Special Education Inner Circle Catherine Whitcher
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- Education
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The Special Education Inner Circle podcast is hosted by Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed, founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship + Network. Get your notebook ready as Catherine brings you real-world strategies for everyone at the IEP table. With her family's experience in the disability community and her journey from Special Education classroom teacher to IEP expert, Catherine knows what it takes to prepare students and families for the future. Get ready to be inspired and learn actionable steps you can take immediately to change your special education experience.
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234. Curriculum in the IEP? Yes!
Chaos erupted on my Instagram when I asked if teachers and parents list curriculum in IEPs. 75% said no, fearing issues if a student moves districts or the curriculum stops working. But I'm here to set the record straight!
Listing curriculum (in areas like present levels, not goals) provides crucial context on what worked before. It doesn't lock you in - we can make adjustments as needed. And if you're unfamiliar with the listed curriculum? The IEP can include training support!
In this episode, I dish on the heated DM exchanges, tackle common objections, and remind us all that transparency and collaboration are key. After all, we're on the same team working hard for to build ah-mazing IEPs.
Learn more about becoming a Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship
Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/catherinewhitcher/
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233. Parents Never Have "No Concerns"
Let's be honest - that parent input section inside the IEP is often left blank, filled with a weak "no concerns" statement, or a dumping ground for complaints. Not on my watch! Let's flip that section into the heart and soul of the entire IEP.
Parents, get ready to level up your input inside your child's IEP. Teachers, learn how to ditch the guesswork of what goals to choose for a child and tap into a goldmine of invaluable family insights.
Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/
Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
Get 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Next IEP Meeting: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/12-iep-questions-with-master-iep-coach-founder-catherine-whitcher-m-ed
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232. Decision Making for Middle School
Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a big IEP deal, friends. There are so many decisions to navigate that it can leave parents feeling totally overwhelmed. But in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing insights from a mom I'm coaching through this process.
You'll hear how she's ensuring she can observe the proposed middle school placement, how she's getting crucial supports and services documented, and how she's customizing that Special Education Extended School Year program. Whether you're a parent or an educator, this episode is packed with real-talk tips to create a smooth middle school transition - because let's be real, lockers, switching classes, and changing into gym uniforms add a whole new layer of complexity!
Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/
Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
Get 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Next IEP Meeting: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/12-iep-questions-with-master-iep-coach-founder-catherine-whitcher-m-ed
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231. Non-Negotiables for IEPs: Even on the Bad Days
It is to have certain non-negotiables in place for every child's IEP. Because let's face it - not every school day is sunshine and rainbows. There will be those chaotic, hectic, downright bad days where nothing seems to go right.
Listen in and then start the conversation with your IEP team to find the non-negotiables ASAP! Because when the wheels come off, at least you'll know every child will be able to access their day.
Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
Join the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship
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230. Don't Give Up On This School Year Yet! 4 Questions for Special Education Teachers and Parents
Are you feeling straight-up depleted from your IEP and special education struggles? Waking up in a full-body cringe over the challenges you're facing?
It doesn't have to be this way! The school year isn't over and you can still turn things around in a major way. On this episode, I'll walk you through getting super honest with the three biggest obstacles that are blocking your joy and progress.
This is the insight and fire you need to create the changes you need before the last day of school!
Get My Favorite 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask, before your next IEP meeting.
Reach out for help inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship -
229: Second Guessing Special Needs and Inclusion
Sometimes I get scared to call myself a "special needs sibling" or talk about what "inclusion" looked like for my brother who thrived in a private therapeutic day school. If you've ever filtered yourself and the words you say because you're worried about what the "loud" people might say to you... this episode is for you.
Get more IEP resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/
Customer Reviews
Great Resource Guide
Catherine does a great job with give tips and resources.
Essential SPED Podcast
Amazing podcast! Short sweet episodes packed with useful insights for those in the SPED world!
Wowza, this is amaaaazing!
Creative, common-sense, easy to understand AND implement strategies!