This session, focuses on the top 5 critical practices every special educator should master, hosted by the voices behind the hit podcast A Special Education Teacher, Administrator, and Lawyer Walk Into a Bar…. The webinar offers an honest, engaging, and refreshingly practical look at the issues educators face every day with humor and practical takeaways.
Join the webinar here: A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer Walk Into a NASET Webinar…
What You Get
The slide deck identifies the 5 areas special educators can master to form the foundation of effective special education practice:
Why These Slides Matter
These downloads will allow you to better understand:
- Behavior is Communication: Every action has a purpose—understanding the “why” behind behavior allows educators to teach replacement skills instead of punishing.
- Discipline as Guidance: Discipline should “course-correct,” not penalize—progressive, handbook-aligned responses teach accountability and self-regulation.
- Compliance is Non-Negotiable: Meeting timelines, providing notice, and following IDEA procedures protect both students’ rights and the school’s legal standing.
- Data Drives Decisions: Objective, measurable data—rather than opinions—ensures instructional quality, documents progress, and defends program integrity.
- Partnerships with Parents: Long-term, transparent collaboration with families builds trust, prevents conflict, and keeps the student’s needs central.
About Robin Fabiano, Abigail Hanscom, and Angela Smagula
Robin Fabiano, Abigail Hanscom, and Angela Smagula are the dynamic trio behind the podcast A Special Education Teacher, Administrator, and Lawyer Walk Into a Bar…, where they tackle the most pressing and perplexing issues in special education with equal parts insight and humor.
Together, they bring decades of experience across education, leadership, and law:
Robin Fabiano is a special education teacher and building base student services administrator known for her practical strategies and commitment to inclusive education.
Abigail Hanscom serves as a district level student services administrator, bridging policy and practice to ensure students and teachers thrive.
Angela Smagula, a founding partner at Kahn & Smagula, specializing in education law, brings deep legal expertise to help educators and families understand their rights and responsibilities.
Listen to their podcast
