246 episodes

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.

Special Education Inner Circle Catherine Whitcher

    • Education
    • 4.7 • 104 Ratings

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.

    247. Time Management Made Visual: How Time Timer® Supports Special Education

    247. Time Management Made Visual: How Time Timer® Supports Special Education

    div]:bg-bg-300 [&_pre]:-mr-4 md:[&_pre]:-mr-9" style= "box-sizing: border-box; border-image: initial; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: hsl(var(--accent-secondary-100)/1); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; outline-color: hsl(var(--accent-main-100)); position: relative; padding-right: 2.25rem; line-height: 1.65rem; font-family: var(--font-claude-message); border: 0px solid hsl(var(--border-100));"> _*]:min-w-0" style= "box-sizing: border-box; border-image: initial; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: hsl(var(--accent-secondary-100)/1); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; outline-color: hsl(var(--accent-main-100)); display: grid; gap: 0.625rem; border: 0px solid hsl(var(--border-100));"> Did you know that the Time Timer® we all know and love started with a paper plate?
    In this episode, I chat with Heather from Time Timer®, a visual timer that's been helping students manage time for 30 years. We chat about the big WHY, explore their product line (from classic timers to smartwatches!), and discuss creative ways to use these tools both in and out of the classroom.
    You'll learn how Time Timer® can be included in IEPs as assistive technology, and why we should rethink traditional time-telling goals. Whether you're a teacher looking to improve classroom management, a parent establishing routines at home, or an adult trying to beat procrastination, this episode has something for you.
    More Master IEP Coach® Resources
    Become a Master IEP Coach®
    Time Saving IEP Guide
    Find Time Timer® on Amazon

    • 14 min
    246. Building Inclusive School Experiences Through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools

    246. Building Inclusive School Experiences Through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools

    Listen in for an eye-opening journey into the world of Special Olympics' Unified Champion Schools!
    In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a revolutionary approach to inclusion that's sweeping through schools nationwide. You'll hear from Haylie, about Special Olympics' global education initiatives, and Hannah, a Special Olympic athlete whose story will challenge you to dream bigger.
    What does an "inclusion revolution" actually look like in practice? How is a sports organization changing the game in education? And why is playing together more powerful than you might think?
    From unexpected friendships to globe-trotting adventures, this conversation is packed with surprises.
    Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who cares about building a more inclusive world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to make a difference.
    Ready to challenge your assumptions and see inclusion in a whole new light?
    Press play and join the inclusion revolution!
    📘 Free IEP Resources
    🧠 Become a Master IEP Coach®
    📧 Contact Catherine for speaking engagements and IEP workshops in your town! 

    • 18 min
    245. Simple Special Education Support Spotlight: How Calm Strips Can Help Increase Focus and Reduce Anxiety

    245. Simple Special Education Support Spotlight: How Calm Strips Can Help Increase Focus and Reduce Anxiety

    Hey there, parents and teachers!
    Join me for a chat with the creative minds behind Calm Strips. We're exploring how these nifty textured stickers are making a real difference in classrooms and beyond, helping kids (and adults!) with focus and anxiety.
    Learn about their simple design, many uses, and why students and teachers are loving them.
    We'll also tackle those back-to-school butterflies with some down-to-earth advice from parents who've walked this path. Whether you're teaching or parenting, this episode is full of helpful tips and easy ideas.
    Tune in for a fun, informative conversation that'll leave you feeling ready and excited for the school year ahead!
    Grab free IEP resources at masterIEPcoach.com
    Learn to Become a Master IEP Coach

    • 14 min
    244. Determined Teacher Finds a Clickworthy Solution

    244. Determined Teacher Finds a Clickworthy Solution

    🖱️ In this episode, Catherine interviews Parker, the inventor of the Hoglet - the world's first fidget computer mouse. Discover how a former tech professional turned special education teacher invented a much needed assistive technology! 🚀
    Key highlights:
    Parker's journey from tech to teaching 📚 The classroom experience that sparked the Hoglet idea 💡 The thoughtful design process behind this innovative tool 🎨 Benefits for sensory-seeking students and those with ADHD 🤗 How to incorporate the Hoglet into IEPs as assistive technology 📝 Catherine shares valuable IEP tips and emphasizes the importance of documenting helpful tools. This conversation is a must-listen for parents and educators looking for creative solutions in special education! 🌟
    Prepare to be inspired by how one educator's determination is making waves in the world of accessible learning. 🌊
    Send Catherine 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
     

    • 9 min
    243. Smooth IEP Meeting? Send This Letter

    243. Smooth IEP Meeting? Send This Letter

    Hear me out on why sending a recap letter after an IEP meeting is crucial, even when everything goes smoothly.
    Learn how this simple strategy can prevent misunderstandings, document important agreements, and keep the collaborative spirit alive.
    I'll walk you through the key elements of an effective recap letter and explain why it's more than just an email.
    Whether you're a parent or an educator, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your IEP process and ensure the best outcomes for students.
    Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/
    Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

    • 5 min
    242. Say This, Not That: 5 Shifts for IEP Conversations

    242. Say This, Not That: 5 Shifts for IEP Conversations

    Ever feel frustrated with the words being used at IEP meetings? You're not alone!
    In this episode, Catherine shares 5 critical language shifts that'll transform your IEP conversations.
    Whether you're a parent trying to express your child's needs or an educator aiming to build better plans, these strategies are key to simplifying the process.
    We're talking fewer words, with more impact. Specific statements, not vague generalizations. Gentle approaches vs harsh demands. And trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll be ready to infuse hope into every IEP discussion.
    With nearly 30 years in the special education trenches, I've seen these shifts work magic through some of the toughest IEP situations.
    So grab your favorite beverage, hit play, and let's upgrade your IEP experience together. It's time to get everyone on the same page and create plans that actually work.
    Ready to become an IEP conversation pro?
    Let's do this!
    Links to Learn More - 
    Master IEP Coach® Resources
    Become a Master IEP Coach®
    Follow Catherine on Instagram

    • 10 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
104 Ratings

104 Ratings

mshahi ,

Great Resource Guide

Catherine does a great job with give tips and resources.

Jasmander ,

Essential SPED Podcast

Amazing podcast! Short sweet episodes packed with useful insights for those in the SPED world!

thegamecritic1467 ,

Wowza, this is amaaaazing!

Creative, common-sense, easy to understand AND implement strategies!

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