11 Best Podcasts for Special Ed Teachers

If you are an educator that loves listening to podcasts and are looking to learn more about best practices, project-based learning, the science of learning, and all the latest insights of teaching there is sure to be a podcast on this list that’s for you!

Whether you are a seasoned teacher, a brand new teacher or an aspiring educator, you are sure to learn from these podcasts hosted by education experts, school leaders, and fellow educators.

Grab your favorite pen and notebook (unless you’re driving, then please just listen and take notes later), a cup of your go-to bevvy and get ready for some amazing professional development from some of the best podcasts for teachers that can up your teaching skills, help you continue the school year strong, and aid in your personal growth!

1. Autism Academy 360

I couldn’t go without sharing one of my favorite podcasts, though I may be slightly bias!

“Autism Academy 360” is hosted by Abby Moehringer (myself) and Lisa Hollady, where we dive deeper into the world of inclusive education. It’s designed for anyone passionate about unlocking the full potential of individuals on the Autism spectrum, from educators to parents, as well as enriching your understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

With each episode including practical strategies, insightful conversations, and interviews with experts, this is the podcast for you to deepen your knowledge on Autism.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator seeking fresh insights, a newbie in your first classroom or even a parent navigating the complexities of special education, “Autism Academy 360” is your go-to resource. Listen in on this empowering and educational adventure as they explore classroom techniques, behavior management, and the latest research, providing you with the tools to create truly inclusive learning environments.

Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  YouTube

2. The Creative Classroom

Hosted by John Spencer, “The Creative Classroom” helps you to become more equipped and inspired to spark innovation and boost creativity in your classroom!

John’s podcast has consistently ranked in the top 10 K-12 podcasts on Apple Podcasts!

Half of his podcasts are him discussing and diving deeper into certain topics, while the other half are interviews with experts in design, creativity and education. 

Check out his recent episodes on AI tools and the episode from July 28th, 7 Ways to Integrate Curiosity into the Classroom, where John shares how to spark creativity and wonder through curiosity and why it is so crucial in the classroom!

Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  YouTube

3. The Autism Helper

The Autism Helper Podcast, hosted by Sasha Long, is a go-to resource for anyone working with or caring for individuals with autism, especially educators. Sasha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and brings her expertise to every episode, offering practical strategies to help children with autism thrive. 

What sets this podcast apart is its focus on everyday, actionable advice. Sasha covers a wide range of topics, from classroom management and behavior interventions to how to best use data collection in special education settings. The episodes are particularly helpful for teachers, parents, and therapists looking to improve their skills and approaches in supporting children on the spectrum.

My favorite one may be the one where I was a guest star! Listen here for the number one thing you need to do after a behavior occurs.

4. Special Education Inner Circle

Hosted by Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed, founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship + Network, the “Special Education Inner Circle” Podcast is for you if you are a special education teacher or just want to learn more about how to support and prepare students with IEPs to take on the real world!

Catherine brings real-world strategies and practical tips for everyone at the IEP table. Having experience in the disability community, not only as a former Special Education classroom teacher but also with her own personal experiences, she is an IEP expert. 

Get your pen and notebook ready because you are going to be so inspired by the valuable insights that Catherine discusses, while also learning practical steps that you can take to change your teaching experience for the better!

Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  YouTube

5. The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast

Need a short on the go podcast, then you found it- “The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast” by Vicki Davis!

Straight from the description on her website, Vicki wants to “turn those fleeting minutes into a chance for growth, camaraderie, and a few chuckles” while she helps you to “remember – you’re not just a teacher. You’re a meaning-maker, a future-builder, and the only one who can raise and eyebrow and quiet a classroom.” 

Tune in every Monday morning for a new podcast episode, and make sure to check out the episode from September 16th, What Makes Kids Excited to Learn?, so you can get the juicy details on how to better motivate your students and help them to love learning!

Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  YouTube

6. Special Education Advocacy

The Special Education Advocacy with Ashley Barlow podcast is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and advocates navigating the world of special education. Hosted by attorney Ashley Barlow, the show dives deep into special education law, IEP meetings, inclusion, behavior supports, and more. Ashley brings her experience as both a lawyer and a parent of a child with special needs, making her insights incredibly relatable and helpful.

Each episode tackles practical topics like how to advocate effectively in IEP meetings, strategies for inclusive education, and even how to streamline communication with schools. Ashley often invites guest experts to provide specialized advice, making it a go-to for anyone involved in special education advocacy. She also focuses on simplifying complex legal topics, making them accessible and actionable for families and professionals alike.

If you’re looking for a podcast that breaks down tough concepts like IEP goal writing, navigating behavior issues, or preparing for special education transitions, Ashley’s podcast is perfect. It’s packed with real-life examples and strategies to help empower those advocating for students with disabilities.

