Special Educators Resource Room
Special Educators Resource Room with Jennifer DeBrosse is the podcast for busy special education teachers. Whether you’re brand new to the world of special education or an experienced teacher, this podcast will provide time-saving solutions for any busy special educator.
Get ready to move things off your special educator plate without feeling like you have to live at school.
I’m your host, Jennifer DeBrosse. I’m dual-certified, have been in education for over 25 years, and spent time in both the inclusion classroom and the resource room setting. I was also a special education instructional coach and mentor to hard-working educators just like you.
Tune in each week for quick action-packed episodes. They will be short, sweet, and to the point because I know how busy you are. I’m on a mission to help you get your time back!
Let’s connect! You can find more special education support at: Positively Learning Blog (PS: while you’re there, be sure to grab the free Special Educators Cheat Sheets!)
Episodes
123 episodes
122. Spring Cleaning for Special Educators (Quarter 4 Survival Tips)
It’s time for a fresh start—but not just for your closet. In this episode of the Special Educators Resource Room, we’re doing a little spring cleaning for your teaching systems!I'm tackling frequently asked questions from educators like...
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12:14
121. 10 Things Paraprofessionals Need to Hear From Us
They show up early, stay late, and hold the classroom together when everything feels like it’s falling apart—our paraprofessionals are true superheroes.In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 10 things every paraprofessional deserves to h...
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6:55
120. Decision Fatigue: Why Less Is More (For You AND Your Students!)
Ever feel completely drained after making way too many decisions in a day? You’re not alone. Decision fatigue is real, and it’s affecting you, your students, and your teaching.Here's what you'll learn:✅ What decision fatigue is and ...
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10:16
119. Spice Up Your Small Groups (without overstimulating everyone!)
Feeling stuck in a small group slump? If your students are zoning out, constantly needing redirection, or just going through the motions, it might be time to shake things up!In this episode, we’re diving into simple, high-energy strateg...
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11:51
118. Want a Better Independent Work System? Grab This Free Playbook!
Is independent work in your classroom actually working? Or does it feel more like a constant cycle of redirection, confusion, and prep overload?In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple, three-part system to help students work indepen...
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9:54
117. Social Stories 101: How to Write, Use, and Make Them Work
Social stories can make a big difference in helping students navigate routines, social expectations, and behavior challenges. But how do you make sure they actually work?In today’s episode, I’m breaking down:✅ What social s...
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10:45
116. When an IEP Isn’t the Answer: Supporting Gen Ed Teachers with Behavior Challenges
Ever had a general education teacher refer a student for an IEP, hoping for a classroom aide or a removal—but deep down, you knew that wasn’t likely to happen? 🙋♀️In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life scenario where a gen ed teacher...
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10:04
115. Oops, You’re Over-Prompting! Let’s Fix That
Oops, you might be over-prompting! Let's fix that. Ever feel like your students could do more on their own—if only they weren’t so used to getting help? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into the prompt hierarchy
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9:55
114. Data, But Make It Easy: Paraprofessionals and Progress Monitoring
Data collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially for paraprofessionals! In this episode, I’m breaking down simple, stress-free ways for paras to help track student progress without extra work. Learn how to make data collection quick, ...
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8:02
113. The Time-Saving Tool for Special Educators You Didn’t Know You Needed
Templates have always been a game-changer for special educators, but what if there’s a way to take them even further? In this episode, we explore the next level of time-saving tools: custom AI. You’ll learn how templates and AI work together to...
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11:14
112. Teaching Life Skills Without Adding More to Your Plate
Life Skills 101: This episode breaks down everything you need to know about teaching life skills in a way that fits into your busy day. Learn what life skills really are, why they’re essential for student growth, and how to weave them ...
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10:52
111. The Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries as a Special Educator
Feeling burned out from saying “yes” to everything? In this episode, I’m diving into the art of setting boundaries and why saying “no” isn’t just okay—it’s essential. From managing requests from admin and parents to dealing with guilt and stayi...
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11:32
110. The Truth About Data Collection (And Why You’re Doing Too Much)
Data collection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m getting real about the struggles of tracking all the things and why most of us are doing way too much. You’ll learn how to streamline your data collection process, focus on...
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10:37
109. New Year, New Systems: Let's Build Independent Learners!
Happy New Year! 🎉 In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most impactful changes you can make for your classroom in 2025: setting up an independent work system that actually works. Whether you’re new to task boxes or looking to refine you...
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9:15
108. One Last Surprise for 2024—Your Glow-Up Awaits!
🎉 Surprise! I’m popping in real quick with exciting news—it's GIVEAWAY time!You could win Lifetime Membership to the Complete Independent Work System—your ultimate tool for creating a calm, independent, and thriving class...
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2:31
107. Teacher Goal Setting: Yay or Nay?
This week's podcast episode is for you if 1) you're unsure how to set goals that actually stick and 2) you're unsure if you even want to set goals for 2025.
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10:02
106. Surprise! An Advocate is Attending the Next Meeting!
Is a family advocate attending your next IEP meeting and you're wondering what to expect? This episode is for you! Learn what a family advocate is there for and practical strategies for navigating the meeting. This episode is for special educat...
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14:29
105. Parent Communication: Let's Talk About It
This episode is full of scenarios every special educator has probably experienced at least a few times. Let's talk about some possible strategies and solutions with a focus on improving communication with parents and caregivers. I can't wait to...
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16:28
104. Your Path to Progress
Thank you for tuning in to Special Educators Resource Room! This is a special episode all about finding your path to progress. Come take a tour of the Independent Work Clubhouse - a free resource hub that just opened up this week to members of ...
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10:30
103. Special Ed Survey Says: Top Topics You Care About
In this episode of Special Educators Resource Room, we’re diving into your survey responses! From task box ideas for early learners to behavior management strategies and collaboration with paraprofessionals, this episode ...
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8:54
102. Don't Skip this Essential Skill in your Classroom!
Did you know that sorting and classifying objects can set the stage for math success? These skills go beyond basics, building the critical thinking kids need to make sense of the world. This week’s podcast episode is filled with fun sorti...
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11:01
101. Please Stop Calling it BUSY Work! Student Independent Binders
Independent work is NOT designed just to keep students "busy" so teachers can get things done, they are SO much more! In this episode, I'm sharing all the benefits of adding work binders to your independent work systems - they are a GAMECHANGER...
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11:12
100. Celebration of Special Educators Resource Room 100th Episode
Ep 90. Task Box Time-SaversEp 82. Data Forms Every Special Educator Needs<...
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9:09
99. Four Strategies for Tackling Special Education Paperwork Overwhelm
In this episode, we dive into four time-saving strategies for handling special education paperwork, including IEP progress reports and prepping for meetings. Don’t miss these practical techniques to simplify progress monitoring and keep your pa...
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10:08
98. When Data Collection Isn't Feeling Helpful
How can special educators collect data that truly reflects student growth? This episode includes strategies like breaking down learning levels into smaller steps and using tailored progress monitoring tools. Tune in to discover practical tips f...
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10:48