're a special education teacher, general education teacher collaborating on inclusive education, school psychologist, or educational administrator, The Intentional IEP Podcast will provide you with the support to help students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other exceptional needs. Some weeks, Stephanie shares her expertise on best practices for IEP meetings, parent communication, and special education advocacy. Other weeks, expert guests join the conversation to provide diverse perspectives on disability services and educational interventions. Stop spending your evenings writing IEPs and start implementing a more intentional approach to special education. Together, we'll focus less on paperwork and more on what really matters—creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Because every student deserves an education plan that's as unique as they are. Let’s make IEPs more effective, more efficient, and way less stressful—together. Welcome to The Intentional IEP Podcast!

  1. 6D AGO

    E34. Breaking Down Student Self Advocacy

    What if the most powerful thing a student learned wasn’t academic but how to speak up for themselves? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what self-advocacy looks like in practice and how it can be taught at every age. Self-advocacy is a skill that helps students understand their needs, know their rights, and take action to access supports in school, work, and daily life. Starting early builds confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate real-world situations. In this episode, Stephanie: Shares strategies for elementary students to name their needs and ask trusted adults for helpOffers ways for middle school students to explain accommodations and manage supportsProvides approaches for high school students to take ownership of their IEPs, participate in meetings, and prepare for real-world advocacyGives tips for integrating self-advocacy into everyday classroom routines and small, practical steps Stephanie provides actionable strategies teachers can use immediately to help students build confidence, independence, and the skills to speak up for themselves. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    17 min

  2. DEC 15

    E33. Choosing the Right Accommodations + Modifications with Tim

    Choosing the right accommodations and modifications can feel overwhelming, but they are essential for student access and meaningful participation. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, pulled from our members-only vault, Stephanie and guest Tim explain how to identify, locate, and select the most effective supports and connect them to the rest of the IEP. In this episode, Stephanie: Explains what accommodations and modifications are and why they are essential in an IEPShows where supports appear in the IEP by considering behavior, curriculum, learning, and assessmentProvides practical examples for each category, including behavior plans, sensory supports, curriculum modifications, adapted equipment, supplementary aids, and assessment accommodationsHighlights how accommodations and modifications link to goals, present levels, and meaningful student engagementOffers guidance for selecting the right supports for each student Teachers will walk away with practical strategies to make accommodations and modifications purposeful, effective, and tailored to each student. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    32 min

  3. DEC 8

    E32. 7 Ways to Be More Inclusive in the Classroom

    What if inclusion does not start with a schedule or a seating chart but with your next small decision? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what real inclusion looks like and how it can be practiced every day. Inclusion is a mindset and a series of intentional choices that help every student feel seen, supported, and able to access learning. In this episode, Stephanie: Shows how to design lessons and adapt tasks so every student can fully access learning without being separatedShares strategies to build trust, collaboration, and shared ownership with paras, co-teachers, and the broader teamExplains how to give students voice and choice while advocating for inclusion in every classroom and team interaction Stephanie provides actionable strategies teachers can use immediately to make classrooms more welcoming, inclusive, and student-focused. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    27 min

  4. DEC 1

    E31. Making Data Driven Decisions

    If your IEP binder is full but you’re still unsure whether your students are actually making progress, this episode is for you. Stephanie dives into the part of the IEP process that’s often ignored: analyzing data. Not just collecting it, but actually using it to guide your next steps. You’ll get a clear, step-by-step system for turning raw data into confident, actionable decisions without spending hours or feeling burned out. Stephanie walks through how to spot meaningful patterns, compare progress to goals, ask the right questions, and adjust instruction based on what the data and context are telling you. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to: Make sense of the numbers and see real trends in student progressIdentify red flags before they become bigger issuesMake small, intentional adjustments that have a real impact This isn’t about perfection...it’s about clarity, confidence, and actionable steps. If you’ve ever stared at a pile of IEP data and thought, “Now what?” this episode gives you the system to start moving forward. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    23 min

  5. NOV 24

    E30. Documenting Student Need in the IEP

    In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Cortnie to dive into documenting student needs in the IEP. Pulled straight from The Intentional IEP membership, this conversation breaks down how to identify a child’s specific needs and document them in a way that’s clear, meaningful, and actionable. Stephanie and Cortnie use real, concrete examples to walk through a blank IEP, showing exactly what to include and how to phrase it. They cover the steps you need to follow, explain why thorough documentation matters, and emphasize one key point above all: document, document, document. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to capture a student’s needs, or wondered what “good documentation” actually looks like, this episode gives you practical guidance you can start using right away. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    24 min