7. Truth for Teachers Podcast

This podcast is hosted by Angela Watson, who is a former teacher of 10 years and has additional years of experience as an instructional coach. 

The focus on “Truth for Teachers” is to help educators create a positive mindset so that they can truly enjoy teaching. Creating such a mindset is key in fighting exhaustion and teacher burnout! Angela has also published printable digital resources to support your curriculum, alongside online courses and 5 books!

With a wide range of topics, if you listen to Angela Watson’s “Truth for Teachers Podcast” you are sure to find whatever valuable resource you may be seeking, and more, as well as learn more about the latest trends regarding teaching practices and tips and tricks for completing all your duties as a teacher!

Check out her newest episodes, but don’t forget about those already published like the previous episode, number 296, Thinking creatively about tough problems: the power of diffuse thinking for you and your students, where Angela shares how stepping back as a teacher can actually lead you forward.

Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify 

8. Sped Prep Academy Podcast

The Sped Prep Academy Podcast, hosted by Jennifer Hofferber, is a go-to resource for special education teachers looking to reduce stress, build strong teams, and manage their classrooms effectively. Jennifer, an experienced special education teacher and instructional coach, shares relatable advice on how to tackle common challenges like managing paraprofessionals, paperwork overload, and individualized education programs (IEPs).

Each episode focuses on practical strategies, including how to manage conflict, work with parents, and create a positive classroom environment. Jennifer’s approach is both encouraging and down-to-earth, making the podcast perfect for new and seasoned special educators alike who want to feel more in control of their day-to-day tasks while celebrating the small victories that make teaching special education so rewarding.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of special education, this podcast will offer you tips to help you survive—and thrive—with a sense of humor along the way!

9. The Resilient Teacher Podcast

The Resilient Teacher Podcast is the one teaching podcast for you if you’re overwhelmed and want to gain support, tools and the mindset needed to keep teaching sustainable and reduce the chance of burnout. Talk about work-life balance and being the best version of you for your students!

Host Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed. has a new podcast every Tuesday where she and her guests share actionable steps to avoid or recover from the dreaded teacher burnout, while also helping to inspire and validate educators.

As stated on the podcast website, “you’ll be inspired to individualize self-care and learn to prioritize your well-being and mental health, all while making a bigger impact on your classrooms and community”!

Check out episode 4 where Blackwell shares The 5 Must Have Methods for Teachers To End the Stress Cycle. In this episode, she talks about why stress isn’t the problem, what needs to be done to complete the cycle and reduce burnout, the top 5 evidence-based and practical methods for completing the cycle and the ONE thing that will NOT end the cycle.

Apple Podcast  |  Spotify

10. Be the Exception Podcast

The Be the Exception podcast, hosted by Dawn Ellis, is a fantastic resource for special education teachers looking for practical tips and inspiration. Dawn brings her extensive experience as a special education teacher, IEP expert, and National Board Certified educator to offer advice on everything from classroom organization to individualized education plans (IEPs) and communication tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The podcast often features expert guests, real-world solutions, and actionable strategies to help educators streamline their processes and feel more confident in their teaching practices.

Dawn’s approach is very relatable—she shares her own experiences, making listeners feel like they’re learning from a trusted colleague who truly understands the day-to-day challenges of being a special education teacher. Episodes cover topics like “10 Organization Tips to Survive Back to School” and “Debunking Myths and Unlocking Potential in AAC,” all designed to empower teachers with tools and insights they can implement right away.

Ready to dive in? Listen here!

11. The Resource Room

The Resource Room podcast is hosted by Amanda, a seasoned special education teacher who shares practical strategies, tips, and real-life experiences to support fellow educators. The podcast covers a wide array of topics, ranging from managing IEPs and progress monitoring to classroom routines and behavior management. Amanda’s goal is to provide actionable advice that teachers can apply immediately in their classrooms, especially those working in special education.

With episodes focusing on challenges like improving IEP goals, handling paperwork stress, and creating effective progress monitoring systems, The Resource Room is a go-to resource for teachers looking to streamline their processes and improve student outcomes. The show is particularly helpful for new special education teachers, providing guides and tools to help them navigate the complexities of their roles. It’s relatable, informative, and designed to make the teaching journey easier.

If you’re looking for specific strategies on improving IEP goals or handling the stress of paperwork, this podcast is definitely worth checking out! You can find it on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn from fellow educators who are sharing about a wide variety of topics from curriculum development to using Artificial Intelligence to the latest developments in the world of education! 

With the majority of episodes being under an hour long, and the ability to PAUSE, listening to podcasts is the perfect way to get extra PD in at any time!