The Inclusion Podcast

Ep. 55 Paraprofessionals: How to Hide in Plain Sight

Julie and Kristie explore how paraprofessional support can be both effective and unobtrusive. With humor, heart, and powerful metaphors (yes, including Harry Potter's invisibility cloak!), they unpack what it means for paraprofessionals to “hide in plain sight.” The episode offers strategies to increase student independence, dignity, and social connection by camouflaging support and avoiding over-reliance. With resources like “20 Ways to Provide Invisible Support” and “110 Ways Paras Can Help,” this episode is full of practical tools and radical shifts in mindset. Download the robust 29-page guide at inclusiveschooling.com/download55.

Ep. 54 Five Small Moves for a Big Shift in School Culture

In this episode, Julie and Kristie invite listeners to put on their creativity hats and explore five small yet powerful shifts that can profoundly improve school culture. They focus on the “feel” of a school—how it welcomes students, families, and educators—and how small tweaks, like changing a sign from “You are late” to “We’re glad you’re here,” can radically shift emotional tone and engagement. From morning greetings to creative cafeteria strategies, this episode empowers listeners to build inclusive culture through intentional micro-moves. Download the companion resource at inclusiveschooling.com/download54 for practical steps to begin your journey.

Ep. 53 Ten Quick Inclusion Wins: Reset and Refresh

Feeling like your inclusive practices need a boost? You're not alone—and you're in the right place. In this energizing episode, Julie and Kristie share 10 quick inclusion wins that can help you reset, refresh, and re-engage at any point in the school year. Whether it’s the start of a new term or you’re navigating a mid-year slump, these simple but powerful strategies are designed to rebuild relationships with students and staff, add novelty and choice to assignments, rethink participation beyond “raise and respond,” realign and clarify roles with paraprofessionals, and celebrate the progress you’ve already made. Each idea comes with practical tools and bonus resources, including a jam-packed downloadable guide full of embedded supports and strategies. It’s like hitting a reset button for your inclusive classroom or school. Grab your free resource at inclusiveschooling.com/download53, then hit play and get inspired to try just one win today—your future self (and your students) will thank you.

Ep. 52 Multisensory Magic: Co-Teaching On the Fly with One Teach, One Make

In this episode, we dive into an easy, fun, and highly inclusive co-teaching move: One Teach, One Make Multisensory. Sharing real-world examples and practical tips, we show how pairing direct instruction with multisensory experiences can transform engagement and access for all learners. Whether it’s adding props, movement, music, or visuals, this is how a low-prep strategy brings novelty, creativity, and deeper connection into any lesson—on the fly or with a little planning. Download the free Multisensory Co-Teaching Guide at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download52 to start using One Teach, One Make in your classroom today

Ep. 51 You are the Thermostat

Ever wish you could shift the emotional climate in your classroom? In this episode, we explore co-regulation—and how educators act like thermostats, adjusting conditions so every student can learn and connect. Small shifts can create big changes. The download for offers simple, brain-based strategies that show you how to act as a thermostat — adjusting the emotional environment with intention, not reacting to behaviors alone. Get your free download at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download51.

Ep. 50 Beyond Praise, Rewards, and Punishment

Today we’re questioning everything we thought we knew about praise, rewards, and punishment. Are these tools really helping—or are they hurting our efforts to build safe, inclusive classrooms? Let’s dig into what connection-centered support can look like instead. And be sure to get our 10 Inclusive Swaps: Moving Beyond Praise, Rewards, and Punishment at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download50. 

Ep. 49 Support is a Verb—Not a Human

When most people hear the word inclusion… they immediately say-- “then we need more support”. And what they mean is more paraprofessionals. In this podcast we will explore this big idea… support isn’t a person—it’s what we do to help students access learning. In this episode, we rethink support as a dynamic, flexible action that starts before, during, and after a lesson. Join us to discover simple ways to make support smarter, without hiring more people. Download the handout at inclusiveschooling.com/download49

Ep. 48 Finding the Just Right Challenge: Introducing the Zigzag Equalizer

In this episode, Julie and Kristie introduce the zigzag equalizer, a powerful tool to help educators adjust the level of challenge in real-time for every student. By tuning the "equalizer," teachers can meet diverse learning needs—whether a student is struggling or excelling—by balancing factors like complexity, structure, and group dynamics. With relatable examples (including Goldilocks and DJ metaphors), Julie and Kristie explain how to use this tool to create engaging, individualized learning experiences. Download the handout at inclusiveschooling.com/download48 to see the full equalizer visual with directions on how to use.

Ep. 47 Two Legal Cases That Changed Inclusion Forever (And Why You Should Care!)

In this episode, Julie and Kristie break down two landmark court cases that have shaped inclusive education: Roncker v. Walter and Endrew F. You'll learn how the Roncker portability test supports bringing services directly into general education settings and how Endrew F. raised the standard for meaningful educational progress. Discover how these legal principles can empower you to advocate for students with disabilities and strengthen inclusive practices in your school. Download the episode handout with a summary of both course cases at inclusiveschooling.com/download47.

Ep. 46 Why Resource Rooms Aren't Working (And What We Should Do Instead)

In this episode, Julie and Kristie take a critical look at resource rooms and why they often fall short of supporting students with disabilities. From social isolation to lowered expectations, they discuss the real-world challenges and myths surrounding these segregated supports. You’ll also learn actionable strategies for providing portable, inclusive supports within general education classrooms, promoting both academic success and belonging for all students. Download the episode handout at inclusiveschooling.com/download46.