  6. NOV 17

    E29. The Different Types of IEP Data Explained

    Ever feel like you’re collecting a lot of data but not sure if it’s actually useful? You’re not alone. Many special education teachers, service providers, and IEP team members struggle with understanding which data matters most and how to use it effectively. In this episode, we break down the ten types of data you should know. You’ll learn what each type is, why it matters, and how it can help you write stronger IEPs, track progress more clearly, and approach team meetings with confidence. We also cover why understanding your data matters in the first place. Different types of data serve different purposes—some guide instruction, some provide insight into student behavior, and some are essential for compliance and eligibility. Knowing which type of data you’re collecting helps you balance your collection, fill gaps, and advocate from a place of clarity. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about the data you collect and how to use it to support your students. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    20 min

  7. NOV 10

    E28. The Crucial Role Gen Ed Teachers Play in IEPs

    If you’re a general education teacher, you carry a lot—lesson plans, classroom management, and the needs of every learner who walks through your door. But when it comes to IEPs, it can be easy to feel unsure of your role or even overlooked. In this episode, Stephanie brings both general and special education teachers into the conversation to talk about what real collaboration looks like. She shares why the gen ed role matters so much, what often keeps these teachers from feeling valued, and how both sides can work together to better support students with IEPs. You’ll hear: Why the general education teacher’s perspective is essential at the IEP tableThe mindset shifts that lead to stronger teamwork and real inclusionHow gen ed teachers can feel more confident in supporting IEP goalsFive practical ways to show up prepared, informed, and ready to collaborate This episode is all about teamwork, communication, and the impact that happens when every teacher feels seen, heard, and equipped to help their students succeed. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    27 min

  8. NOV 3

    E27. How to Build IEP Teams That Support Students

    Today we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked but makes all the difference in how your classroom runs. Team building. It’s not something that always shows up in your IEP goals or service minutes, but you feel it when it’s missing. When the team isn’t clicking, when paras don’t feel supported, when everyone’s running in their own lane, it shows. The truth is, your team needs to click. You need your paras, and they need you. When the adults in the classroom work well together, everyone benefits, including the students. Team building isn’t a one time thing you check off a list. It’s ongoing. It’s maintenance. Stronger teams mean better support for your students, and that kind of collaboration doesn’t just happen, it’s built intentionally. In this episode, Stephanie shares six simple team building ideas that are easy to implement but have a powerful impact. From icebreakers that actually serve a purpose, to appreciation notes, to role playing crisis scenarios and creating space for social connection, these ideas help shift your classroom culture in real, lasting ways. Because when you build up the adults in the classroom, you build up the students too, and that’s what really matters. And don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

    22 min
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Trailer

4.9
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About

Are you drowning in IEP paperwork and feeling overwhelmed by the special education process? The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education. Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom experience, Stephanie understands the challenges you face—from writing legally compliant IEP goals to managing special education documentation while still finding time to actually teach. Every Monday, you can expect conversations like: Evidence-based IEP writing strategies that save you time Special education compliance guidelines made simple Effective IEP goal development techniques Data collection methods that work in real classrooms Practical special needs accommodations and modifications IEP best practices to invoke a more collaborative IEP process Breaking down IEP implementation The ins and outs of IEP meetings Whether you're a special education teacher, general education teacher collaborating on inclusive education, school psychologist, or educational administrator, The Intentional IEP Podcast will provide you with the support to help students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other exceptional needs. Some weeks, Stephanie shares her expertise on best practices for IEP meetings, parent communication, and special education advocacy. Other weeks, expert guests join the conversation to provide diverse perspectives on disability services and educational interventions. Stop spending your evenings writing IEPs and start implementing a more intentional approach to special education. Together, we'll focus less on paperwork and more on what really matters—creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Because every student deserves an education plan that's as unique as they are. Let’s make IEPs more effective, more efficient, and way less stressful—together. Welcome to The Intentional IEP Podcast!

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie DeLussey
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Stephanie DeLussey
  • Show Website
    The Intentional IEP Podcast

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