Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special

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

5 Steps to Build Inclusive Teams
Apr 16, 2025 – 16:15
The Reverse Inclusion Strategy: A Conversation with Jen and Meghan from Moms Managing Behavior
Apr 9, 2025 – 25:47
Beyond the Buzzword: 5 Inclusive Practices Special Educators Should Promote
Apr 2, 2025 – 13:19
A Guide to Implementing Assistive Technology Practices
Mar 26, 2025 – 14:14
How IEP Teams Can Build Sustaining Assistive Technology Systems
Mar 19, 2025 – 23:06
Beyond the Basics: Reimagining Assistive Tech with Robokind
Mar 12, 2025 – 30:37
Basics of Assistive Technology
Mar 5, 2025 – 13:11
7 Easy-to-Implement Strategies for Your Dual Language Learners
Feb 26, 2025 – 14:27
Enhancing Learning Environments for Dual Identified Students: A Conversation with Katherine Hamilton
Feb 19, 2025 – 33:31
How to Support English Language Learners in Special Education
Feb 5, 2025 – 12:27
Student Led IEPs in Action: A Special Educator's Experience
Jan 29, 2025 – 15:04
4 Steps Toward Implementing Student-Led IEP Meetings
Jan 22, 2025 – 12:38
Empowering Students Through Student-Led IEPs: Insights with Dr. Daniel Biegun
Jan 15, 2025 – 20:32
An Introduction to Student-Led IEP Meetings
Jan 8, 2025 – 13:28
15 Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas for Your Paras This Holiday Season
Dec 11, 2024 – 12:40
Ask Us Anything Part 12: A Rapid-Fire Farewell with Paul
Dec 4, 2024 – 30:21
Administer Achievement Tests with Success: Part 3-Sharing Results with Confidence
Nov 27, 2024 – 15:49
Administer Achievement Tests with Success: Part 2-Writing the Report
Nov 20, 2024 – 15:37
Administer Achievement Tests with Success: Part 1-Preparation
Nov 13, 2024 – 13:09
Ask Us Anything Part 11: Challenging Behaviors + Assistive Technology
Nov 6, 2024 – 25:53
Streamline Paperwork Using Templates with Caroline Koehler
Oct 23, 2024 – 23:14
Handling the Unexpected: Emily's Story of Embracing Challenges with a Positive Mindset
Oct 16, 2024 – 07:38
Ask Us Anything Part 10: Difficult Parents + Progress Monitoring
Oct 2, 2024 – 22:50
3 Strategies to Manage Conflicts More Effectively
Sep 25, 2024 – 12:17
Solving the IEP Mystery: How to Connect the Dots for Student Success
Sep 18, 2024 – 09:43
Practical Tips to Boost Parent Collaboration
Sep 11, 2024 – 13:16
Ask Us Anything: Part 9: Scheduling Tips & Paras Not Following Their Schedule
Sep 4, 2024 – 26:18
5 Powerful Mindset Shifts for Special Education Teachers
Aug 28, 2024 – 17:09
Back to School Tips for Special Educators with Angela Rivas
Aug 21, 2024 – 28:37
12 Things to Know Before Setting Up an Autism Classroom with S.B. Linton
Aug 14, 2024 – 29:53
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 8- Elements and Organizational Tools for Special Education Classrooms
Aug 7, 2024 – 39:42
How to Start the Day with a Morning Routine with Nikki Robertson
Jul 31, 2024 – 44:13
How to Effectively Support and Collaborate with our Paraprofessionals with Jenn Adams
Jul 24, 2024 – 24:51
Progress Monitoring Methods & Strategies
Jul 17, 2024 – 18:23
Easy Behavior Strategies with Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications
Jul 10, 2024 – 18:25
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 7- Recommended Materials + Optimizing Paras
Jul 3, 2024 – 26:56
Rethinking Behavior: Adopt a Skill Not Will Mindset with Jenny Walmsley
Jun 26, 2024 – 18:31
Organize Your Way to Special Education Success with a Caseload Planner
Jun 19, 2024 – 10:57
How to Improve the PLAAFP Statements in Your IEPs
Jun 12, 2024 – 16:49
Welcome to Special Education for Beginners!
Jun 5, 2024 – 04:01
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 6- Interview Questions + Progress Monitoring
Jun 5, 2024 – 27:03
Maximizing Summer: 3 Strategies for Special Education Teacher Self-Care
May 29, 2024 – 11:17
Effective Co-Planning in Special and General Education
May 22, 2024 – 16:54
Help Your Paraprofessionals Feel Confident and Competent
May 15, 2024 – 09:37
How to Maintain Professionalism in Challenging Situations
May 8, 2024 – 09:40
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 5- End of Year Activities + Hard Transitions
May 1, 2024 – 26:31
Counting Down to Summer? 5 Strategies to Stay Stress Free
Apr 24, 2024 – 19:27
Celebrating Autism Through Inclusive Education and Innovative Strategies with Heather Hall
Apr 17, 2024 – 31:08
Are You Comparing Yourself to Other Teachers? Break out of the Comparison Trap
Apr 10, 2024 – 21:58
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 4- Para Arguments + Teaching Math Facts
Apr 3, 2024 – 27:00

Recent Reviews

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 ❤️
Jessica_Lynn!!

Inspirational and Wonderful!

This podcast is soooo good! I love that it’s a quick PD session I can listen to during plan time or over my lunch. Jennifer has so much great knowledge to offer. When I’m don’t listening I always feel inspired and ready to go change the world for my students!
Linzi-herd-a-shep

My new fave podcast

Just listened to three of Jennifer’s podcasts and they are amazing!! The overwhelm episode spoke to my heart (the type A wanna be, is a perfect description 😂). This is a great listen!!👏🏻👏🏻
Educators for More

Thank you!

Jennifer is honest and speaks from her real life experiences in special education. It is great to hear how she has overcome the struggles that special education teachers everywhere have and how to celebrate those small victories that sometimes we, as special educators, are the only ones that see them! Thank you Jennifer for helping special educators from every classroom know that they aren’t alone!
bdewald

Hello!

I’ve been a gen ed middle school teacher in Oklahoma for 15 years and am following my heart further by moving into Special Education. I enjoyed listening and am eager to learn more Jennifer! Thank you for these!
DJP601

High Quality Expertise

I had the priviledge of being what I called the third amigo for about 8 years working with Jennifer and her BFF. Her knowledge and skillset is practical for being a special education teacher. I learned a great deal from Jennifer and her passion for Special Education helped build up my passion for Special Education as well. Give it a listen! You won't be disappointed!
becker515

Veteran teacher knowledge base!

I’m just going to go ahead & write a review because I know this will be an amazing podcast! Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge, years of experience, innovative ideas & compassion for students!