Loading...

PODCAST

The Intentional IEP Podcast

Stephanie DeLussey

Are you drowning in IEP paperwork and feeling overwhelmed by the special education process? The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education. Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom

education education for kids

All Episodes

13:24

E15. Goals VS Objectives VS Benchmarks

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/08/11

Let’s be honest — writing IEP goals can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between annual goals, objectives, and benchmarks. In this episode, Stephanie breaks it all down so you can finally feel confident and clear about what you’re writing and why it matters.You’ll learn how the annual goal acts as the big-picture target for the year, while objectives break that goal into smaller, manageable skills that build toward success. Benchmarks, on the

en

16:19

E14. SDI Implementation

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/08/05

Ever catch yourself wondering, “Am I actually doing SDI the way I’m supposed to?” Stephanie’s got you covered in this episode. She breaks down what SDI really means, how it’s different from accommodations or just good teaching, and what you need to make it work for your students.SDI is all about giving students instruction that’s tailored to their unique needs and directly tied to their IEP goals. It’s not extra work or some fancy new program—it’s smart, focused teaching that helps your students

en

21:32

E13. A Better Way to Schedule Your Day in Special...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/07/28

Let's talk about the one thing youalwaysneed more of: time. In this episode, Stephanie walks through how tointentionallycreate a schedule that supports your students and protects your time. Whether you're in a self-contained, resource, or inclusion setting, you'll hear strategies to make your day run more smoothly without sacrificing your evenings.Scheduling isn’t just about plugging things into a calendar—it’s about building a functional, flexible structure that works for instruction, behaviors,

en

23:38

E12. 3 Things to Do at Back to School Time

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/07/21

In this episode ofThe Intentional IEP Podcast, host Stephanie cuts through the noise and gets straight to what actually helps at the start of the school year. No fluff. No perfectionism. Just three grounded, practical strategies that special education teachers can put into place right now.These aren’t new ideas or trendy hacks—they’re the kind of moves that create real breathing room and better outcomes for students.Stephanie breaks down:How to map out IEP due dates so they don’t sneak up

en

22:16

E11. 5 Practical Tips for Paraprofessional...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/07/14

Paraprofessionals do so much more than we often give them credit for. They're not just an extra set of hands—they’re part of the backbone of our classrooms. But even with the best intentions, collaboration with our paras can fall flat if we don’t take time to build it on purpose.In this episode, Stephanie shares five practical ways to create a stronger, more aligned partnership with your classroom para. Whether you're starting the year fresh with someone new or hoping to improve an existing

en

29:29

E10. Using an IEP Goal Bank to Save Time

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/07/07

If you’ve ever stared at a blank IEP and wondered where to start with writing meaningful goals, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most helpful tools for special educators—IEP goal banks.Stephanie breaks down why using a goal bank doesn’t mean IEPs are cookie-cutter. Goal banks give teachers a strong starting point so they can spend less time figuring out what to write—and more time making the goals fit their students.In this episode you'll learn:– Why IEP goal banks

en

16:09

EP 9. Using AI Ethically As A Special Education Teacher

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/06/30

What does it really mean to use AI ethically as a special education teacher?AI is everywhere—but how do you use it without losing your professional judgment or risking student privacy? If you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you.I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of AI in special education, sharing why AI can support your work but never replace the human connection. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to approach AI with curiosity, clarity, and caution—the three

en

16:58

E8. Setting Up a Sensory Friendly Classroom

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/06/23

What does “sensory-friendly” actually mean?In this episode, we’re breaking down the what, why, and how of creating a sensory-friendly classroom. Spoiler: it’s not about buying all the things—it’s about designing a space that helps students feel safe, supported, and regulated.Every student has a sensory system. And every single one can benefit from a classroom that’s calm, intentional, and responsive to different sensory needsWe’re talking:What sensory-friendly really meansSimple ways to create a

en

33:50

E7. 7 Common Misconceptions About IEPs

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/06/16

In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down some of the most common (and frustrating) misconceptions about IEPs—the ones every special education teacher has heard at some point. If you’ve ever been told “that’s just how it is,” this episode clears the air and sets the record straight.What You’ll Learn:– Why special education doesnotmean separate education– What happens when an IEP needs to be changed before the annual meeting– The truth about accommodations and “unfair advantages”– Why no two

en

20:52

E6. Teaching with Intention During ESY

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/06/09

In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach teaching during Extended School Year (ESY) with purpose and clarity. If you're walking into a summer classroom wondering what to actuallyteach, this episode breaks it all down—so your time is meaningful, manageable, and data-driven.What You’ll Learn:– The true purpose of ESY (hint: it’s not content coverage)– Where to start with each student’s IEP– How to choose goals that matter most– Tips for simple planning using themes, centers, and crafts– Ideas

en

12:07

E5. Accommodations vs. Modifications

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/06/02

Accommodations and modifications aren’t the same thing—and knowing the difference is key to providing the right support. In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down what each one means, how they impact student learning, and why getting it right in the IEP matters.Here’s what you’ll hear:The difference betweenhowa student learns vs.whatthey’re expected to learnClear examples of accommodations and modificationsWhy this section of the IEP can’t be a copy-and-paste jobThe 9 types of adaptations every

en

11:51

E4. The Importance of Analyzing IEP Data

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/05/26

In this episode, Stephanie dives into one of the most common questions she hears from educators: “How many data points do I actually need?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, she walks listeners through how to think about data collection in a way that’s practical and purposeful. Stephanie shares what to do after the data is collected—how to organize it, what to keep, and how to graph it so it tells a story that makes sense to the entire IEP team. She breaks down the difference between line

en

11:50

E3. The Different Types of IEP Goal Criteria

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/05/19

In today's episode, Stephanie breaks down7 different types of IEP goal criteriaand explains how to use them effectively. She walks through concrete examples to help you understand how to measure student success.Stephanie covers criteria like accuracy, frequency, duration, and more, while reminding listeners that mastery means a student can perform the skill across different settings, materials, and people. When IEP goals are written with the right criteria, your data collection will naturally

en

11:53

E2. Specially Designed Instruction

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/05/12

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the core of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. Hint: accommodations like extra time or special seating don’t count as SDI.She walks through the three essential elements of SDI: thewhat(content), thehow(methodology), and thewho/where/when(delivery). Stephanie also clears up the difference between SDI and differentiation, sharing simple, relatable examples that bring it all to life.Whether you're in special

en

15:15

E1. Extended School Year (ESY) Determination

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/05/05

Welcome to the first episode ofThe Intentional IEP Podcast!In today’s episode, we’re kicking things off by diving intoExtended School Year (ESY)and what it truly means for students with IEPs. We’ll walk through thecriteriafor determining eligibility and explore why ESY services are so important in helping studentsmaintain their progressand prevent regression.We'll also address some of thecommon misconceptionsabout ESY, like how it differs from traditional summer school and the factors that play into

en

01:30

The Intentional IEP Podcast with Stephanie DeLussey

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2025/04/08

I vividly remember being a special education classroom teacher, and every single one of my memories revolves around IEPs. Whether it was sitting at my desk staring at my screen trying to come up with IEP goals, writing the IEP the night before the meeting, or drowning in piles and piles of what seemed like never ending paperwork… I always knew I wanted to make a difference, to truly support my students, but the process felt overwhelming—so much paperwork, so many moving parts, and not enough time to

en

76 results

Similar Podcasts

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Education Futures

Svenia Busson & Laurent Jolie

Out In The Hall

NHSA

Reading Teachers Lounge

Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi