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. 4D AGO

    E42. Helping Students Build Independence

    Stephanie brings listeners into one of the most important skills we can teach our students independence. It’s not about making our lives easier or stepping back because we’re tired. It’s about helping students gain confidence, take initiative, and develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. In this episode, she shares practical strategies to guide students toward doing more on their own while supporting their growth along the way. Stephanie covers • Why independence matters for students’ confidence and learning • How to start in the zone of proximal development and scaffold effectively • Using prompting hierarchies and fading support over time • Modeling skills, repeating, and helping students generalize across settings • Allowing students to make mistakes and learn from them By the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete ideas for helping students take the lead, step back just enough to let them try, and celebrate the small wins that show real progress. Stephanie reminds us that every step toward independence matters and that with intentional support, students can achieve more than we often realize. Not a member? Join Today — 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

    10 min

  2. FEB 9

    E41. Top 6 Special Education Books for Teachers

    In this episode, Stephanie shares the books she returns to again and again — resources that have helped her understand IEPs, advocate confidently, partner with schools, and support children with special needs in real and meaningful ways. Top 6 Books: The Intentional IEP Book The Special Needs School Survival Guide Parents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: The Dance That Matters Wrightslaw: All About IEPs Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn’t Telling You The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed

    18 min

  3. FEB 2

    E40. Maintaining Current Skill Levels for Mastered Goals

    Have you ever had a student master an IEP goal, only to come back later and realize that skill didn’t stick? In this episode, Stephanie talks through why skill regression happens after mastery and what teachers can do to maintain IEP goals in ways that actually fit into the school day. This conversation focuses on keeping skills active, supporting generalization, and helping students carry what they’ve learned beyond a single setting or moment. In this episode, Stephanie covers why mastered skills fade without intentional maintenancehow to keep IEP goals active through daily routinesways to support retention and re engagement after breaks Mastery is not the finish line. When skills are maintained, students are more likely to use what they know with confidence and independence. Not a member? Join Today — 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

    16 min

  4. JAN 26

    E39. The Power of IEP Impact Statements

    One short paragraph can make or break an IEP. And yet impact statements are often rushed, copied forward, or treated like filler. In this episode Stephanie breaks down IEP impact statements in a way that actually makes them useful, meaningful, and legally sound. You’ll learn what an impact statement really is, why it matters so much, and how to write one that clearly connects a student’s disability to their educational needs. We cover: What an IEP impact statement is (and what it is not)Why impact statements are the bridge between eligibility and servicesThe exact data you need before you start writingSimple sentence starters and plug and play templates you can reuseReal world examples that show what strong impact statements look likeWhere impact statements belong in the IEP You’ll also hear reflection prompts to help you evaluate whether your current impact statements actually explain why the rest of the IEP exists. This episode is perfect for special education teachers, case managers, and IEP team members who want to move beyond compliance language and write statements that truly reflect the student sitting in front of them. If this episode helped bring clarity, share it with a teammate or a newer teacher who’s still figuring out how all the IEP pieces fit together. Not a member? Join Today — 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

    14 min

  5. JAN 19

    E38. Special Ed Law: What You Need to Know

    Whether you’re a veteran teacher, a parent, or brand new to special education, the law matters. It shapes eligibility decisions, service delivery, and what happens when teams disagree. Understanding it is not optional, and it does not have to feel overwhelming either. In this episode, Ashley Barlow, attorney and advocate, breaks down IDEA in clear, practical terms. We cover eligibility, district responsibilities, the biggest mistakes schools make, and how parents and teachers can challenge assessments and decisions. Real-world advice you can use right now to feel confident at the IEP table. Not a member? Join Today — 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

    46 min

  6. JAN 12

    E37. Understanding the LRE: The Least Restrictive Environment Explained

    Stephanie breaks down LRE and why most of what we assume about placement is wrong. LRE isn’t about keeping students in general education or giving “less support.” It’s about creating the environment where each student can make real progress with the supports they need. In this episode, Stephanie covers: What LRE really means and why one-size-fits-all placement doesn’t workThe LRE continuum, from general education with supports to specialized programs, with real examplesHow placement decisions should be based on data, student needs, and meaningful growth—not convenience or fear By the end of this episode, you’ll have clarity on how LRE works and practical insight to make confident, informed decisions that truly support students’ growth. 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

    18 min

  7. JAN 5

    EP36. 5 Misconceptions About Student Behavior

    In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the top 5 misconceptions about student behavior and shows you how to respond in ways that actually work. You’ll learn why kids aren’t “just seeking attention,” why it’s not defiance, and why punishment alone won’t stop behavior. Stephanie shares simple, actionable strategies you can use immediately, from tracking what happens before a behavior with an ABC sticky note to pairing consequences with teachable moments, all while keeping connection first. If there’s one behavior that’s been driving you crazy, this episode will help you see it differently, respond with confidence, and remember that behavior is communication. ABC Behavior Sticky Note Endless Bundle of Data Sheets 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

  8. 12/29/2025

    E35. End of the Year Pep Talk for Special Ed Teachers

    If no one has told you lately, you’re doing the impossible every day. This episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast is a reminder of the incredible work special education teachers do. Whether you’re navigating IEPs, managing behaviors, or just figuring it all out as you go, this episode is for you. Special education teachers aren’t “just” teachers. You are advocates, difference makers, and lifelines. You interpret neurodiversity, translate behavior, and bridge the gap between “what is” and “what could be.” You notice what others miss, hold space for what others don’t understand, and create opportunities for students to succeed even when the system makes it hard. In this episode, Stephanie: Highlights the unseen impact special education teachers have on students’ livesCelebrates the creative problem-solving and innovation required every day in the classroomReminds teachers that their work—advocacy, differentiation, coaching, and collaboration is transformativeOffers encouragement and perspective for moments of overwhelm and self-doubt This episode is a reminder that your work matters, even when it isn’t recognized or celebrated. You’re not just teaching...you’re changing lives, building bridges, and giving students a voice. 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

    10 min
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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Stephanie DeLussey
  • Show Website
    The Intentional IEP Podcast

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