"Conversations with the Coop" is the go-to podcast for valuable insights into Special Education. Hosted by experts from Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, listen to thought-provoking conversations with coordinators, specialists, and consultants. Gain knowledge on trends, research, and best practices. Stay up-to-date and enhance your practice, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Join us for engaging discussions and become part of our Special Education community.
The BVI Category Explained: Tools, Access, and Empowerment
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Louise Flickinger, Teacher/Consultant for Students with Visual Impairments at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative. With dual licensure in Learning Disabilities and Blind/Visually Impaired education, Louise brings both expertise and advocacy to this conversation focused on the BVI disability category.
Together, they explore how students qualify for special education services under the Blind/Visually Impaired category by breaking down the two-part criteria involving both medical diagnosis and functional evaluation. Louise explains common misconceptions such as the belief that glasses fix everything or that digital means accessible, and offers practical strategies to support student independence, access, and success.
Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the barriers BVI students face, including curriculum accessibility, social cues, and public perceptions. The episode also highlights how educators can create inclusive learning environments through individualized support and instructional clarity.
This episode is a must-listen for educators, case managers, and teams working to ensure that all students, regardless of vision, can thrive academically and socially.
27 Oct 2025
Balancing Precision and Practicality: Two Views on Data in Special Education
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Kate Hurd, ASD Coordinator for the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore two distinct approaches to data in special education. Kate shares her perspective on collecting highly accurate, comprehensive data to inform programming decisions, particularly in Federal Setting III center-based classrooms. Jeffrey offers a more streamlined, functional approach often used in Settings I and II. Together, they examine the benefits and limitations of each perspective, the importance of context, and how teams can find the right balance to best support student success.
5 Jun 2025
What Is Special Education? Defining the Work We Do
Lynn Krominga defines special education, exploring qualifications, related services, and support systems, in a conversation with Jeffrey Lee that clarifies service to students; this is an interview.
6 May 2025
Behavior as Communication: What Are Our Students Telling Us?
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Jim Kath, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Coordinator at PBEC, for a powerful conversation about how student behavior communicates unmet needs. Rather than viewing behavior through a lens of compliance or disruption, Jim and Jeffrey explore how educators can shift toward curiosity, empathy, and proactive support.
Whether you're a case manager, classroom teacher, or administrator, this episode will help you:
Understand behavior as a form of communication
Recognize how unmet needs show up through actions
Consider strategies for supporting students more effectively
Tune in to reflect on how listening to behavior, not just managing it, can strengthen student and team outcomes.
17 Mar 2025
Testing Supports, Not Students: Shifting the Mindset in Special Education
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Lainey Sandberg sits down with Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss a powerful mindset shift in special education: Are we testing the student, or are we testing the supports?
Together, they unpack how starting with the assumption that students can succeed—when the right supports are in place—can change the conversation around interventions and placement decisions. Jeffrey shares how educators can move from focusing on student deficits to critically evaluating the effectiveness of supports and interventions.
Key takeaways include:
Why the default assumption should be that students can succeed in general education with proper supports.
How to reframe team discussions around data and interventions.
Practical steps teams can take to assess and adjust supports before making placement decisions.
Tune in to learn how testing supports, not students, leads to better outcomes and empowers educators to continually refine their practice.
3 Feb 2025
Understanding the Power of Assistive Technology in Education
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Morty Morton-Aldous, the Low Incidence Coordinator of Physical Impairment, Other Health Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Assistive Technology at PBEC. Morty takes us through the essential role of assistive technology (AT) in special education and how it enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities.
During the conversation, Morty explains the distinction between assistive technology, accommodations, and modifications, and highlights how AT can empower students by targeting their specific needs. The episode also explores the key components of an effective assistive technology plan, including the evaluation process, choosing the right tools, and integrating AT into everyday teaching practices.
This episode is essential for any special education teacher looking to better understand how assistive technology can create meaningful change in their students' education.
6 Jan 2025
Physical Therapy in Schools - Supporting Mobility and Independence
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Tessa Capelle, a physical therapist with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore physical therapy's critical role in schools. Tessa explains how mobility and independence are foundational to a student’s ability to access their education and engage meaningfully in the school environment.
