The Inclusion Podcast
Welcome to ”The Inclusion Podcast” —your go-to source for making inclusive education a reality. Whether you’re a school leader, educator, advocate, parent, paraprofessional, or simply passionate about creating more inclusive school spaces, this podcast is for you.
In each 15-minute episode, we dive into the heart of inclusive education, offering expert insights, real-world strategies, and answers to burning questions on how to make every classroom welcoming for all students, PreK-12. From redefining what special education is (and isn’t) to understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and exploring cutting-edge co-teaching practices, we cover the essential topics that help schools transform.
Join us as we break down complex ideas into actionable steps, challenge outdated special education practices, and provide you with the tools to create environments where every student thrives. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of inclusive change or looking to elevate your practices, we’re here to inspire, motivate, and guide you every step of the way.
Ready to create schools where everyone belongs? Tune in and let’s build a more inclusive future together.
- Update frequency
- every 11 days
- Average duration
- 18 minutes
- Episodes
- 55
- Years Active
- 2018 - 2025
Ep. 35 Why Behavior Charts Fail and What to Do Instead
Behavior charts and other public behavior management tools can damage trust, create fear, and undermine relationships in classrooms. Julie and Kristie discuss why it’s time to replace these outdated …
Ep. 34 Recognizing and Reducing Stressors: Tools for Teachers and Administrators
Today, we're unpacking the impact of stressors on student behavior and learning. Join us as we explore the four domains of stressors—biological, emotional, cognitive, and social—and reveal how they s…
Ep. 33 How to Communicate the Shift to Inclusive Education to Families
In this episode, we tackle a common question: How do we explain to families that moving toward more inclusive educational services isn’t about reducing support, but rather enhancing their child’s exp…
Ep. 32 The Educator’s Lifeline: 10 Strategies to Support Challenging Behaviors
In this episode, we explore how educators can navigate challenging behaviors in the classroom using the 'Boat Captain' analogy. We discuss how to support students in moments of fight, flight, freeze,…
Ep. 31 Understanding LRE and Its Role in Supporting All Learners
In this episode, we dive into the concept of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and explore how it plays a crucial role in creating inclusive classrooms. Through the real-life story of a student…
Ep. 30 The Recipe for Real Inclusion: 9 Must-Have Ingredients
What does true inclusion in education look like? In this episode, we break down the nine essential ingredients needed to create a genuinely inclusive environment. From redesigning systems to partneri…
Ep. 29 But inclusion isn't fair to the other students: What to say!
"Inclusion Isn't Fair to Other Students" – A statement that sparks frustration, anger, and heated debates in education. But what if we gave you 22 clever and well-crafted responses to that statement?…
Ep. 28 Yes! Even students with VERY complex communication needs, with Darlene Hanson (part 2)
This is the second part of my conversation with Darlene Hanson. It is for the most challenging students in our system. Listen and share with everyone you know who supports students without verbal co…
Ep. 27 Yes! Even students with VERY complex communication needs, with Darlene Hanson (part 1)
This podcast is for the most challenging students in our system. Listen and share with everyone you know who supports students without verbal communication. Darlene Hanson and I are finally teaming…
Ep. 26 Ripples of Resilience with Paul Wesselmann
This podcast is all about how to cope during this new and weird time! Paul has an abundance of thoughtful advice to keep everyone thriving! Enjoy!
Ep. 25 COVID 19 and Special Education
In this episode we discuss the legal and practical decisions that school administrators, educators and parents have to understand during these changing times. I am joined by Patrick Radel an incredi…
Ep. 24 Education as Equity with Becky Anderson
Becky Anderson is an incredibly inclusive English teacher. In this awesome episode she share how teachers can lead inclusive change in their own classroom. From how to create true community to how…
Ep. 23 HOW to Shift Mindsets about Special Education with Dr. Jenna Rufo
When it comes to Inclusive Education, the first thing that needs to shifts are outdated ideas and MINDSETS about special education. For example, "But this student needs functional skills." Or, "I c…
Ep. 22 The IEP and Inclusion
The IEP is the tool for designing and documenting inclusive education. This episode covers everything you need to know if you are on an IEP team in any capacity. Great for parents, teachers and admi…
Ep. 21 The ART of Seeing in Inclusive Classrooms with Sherrill Knezel
I love this episode! Here I am joined by artist and friend Sherrill Knezel. First, we discuss "seeing" in terms of visual representations (sketch noting) as an access point for students in inclusive…
Ep. 20 Courageous Perseverance: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Gordon
Superintendent Dr. Paul Gordon and I discuss what does honest conversation and courageous perseverance have to do with creating truly inclusive schools. Send this to your superintendent. Share with…
Ep. 19 Bring Inclusion to YOUR district with Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Tanya Fredrich
In this episode Dr. Tanya Fredrich and I bring our collective years of expertise together leading Inclusion Institutes to offer you a road map to host your own inclusion institute in your area with o…
Ep. 18 My (Un)Special Education- Brianna-Behavior
If you support, teach or love any person whose behavior is not easily understood, you must listen! Brianna explains some very humorous and very serious examples of how challenging behavior is often …
Ep. 17 My (Un)Special Education- Brianna-Friendship
Join us for this episode where Brianna Dickens shares many thoughts about the best and worst ways to help students create friendships in schools. You will not want to miss it! Also share with anyon…
Ep. 16 My (Un)Special Education- Brianna-Communication
In this Episode Brianna Dickens tells you how to honor all different types of communication. If you work with, know, or love anyone who does not use speech reliably-- you MUST listen!