January ICYMI: New Faces, Big Moves, and What’s Next

2025 is off to an incredible start for The SPEDucated Leader, and we’re just getting warmed up! This month has been packed with excitement, growth, and opportunities to connect with you all, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Let’s recap what we’ve been up to and what’s on the horizon. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out our 2024 Annual Report, where we highlight the milestones and moments that shaped last year. From growing our reach to strengthening our programs, the report is a testament to what happens when educators and leaders come together with purpose.

But that’s not all. As part of our growth, we’re excited to welcome three new powerhouses to our team: Lauren Etti as our Executive Assistant, Sanja Bosman and Alyse Smith, M.Ed as our new Program Facilitators. Together, our dynamic team will help elevate our programs, support our educators, and help expand our reach nationwide. Check them out on our new LinkedIn page: The SPEDucated Leader . This page will be your go-to space for updates, resources, and exclusive insights. From team milestones to impactful collaborations, you’ll want to hit “Follow” to stay connected.

Don’t Miss This Webinar: Strategies to Transform Behavior Plans

The countdown is on for our upcoming FREE webinar, “Why Behavior Plans Are Not Working: 5 Effective Strategies to Respond to Behavior Challenges in Special Education,” on Wednesday, February 12th at 6:00 PM EST.

This is your opportunity to gain actionable tools for managing behavior challenges that often derail classrooms. During this session, you’ll learn:

• Why traditional behavior plans fall short and how to spot the pitfalls.
• Five evidence-based strategies that foster consistency, inclusion, and progress.
• Practical steps to create a classroom environment where students and educators thrive.

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey in education, this webinar will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to transform your approach to student behavior. Registration is open now - secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/PlansThatWork

Dive Into Our Latest Blog Posts

If you want a sneak peek into what our webinar will be about, our latest blog "Behavior Plans That Work: Avoiding Common Pitfalls" dives into the common mistakes educators make when creating behavior plans and how to avoid them. We break down actionable steps, from setting clear goals to ensuring consistency across environments. You’ll walk away with insights that help you build plans designed for real-world success.

Inclusion classrooms are often misunderstood, but this article sets the record straight. We tackle misconceptions like diluted academic rigor and explore the transformative benefits of inclusive environments. From fostering empathy among students to maintaining high standards for all, this blog is a must-read for educators who want to create classrooms where every student thrives.

Both articles offer valuable insights and practical advice to help educators navigate challenges and make meaningful changes in their classrooms.

In the Spotlight: Podcast Features and Upcoming Conferences

January has been full of opportunities to connect and share our mission. I was featured on the Impact Innovators Podcast with Felicia Ford, where I shared insights into creating inclusive systems that serve the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally. Give it a listen here. Also be sure to check out my feature on Strategic Edge.

Next month, we’ll be presenting at IDEAcon 2025 with a virtual session titled “Leveraging AI in Special Education: Targeted and Intentional Learning Opportunities.” This session explores how AI can revolutionize special education, from analyzing data to creating personalized interventions. It’s all about helping educators design strategies that are ethical, impactful, and scalable. If you’re attending, don’t miss this game-changing session!

Do you know a conference or podcast where The SPEDucated Leader would be a good fit? Reach out to us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn. Let’s make it happen!

January has been a whirlwind, but we’re just getting started. With new team members, impactful webinars, and game-changing insights, this year is shaping up to be our best yet. Our Proactive Behavior Manager Course, and our upcoming webinars are all designed to give educators the tools they need to thrive.

Don’t miss this chance to start the year strong and transform your approach to special education. You can start by booking a one-on-one call with me. Here’s to the next 11 months of growth, innovation, and collaboration!