Stephanie DeLussey is a veteran special education teacher, author of The Intentional IEP, and founder of The Intentional IEP community. Known online as “Mrs. D,” Stephanie has taught in public and charter schools across multiple states and settings.

After years of trial, error, and overwhelm, she developed a practical, sustainable IEP system that saves teachers hours, reduces stress, and dramatically improves student outcomes. Today, she’s helped thousands of educators write effective IEPs, build strong systems, and thrive in their roles without burning out.

Through this partnership with NASET, Stephanie brings her signature clarity, step-by-step modeling, and classroom-tested strategies directly to you—so you can walk into your first year (or next year) prepared, organized, and confident.

This course is designed for educators and professionals who support students with disabilities in math, including:

• Special education teachers responsible for math instruction
• General education teachers transitioning into special education roles
• Returning educators seeking a stronger, less stressful math foundation
• Schools or districts onboarding new special education or support staff
• Related service providers looking to better understand math curriculum and instruction
• Educators seeking ongoing live instructional support, not just a one time course

If you have ever thought, “Math is challenging to teach in special education,” this course was built for you.

Teaching Math in Special Education provides a clear, practical foundation you can apply immediately in real classroom settings.

This isn’t theory. Every module gives you concrete steps and examples you can implement immediately. You’ll learn how to:

• Set up the essential systems that keep you organized, compliant, and sane
• Build IEP binders, caseload binders, student binders, and data routines that actually work
• Understand exactly what’s inside an IEP and how to read it with purpose
• Create inclusive, accessible classroom environments that promote independence
• Collaborate effectively with gen ed teachers, paras, administrators, and families
• Set personal, professional, and classroom goals that keep you grounded
• Enter the school year prepared—not overwhelmed

Everything is practical, real-world, and classroom-tested by a 15-year SPED teacher.

Module 1 — Laying the Foundation for Success as a First-Year SPED Teacher
• What they don’t teach in college: realistic expectations
• Setting up systems before students arrive
• Caseload organization, calendar planning, resource prep
• Building your IEP caseload binder
• Setting personal, professional, and classroom goals

Module 2 — Back-to-School Bootcamp
• Setting up inclusive classrooms for access and independence
• Visuals, routines, and materials that promote independence
• Relationship-building with gen ed staff, paras, and administrators
• Starting the year strong with parent communication
• What to do once you receive student IEPs

Module 3 — The First 30 Days With Students
• Lesson planning that meets diverse needs
• Establishing routines and expectations that stick
• Collecting baseline data without overwhelm
• Quick wins for rapport and trust-building

Module 4 — Balancing It All: Caseload, Compliance, and Teaching
• Time management strategies that actually work
• Integrating data collection into daily instruction
• Preventing paperwork overload and protecting boundaries
• Preparing for IEP meetings with confidence

COMING JANUARY 2026

Module 5 — Behavior & Classroom Management After the Honeymoon Phase
• Managing challenging behaviors
• Trauma-informed practices and proactive supports
• De-escalation strategies
• Writing meaningful, data-driven progress reports

Module 6 — IEP Writing 101: From Present Levels to Measurable Goals
• Writing strong PLAAFPs
• Creating measurable, compliant goals
• Standards alignment without losing individualization
• Avoiding rookie documentation errors
• Full-circle data collection

COMING FEBRUARY 2026

Module 7 — Surviving Holiday Chaos & Maintaining Boundaries
• Managing stress and behavior spikes
• Protecting planning time and preventing burnout
• Wrapping up the calendar year smoothly
• Setting yourself up for a strong January restart

Module 8 — Using Data to Drive Instruction and IEPs
• Progress monitoring strategies
• Analyzing data for regression and growth
• Adjusting instruction and SDI based on data
• Restructuring data systems to eliminate overwhelm

Module 9 — Collaboration That Works: Gen Ed Teachers & Paras
• Building an inclusive culture through effective co-teaching
• Communication strategies that prevent conflict
• Training and empowering paraprofessionals

Module 10 — IEP & Testing Season Survival
• Staying compliant during heavy IEP season
• Student participation, advocacy, and student-led IEPs
• Wrapping up and organizing year-end data

COMING MARCH 2026

Module 11 — End-of-Year Reflection & Closing Strong With Students
• Ending the school year strong with families
• Practical strategies for finishing the year without burnout
• Organizing materials and data for smooth transitions

Module 12 — Preparing for Year Two
• Concrete steps to enter your second year with confidence
• What to repeat, what to refine, and what to eliminate
• Building year-two systems before summer even starts