In this episode, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley sit down with Shannon Neeley, a 9th-grade math teacher who splits her time between co-teaching and "aggressively asking a golf ball why it doesn’t understand basic geometry," and Sydney Whatcott, a K–2 specialist who loves exploring Utah’s outdoors. Together, they tackle the reality of supporting 7.5 million students with IEPs amidst a national teacher shortage, pulling back the curtain on what special education actually looks like today. From Shannon’s high-school co-teaching models to Sydney’s focus on early self-regulation and executive functioning, the pair debunks the myth that students with disabilities should be tucked away in separate classrooms. The conversation moves beyond the logistics of stations and paperwork to address the harmful misconceptions and low expectations that often follow these learners. Shannon and Sydney share the heart behind their work, highlighting the deep relationships and data-driven advocacy that ensure every student has access to high standards. They leave us with a powerful reminder that "different doesn’t mean less," it just means finding a unique path to success. Tune in to hear why these educators believe that while the work is demanding, the students make it the most rewarding job in the building.
Hosts Ryan Rarick (Education Pathway Teacher/Instructional Coach and 2026 UACTE Teacher of the Year) and Lauren Merkley (2020 Utah Teacher of the Year) discuss special education with Teacher Fellows Shannon Neeley, a ninth-grade special education math teacher who co-teaches and teaches solo, and Sydney Whatcott, a K–2 special education teacher who frequently pushes into classrooms and pulls small groups for academics and social skills. They note 7.5 million U.S. students qualify for IEPs, special educators have dropped 17%, and many students spend most of their time in general education. Shannon describes co-teaching models like parallel teaching, stations, and one teach/one assist, plus consultation on accommodations and behavior. Both guests address misconceptions about disability and low expectations, emphasizing access, high expectations, and student success, and share what they love: relationships and foundational growth (Sydney) and data, meetings, and protective IEP documentation (Shannon).
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:27 Why Special Education Matters
02:18 Meet Shannon and Sydney
03:18 What SPED Looks Like Daily
06:10 Co-Teaching That Works
12:07 Misconceptions and Mindsets
16:49 What They Love Most
20:57 Final Advice and Takeaways
26:25 Wrap Up and Subscribe
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