Special Education Inner Circle

May 18 2024 87

Special Education Inner Circle Podcast artwork

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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237. What 3 Words Do People Say Behind Your Back After an IEP Meeting?

May 18 2024 10 mins

What three words would people use to describe you after an IEP meeting? Maybe you owned traits like "caring," "patient," and "collaborative" - or maybe there's room to level up. As the school year ends, I share examples from Master IEP Coaches® striving to be a "lifeline," "data-driven," and "calm" for families. What three words do you wish defined your approach to getting the mos

236. 3 Buckets of End of the Year IEP Concerns

May 10 2024 17 mins

End of school year chaos got you frazzled? Let me walk you through how to brain dump your concerns, create your 3 buckets, and give you insights on 3 situations I'm coaching parents and teachers through right now inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. If you're struggling through concerns like placement changes for next year, building transitions, and prepping for high school t

235. Your Secret Sauce to a Better School Year Next Year

May 02 2024 13 mins

Special Education Teachers and Parents, Was this school year easier than expected, or more difficult than you imagined? In this must-listen episode, I share eye-opening poll results, guide you through identifying your true desires for a better next school year, and 3 must-have steps to get there! Plus, discover the opportunity to become a Master IEP Coach® through my summer mentor

234. Curriculum in the IEP? Yes!

Apr 25 2024 9 mins

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

233. Parents Never Have "No Concerns"

Apr 16 2024 12 mins

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

232. Decision Making for Middle School

Apr 11 2024 7 mins

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 ge

231. Non-Negotiables for IEPs: Even on the Bad Days

Apr 07 2024 5 mins

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 eve

230. Don't Give Up On This School Year Yet! 4 Questions for Special Education Teachers and Parents

Mar 29 2024 8 mins

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 a

229: Second Guessing Special Needs and Inclusion

Mar 21 2024 14 mins

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/

228: Sneak Peek: Green Flags in Special Education

Mar 14 2024 13 mins

🟢 I just finished recording an IEP workshop for a National Autism Organisation. Here's your sneak peek of 3 Green Flags I'm helping parents find inside their child's classroom. Teachers, if you've got these 3 things... celebrate! Parents, if you see these 3 things... breathe a sigh of relief! If you don't have these 3 things, it's time for us to work together. Learn More: www.m