Author: Heather
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Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a teacher. For as long as I can remember, that was my answer whenever anybody asked me. For 25 years, teaching is all I wanted to do. I saw that path clear as day from Kindergarten straight through high school. I majored in Early Childhood and…
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I want to be honest about something before I go any further. Before I became a SPED parent, I thought I was a pretty damn good teacher. I was trying my best. I cared deeply about my students. But looking back now? I was okay.
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I have spent the last decade in special education classrooms. I have written hundreds of IEPs, sat across the table from families in tears, advocated fiercely for kids who couldn’t always advocate for themselves, and poured everything I had into students who needed someone in their corner. Here is the truth I didn’t see coming:…
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If you’ve ever sat across from a parent at an IEP meeting and pointed to i-Ready data to explain where their child is performing — you’re not alone. Most of us have. It’s become the default benchmark tool in districts across the country, practically invisible in its ubiquity. But here’s the thing: as special education…
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You’ve tried everything. You’ve differentiated. You’ve scaffolded. You’ve sent home reading logs and pulled small groups and stayed late making materials. And still — your struggling readers are stuck. What if the missing piece isn’t your instruction? What if it’s the books you’re handing them? That’s where decodable readers come in — and for students…
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Let me save you some time right now — this is not one of those “I made $10,000 in my first month on Teachers Pay Teachers” blog posts. If that’s what you’re looking for, there are plenty of those out there. This is the real version. It Started With Being Broke and Frustrated I had…
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Let me be honest with you — ESY planning used to stress me out. You’ve got a shorter window, students who are very aware it’s summer, and somehow you’re supposed to prevent regression AND keep everyone engaged. No pressure, right? Themed units completely changed how I approach ESY. And once I figured it out, I…
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If you’ve been around my classroom or my Mrs. K Teaches SPED Teachers Pay Teachers store, you know I’m a little obsessed with file folders right now. Seriously. They’re one of my favorite tools for supporting learners who need structure, repetition, and hands‑on practice. In fact, I use them daily for independent work, morning tasks,…
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Hi! I’m Heather, and I’m so excited you’re here. This blog is a space where I share what I’ve learned as a special education teacher, a parent, and a creator navigating a life full of joy, challenges, and, of course, a little chaos. My hope is that whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone…