The Inclusion Podcast

When educators say, "Kids need consequences," what do they really mean? In this episode, Kristie and Julie challenge the common belief that consequences should make students suffer and instead explore how natural and logical consequences can build responsibility, empathy, communication, and problem-solving. You'll… Read more

What if professional learning didn’t have to mean another long meeting or another slide deck? In this episode, Julie and Kristie share how schools are transforming 15-minute podcast episodes into meaningful professional learning that sparks reflection, conversation, and real changes in practice. You’ll discover a… Read more

What if the key to changing behavior isn’t tracking what’s going wrong, but noticing what’s going right? In this episode, Kristie and Julie introduce the “success minutes” framework, a simple but powerful shift that helps teams focus on moments of engagement, regulation, and connection. You’ll learn how to spot small… Read more

“They’re too distractible” is often used as a quick justification for pull-out, but what if it’s pointing to something else entirely? In this episode, Kristie and Julie unpack why distractibility is not a placement decision and how it often signals a need for better supports, not removal. You’ll learn what to say in… Read more

“We’re preparing students for the real world”, but what if that version of the real world is outdated, inequitable, and not a life anyone would choose? In this episode, Julie and Kristie challenge common school practices that prioritize compliance over autonomy, especially for students with disabilities, and expose… Read more

You may think you’ve moved beyond behavior charts, but what if they’re still showing up in disguise? In this episode, Julie and Kristie uncover the hidden ways behavior systems still operate through public tracking, rewards, and subtle comparisons that can shame and exclude students. You’ll learn how to spot these… Read more

When a student is struggling, “they need a small group” can sound like the right solution, but too often, it’s code for removal and exclusion. In this episode, Julie and Kristie unpack the common trap of equating support with separation and show how small group instruction can, and should, happen within general… Read more

Imagine someone supporting you all day—deciding when to step in, what to say, and how close to stand. In this episode, Kristie and Julie explore how even well-intentioned help can become intrusive, overwhelming, or counterproductive for students. You'll learn how to evaluate support through the lens of dignity,… Read more

Praise might feel positive—but it can actually backfire. In this episode, Julie and Kristie dig into why overpraising can reduce motivation, damage trust, and even increase student anxiety. You’ll walk away with seven key shifts educators can make to support authentic, internal motivation in every learner. Download… Read more

What if we’ve misunderstood what engagement really looks like? In this powerful episode, Kristie and Julie unpack why rest, quiet moments, and nonverbal participation are all valid—and vital—ways students engage with learning. You’ll hear how reframing “doing nothing” can create more equitable classrooms for… Read more

Is “doing hard things” really the right benchmark for students with disabilities? In this episode, Julie and Kristie challenge the idea that completing unpreferred tasks is an appropriate or meaningful IEP goal. They explore what makes a goal truly inclusive, and offer guidance on how to write goals that support… Read more

You say you’re inclusive—but what does your system actually show? In this special episode, Julie and Kristie unpack seven clear indicators that reveal whether a school is truly inclusive or just aspiring to be, from unclear definitions to practices that unintentionally exclude students. You’ll walk away with practical… Read more

Too often, what looks like an inclusive schedule on paper falls apart in practice. In this episode, Kristie and Julie explain the common traps teams fall into when creating student schedules—and how to build ones that truly support belonging and participation. You’ll learn how to spot “support-based scheduling” and… Read more

In this episode, Julie and Kristie reveal the exact words school leaders can use to promote inclusion with clarity, confidence, and compassion. From responding to resistance to inspiring buy-in, you'll get ready-to-use scripts and strategies for navigating tough conversations about inclusive practices. Whether you’re… Read more

Before you can have trust, share a classroom, or divide lessons, you have to build a relationship. In this episode, Kristie and Julie explore what makes co-teaching work—from shared routines to honest conversations—and why relational trust is the foundation of everything. You’ll get practical ways to deepen connection… Read more

When a student yells, swears, withdraws, or melts down, it’s not about control—it’s about regulation. In this episode, Julie and Kristie share how to shift from managing behavior to calming nervous systems in the moment. Learn 20 real-time strategies that help de-escalate intense situations with compassion, not… Read more

There’s a lot of confusion around what Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) really means—especially when paraprofessional support is part of the plan. In this episode, Julie and Kristie clarify how LRE works under IDEA, why needing support doesn’t mean a student should be removed, and how we can shift from gatekeeping… Read more

When students are dysregulated, offering a break can feel like the right move—but is it always helpful? In this episode, Kristie and Julie unpack how well-meaning adult-led breaks can unintentionally reinforce escape patterns or erode access to learning. You’ll learn how to offer breaks with purpose, equity, and… Read more

Before behavior escalates, the classroom environment can do the heavy lifting. In this episode, Julie and Kristie share 16 proactive tweaks that help prevent challenging behavior by reducing stress and increasing connection. From visual supports to relationship rituals, these simple shifts make classrooms calmer and… Read more

When a student swears at you or lashes out, it’s easy to react. In this powerful episode, Julie and Kristie help you build a personalized response plan that prioritizes connection, not punishment—even in moments of shock or hurt. Discover mantras, phrases, and actions to keep dignity and trust at the center. Download… Read more

What your body says in the classroom matters just as much as your words—sometimes more. In this episode, Julie and Kristie break down how your posture, pace, tone, and eye contact can either regulate or escalate behavior. Learn to scan your body and send signals of safety and calm. Download the free tool: Nonverbal… Read more

Building trust with students doesn’t require big gestures—it’s about intentional mini moments woven into everyday interactions. Julie and Kristie share 23 simple ways to connect with students while teaching, even in packed classrooms. Learn how quick check-ins can boost regulation, trust, and inclusion. Download the… Read more

What if a student runs? Or refuses to participate? In this episode, Julie and Kristie go beyond labels to focus on nervous system states, explaining why behaviors like eloping or shutting down are signs of dysregulation—not defiance. Download the free resource: Human Ways of Being at inclusiveschooling.com/download58.

Sometimes behavior isn’t about a trigger—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Julie and Kristie unpack why searching for a single cause of behavior often leads us in the wrong direction, and how we can shift to listening beneath behavior instead. Learn how to identify the real messages… Read more

This courageous and nuanced conversation dives into one of the biggest fears around inclusion: safety. Julie and Kristie name the fear, challenge ableist assumptions, and provide seven steps to help educators feel equipped, empowered, and proactive when facing concerns about safety in inclusive settings. With humor… Read more

Tired of behavior challenges draining your team’s energy and stalling learning? In this special episode, we reveal why outdated approaches keep failing, what actually works, and how to shift mindsets across your staff—without adding another initiative to your plate. Walk away with clarity, strategies you can use… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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,… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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,… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

In this episode, Julie and Kristie take on a question that educators are often asked to justify excluding students with disabilities: “But what will they get out of this class?” Through real-life stories—including a powerful example of Stephanie's success with Romeo and Juliet—they reveal why this question is… Read more

In this special episode, three essential mindset shifts every school administrator must make to lead real, lasting inclusive change are shared. You’ll learn why it’s time to move beyond "buy-in," how simple shifts can spark massive results, and how to lead from a place of commitment—not just compliance. Plus, find out… Read more

Overloading students with verbal directions can hold them back. This episode shares a simple formula to reduce auditory overload, foster critical thinking, and encourage autonomy. Learn strategies to lower stress, strengthen relationships, and improve engagement, backed by real-life examples. Download the free guide… Read more

Writing IEPs can feel overwhelming, but focusing on quality over quantity makes all the difference. This episode introduces the Four Filters framework to identify meaningful, impactful goals that drive progress for students. Avoid common pitfalls, use our litmus test for IEP-worthy goals, and transform your approach… Read more

Discover how differentiation transforms classrooms into spaces where all students thrive. This episode dives into strategies to meet diverse needs, build equity, and foster inclusion, including an unforgettable activity to explain fairness. Whether you’re new to teaching or experienced, these tips will help you create… Read more

The words we use about students shape their futures. This episode explores how to shift from deficit-based language to strength-focused narratives in IEPs and educational reports, empowering students and inspiring possibility. Learn practical strategies like the "Language That Lifts" approach, reframing lead words… Read more

Grading can either create barriers or build equity. Julie and Kristie share 32 inclusive grading strategies to ensure fairness for all learners, covering rubrics, assessments, and aligning practices with IDEA requirements. Download the free resource: 32 Inclusive Grading Solutions at inclusiveschooling.com/download40 .

Inclusive change is challenging, but understanding the six stages of transformation can make it manageable. Julie and Kristie outline the Inclusive Systems Change Cycle and offer practical strategies to guide educators from resistance to lasting progress. Download the Inclusive Systems Change Cycle at… Read more

Creating inclusive schools starts with fostering a “yes brain” mindset in educators and leaders. Julie and Kristie share research-based strategies to shift from fear and rigidity to creativity, connection, and adaptability, empowering teams to thrive. Download the free resource: Yes Brain and No Brain Comparison Chart… Read more

Facing challenges in education doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Julie and Kristie introduce the Five-Minute Problem-Solving Strategy, a simple tool for crafting focused questions, brainstorming creative solutions, and celebrating progress—all in record time. Download the free resource: Steps and pro tips for the… Read more

Paraprofessionals are essential for inclusive schools, and this episode shows you the #1 way to set them—and your students—up for success. Get practical tips, including "lifelines" for behavior support, and learn how to make an immediate impact in your district. Don’t miss this special sneak peek and invitation to our… Read more

Fading paraprofessional support is essential for fostering student independence and interdependence. In this episode, Julie and Kristie share actionable strategies to help paraprofessionals step back effectively while maintaining student success, with a focus on using tools like the prompting ladder and natural… Read more

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 systems and share nine practical, inclusive alternatives to support all students. Download the free resource: Nine… Read more

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 shape actions in the classroom. We’ll also share 10 strategies to help reduce stressors and support a more inclusive… Read more