169 episodes

The Go-To Podcast for Special Educators who want to reduce their stress and begin to feel success.Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Do you find yourself scouring the internet for how to meet the diverse needs of each student on your caseload?

Hey there friend…I’m Jennifer Hofferber from Sped Prep Academy, an award winning veteran special education teacher and current instructional coach who has walked in your shoes through each of these challenges. And yes, I've got the metaphorical blisters to prove it!  I’ve cried your tears and felt your pain and now I’m here to support you the way I wish someone would have been there to support me. 

Listen in each week as my guests and I dish out practical wisdom to help you handle all the classroom curveballs thrown your way, and learn how to laugh in spite of the chaos to celebrate those small, yet significant victories that only a special educator can understand.
So…Are you ready? Wipe your tears and put on your superhero cape because together we are going to learn how to survive and thrive in the ever crazy, completely overwhelming, laugh so you don’t cry profession of being a special education teacher.
Next Steps:

Visit the Website: https://www.spedprepacademy.com
Join the Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpedPrepAcademy
Email Me: jennifer@spedprepacademy.com

Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special Jennifer Hofferber - Special Education Teacher and Coach

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 22 Ratings

The Go-To Podcast for Special Educators who want to reduce their stress and begin to feel success.Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Do you find yourself scouring the internet for how to meet the diverse needs of each student on your caseload?

Hey there friend…I’m Jennifer Hofferber from Sped Prep Academy, an award winning veteran special education teacher and current instructional coach who has walked in your shoes through each of these challenges. And yes, I've got the metaphorical blisters to prove it!  I’ve cried your tears and felt your pain and now I’m here to support you the way I wish someone would have been there to support me. 

Listen in each week as my guests and I dish out practical wisdom to help you handle all the classroom curveballs thrown your way, and learn how to laugh in spite of the chaos to celebrate those small, yet significant victories that only a special educator can understand.
So…Are you ready? Wipe your tears and put on your superhero cape because together we are going to learn how to survive and thrive in the ever crazy, completely overwhelming, laugh so you don’t cry profession of being a special education teacher.
Next Steps:

Visit the Website: https://www.spedprepacademy.com
Join the Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpedPrepAcademy
Email Me: jennifer@spedprepacademy.com

    How to Improve the PLAAFP Statements in Your IEPs

    How to Improve the PLAAFP Statements in Your IEPs

    If "No Concerns" is still making its way into your IEP sections as a standalone remark, this episode is your call to action to enhance your PLAAFP (Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance) writing practices.The PLAAFP section is not just the foundation of the IEP; it’s the blueprint that guides every aspect of a student's educational plan. In this episode (recap of episode 81), we discuss these important aspects of the IEP PLAAFP section:Essential Components: What must be i...

    • 16 min
    Welcome to Special Education for Beginners!

    Welcome to Special Education for Beginners!

    Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Do you wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Are you challenged by disruptive classroom behaviors or found yourself scouring the internet searching for how to meet the diverse needs of each student, how to progress monitor , how to write IEP goals and on and on? Are you frustrated that it seems no one in your family truly understands what it means to be a special ed...

    • 3 min
    Ask Us Anything Series: Part 6- Interview Questions + Progress Monitoring

    Ask Us Anything Series: Part 6- Interview Questions + Progress Monitoring

    Welcome to 6th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask.Today's questions:Yesenia asks “When applying, what interview questions should I expect and what should I ask?"From Mark..."I don't understand how to progress monitor and keep up with all that data."Talking Points:Interview Tips for Special Education Teachers:Importance of asking about interview panel mem...

    • 26 min
    Maximizing Summer: 3 Strategies for Special Education Teacher Self-Care

    Maximizing Summer: 3 Strategies for Special Education Teacher Self-Care

    As we approach the end of May, you may be already enjoying your summer break or eagerly counting the days until you can. This episode is dedicated to the importance of summer breaks for special education teachers, offering a time for rejuvenation and reflection after a year filled with unique challenges and triumphs.What's Included:The Importance of Summer Break: Summer provides a crucial period for special education teachers to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect on the year's challenges and succ...

    • 11 min
    Effective Co-Planning in Special and General Education

    Effective Co-Planning in Special and General Education

    Today's guest is Kristen Andujar from the Special Education Clubhouse and is here to discuss the importance of collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers. When both educators work together, they can share insights, resources, and strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students. Effective teamwork not only enhances the educational experience, but it also ensures that all students (Not just those with IEPs) receive the consistency and support...

    • 16 min
    Help Your Paraprofessionals Feel Confident and Competent

    Help Your Paraprofessionals Feel Confident and Competent

    Have you ever been formally trained on how to work with paraprofessionals?No? Me neither!Unfortunately, this critical aspect of special education preparation—paraprofessional training--is too often overlooked. In today's episode, we explore why effective training isn't just beneficial, but essential for everyone involved: You, your district, fellow teachers, the paraprofessionals, and most importantly, our students.Key Points Discussed:Startling Statistic: Only 11 out of 50 states have e...

    • 9 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
22 Ratings

22 Ratings

Yo_NayNay ,

Great podcast!

Such an essential resource Special Educators! It’s a must listen!

great for backups ,

Extremely informative

As a parent of a twice exceptional child, I started listening to get an insiders perspective so I could better assist in her accommodations. I since decided to go into the field of special education and I enjoy listening to the podcast during my daily commute while I’m pursuing my certification.

Brbale ,

What a gift

I have been blessed to personally work with Jennifer while I was a general education teacher and she was one of my biggest cheerleaders to show me that I was made for SPED. Her passion for this job is inspiring. Getting this knowledge from her brain is truly a gift ❤️

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