Together, they unpack the indirect service model, where physical therapists empower teachers, case managers, and paraprofessionals to support students' physical and educational needs effectively. From understanding individualized strategies to fostering inclusion, this conversation provides educators, parents, and support staff with a clear roadmap for collaboration in ensuring every child thrives.
Tune in to discover how physical therapy in schools is much more than movement—it’s about building pathways to independence and success.
2 Dec 2024
Early Intervention and Developmental Delays
Jeffrey Lee speaks with Emily Museus, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, about the transformative power of early intervention for children with developmental delays, empowering growth and strengthening caregiver-child bonds.
9 Sept 2024
Educational Interventions: Tools for Teachers
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator, is joined by school psychologist Natalia Lynch to break down the essentials of effective interventions in education. Together, they explore the difference between interventions, accommodations, and modifications, outline the key components of successful intervention strategies, and discuss how progress monitoring and fidelity can transform student outcomes. Perfect for educators looking to incorporate evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
7 Mar 2024
Insights into Deaf/Hard of Hearing Disability Category
In this episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," we delve into the essential aspects of Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) services and behavior in educational settings. Join host Jeffrey Lee and special guests Laura Lind and Diane Schiffler-Dobe, Teachers and Coordinators for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as they provide valuable insights into the qualifying criteria for DHH services and their primary purposes. From discussing the intricacies of educationally intrusive behaviors commonly associated with DHH needs to navigate the steps to address behavioral challenges in DHH students, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique considerations involved in supporting DHH students' educational journey. Tune in for enlightening discussions and practical strategies to enhance support for DHH students in educational settings.
24 Jan 2024
General vs. Emergency Behavior Management in Special Education
In this episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," join your host, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, for an enlightening discussion with Jim Kath, Behavior Coordinator. Together, they unravel the complexities of behavior management in special education, focusing on the delicate balance between general and emergency interventions.
Exploring the Gray Areas: General vs. Emergency Behavior Management
Navigating the spectrum of behavior management in special education requires a keen understanding of when to implement general strategies and transition into emergency interventions swiftly. With his wealth of experience, Jim Kath shares insights into the nuanced differences, emphasizing the critical role of individual discretion in determining the threshold for what constitutes an emergency.
Key Highlights:
Individual Discretion: Jim sheds light on the importance of empowering case managers with the tools to exercise individual discretion in discerning behaviors that disrupt the learning environment from those that pose an immediate risk of harm.
Resuming the Plan: Discover how emergency behavior management, while interrupting the general process, integrates with the resumption of established behavior plans and strategies once the crisis is effectively handled.
Consequence Perception: Addressing concerns around the perceived lack of consequences, Jim provides strategies to ensure that appropriate consequences are delivered effectively, fostering a conducive learning environment for all.
Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of behavior management in special education, equipping our dedicated case managers with the knowledge to navigate these critical distinctions effectively.
6 Nov 2023
Creating Effective IEP Goals and Objectives
In today's episode, we tackle the art and science of creating effective IEP goals and objectives. Host Lainey Sandberg is joined by Jeffrey Lee as they explore the intricacies of IEP goal setting, unraveling common misconceptions, and providing valuable insights for educators.
Discover why IEP goals don't need to mirror interventions precisely, but instead should align with a broader vision for a student's progress. Uncover the critical role of objectives, the key milestones on the path to achievement, and why they shouldn't be 'mini goals.' Dive into the fascinating world of setting goals that are tailored to the educational environment and consider how a student's disability affects their skill development.
9 Oct 2023
Roles of Directors of Special Education
In the first episode of the 2023-2024 school year, join us on "Conversations with the Co-op" as we peek behind the scenes in the realm of special education. Host Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, sits down with Jen Johnson, Director of Special Education for six public school districts, three charter schools, and the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative.
Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of Directors of Special Education, shedding light on their multifaceted roles. Gain insights into the distinctive responsibilities and strategies Directors employ in both cooperative and single-district settings. Discover how these behind-the-scenes efforts are essential to the success of special education programs and ultimately benefit the students, even if they often go unnoticed.
If you've ever wondered about the varying approaches and unseen work that drive special education forward, this episode provides the answers you seek. Join us for a revealing conversation that demystifies the world of Directors of Special Education.
3 Jul 2023
Summer Pause and Exciting Updates
On this special episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," host Jeff Lee shares important updates. The podcast will be on a temporary pause, returning in August with fresh episodes. Topics will include legislative updates, roles within the cooperative, and an exploration of assistive technology. Jeff expresses gratitude to loyal listeners and guests, reaffirms the podcast's vision, and invites everyone to stay tuned for exciting updates and new episodes. Subscribe to stay updated and make a positive impact in special education.
18 Jun 2023
Exploring Occupational Therapy in Education: A Conversational with Eric Storbakken
Welcome to another engaging episode of "Conversations with the Co-op." In this captivating discussion, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, engages in a conversation with Eric Storbakken, an experienced occupational therapist. Delve into the world of occupational therapy as Eric shares his invaluable insights, drawing from years of expertise in the field. Gain a deeper understanding of occupational therapy in educational settings, exploring the distinctions between clinical and educational approaches. Discover how teachers can identify key behaviors and indicators that suggest a student may benefit from an occupational therapy screening or assessment, and explore the collaborative strategies that bridge the gap between teachers and occupational therapists. Furthermore, Eric sheds light on the challenge of distinguishing sensory needs from other behaviors, providing practical advice for teachers navigating these complexities.
18 Jun 2023
Creating Appropriate IEP Goals for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights and Strategies
In this informative episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," we explore the topic of creating appropriate IEP goals for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our special guests, Kate Hurd and Amy Strother, Autism Coordinators with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, share their expertise on developing individualized, evidence-based goals that cater to the unique needs of students with ASD. Gain valuable insights into key considerations, common mistakes to avoid, and discover helpful resources that empower special education teachers to promote better outcomes for students with autism. Tune in to enhance your understanding and practical skills in supporting students with ASD through effective IEP goal setting.
18 Jun 2023
Moving Beyond In-The-Moment Teaching to Structured Skills Groups - Jim and Jeff
In this insightful audio, PBEC's Jeffrey Lee, K12 Special Education Coordinator, speaks with Jim Kath, behavior consultant, about effective strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom. They discuss the potential drawbacks of relying solely on "in the moment" teaching and explore practical strategies for planning and setting up lessons and activities to address challenging behaviors in a proactive manner. Jim highlights the importance of teaching strategies for social skills training, including task analysis and practice in simulated environments, to help students replicate real-life situations. Jeff emphasizes the significance of collecting and analyzing data to inform teaching strategies and measure the effectiveness of social skills training. They also discuss effective goal-setting for addressing student behavior. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
18 Jun 2023
Endrew F v. Douglas County: Redefining "Appropriate" Progress in Special Education - Jeff and Lainey
In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, K-12 Special Education Coordinators Jeffrey Lee and Lainey Sandberg discuss how the Endrew F v. Douglas County Supreme Court case redefined what is considered "appropriate" progress in special education. The case, which centered around a student with autism in Colorado, had far-reaching effects and changed the way that FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is understood across the country. Jeff and Lainey briefly break down the impact of the case on special education, including its effects on due process and its implications for students with disabilities.
18 Jun 2023
Effective Strategies for Writing Behavior Goals in Special Education - Jeff and Jim
In this informative video, K-12 Special Education Coordinator Jeffrey Lee and Behavior Consultant Jim Kath from the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative (PBEC) share their expertise on writing effective behavior goals for students with challenging behaviors. The video covers practical tips and strategies for prioritizing and measuring behavior goals, including the use of point sheets or teacher ratings to track progress. Lee and Kath emphasize the importance of defining clear and measurable goals, and provide examples of observable behaviors that can be measured using patterns such as duration, frequency, and intensity. They also discuss the importance of setting realistic goals, and offer insights on using rating scales and rubrics to improve accuracy in goal measurement. Finally, the video stresses the importance of operational definition and measurement for writing effective behavior goals, and highlights the benefits of having a plan in place for measuring goals to make case management easier. This video is a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance their skills in writing behavior goals in special education.
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YouTube views
251
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
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Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
27
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