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Artwork for A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education

A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education

Robin Fabiano, Abigail Hanscom, Angela Smagula
Special Education
Food Allergies
Love On the Spectrum
Mental Health
IQ Testing
Student Behavioral Challenges
Transition Services
504 Plans
Individualized Education Programs (ieps)
Covid-19
Teacher Shortage
FAPE
Disabilities
Down Syndrome
IDEA
Education Law
Massachusetts
School Policies
Functional Curriculum
Mainstreaming Students With Disabilities

In this podcast, we hope to share information, lessons learned, interviews with VIPs in the field of special education. Join Robin Fabiano, Abby Hanscom and Angela Smagula as they bring diverse viewpoints and some humor to an otherwise serious topic.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes153Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationKids & FamilyParenting

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Artwork for A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education

Latest Episodes

We are burried in snow so resharing an episode from 2024 during which Robin and Angela discuss the TLC show Braylen Out Loud. This is timely because Tourette Syndrome is in the news this week... Read about it here:

Vanity Fair's article

NBC news

B... more

5 key stories to follow in 2026

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Email us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.com

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Listen in as Robin and Abby interview David Tynes, the Director of the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts' Saturday Program (and many other things). David is also the Head Coach of the Cambridge Special Olympics Men's Basketball team, The Warriors.

Th... more

There's a different way of thinking about child development and how special education services fit in that turns the medical model upside down. Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the Five F-Words and the model they represent. In 2011, Rosenbaum and ... more

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Recent Guests

David Tynes
Adapted physical education teacher and director of a Saturday program for people with disabilities
Cambridge program
Episode: My Brother's Keeper: Interview with David Tynes
Marilyn Vrandes
Director of Educator Engagement and Advancement at NASET
NASET
Episode: We're Thankful for YOU....and so is NASET!
Erika Bare
Superintendent in a small district, with over 20 years in education
Episode: Interview with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns
Tiffany Burns
Experienced educator and administrator with a focus on student needs
Episode: Interview with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns
Kathleen Browning
Speech pathologist and administrator in special education
Episode: Integrated Preschools Rock!
Jim Lange
CPA and attorney, author of financial books
Episode: Interview with Jim Lange, CPA/Attorney
Elizabeth C. Hamblet
A nationally requested speaker on preparing students with disabilities for a successful college transition.
Author of '7 Steps to College Success, A Pathway for Students with Disabilities'
Episode: 7 Steps to College Success: Interv. w/author Elizabeth C. Hamblet

Hosts

Robin Fabiano
A special education teacher and building-based student services administrator, bringing extensive experience in the education field, particularly in special education.
Abby Hanscom
A district-level student services administrator with a wealth of experience in implementing educational policies and supporting special education initiatives.
Angela Smagula
Founding partner at Conn and Smagula specializing in education law, she brings a legal perspective to discussions surrounding special education rights and regulations.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 64 ratings
  • Fabulous

    Excellent advice and a clear understanding of special education. The explanations were accurate, and easy to understand, making complex topics much clearer.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    justahumandog
    United States2 months ago
  • Stimming

    What about teaching neurotypical and non-disabled peers to understand why and be more accepting of these behaviors

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ayden'smom
    United States5 months ago
  • Science of Reading

    This episode on the science of reading was so frustrating to listen to. Please, if you’re going to make a podcast episode, do it about a topic that you know and can explain. Thinking that science of reading is primarily about phonics instruction shows that you didn’t read that book and that you don’t understand what the science of reading is.

    The episode frames phonics instruction and development of background knowledge and vocabulary as an either/or, and that view is wildly inaccurate. Simply... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Elbarato26
    United Statesa year ago
  • So helpful!

    Thank you for your time and knowledge sharing! I loved the podcasts about the new MCAS ballot question and ESY. Keep up this great and important work :-)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sam7316806
    United Statesa year ago
  • Fab podcast!

    Abby, Robin and Angela bring a wealth of knowledge to this topic. Each episode is the perfect mix of informative and entertaining. #bigfan!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Love the show98765
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Feedback highlights the hosts' expertise and commitment to advocacy, inspiring many in the field of special education.
Listeners commend the podcast for its blend of humor and informative content, making complex subjects more approachable and relatable.
Some critiques point to disagreements about specific educational theories discussed, suggesting a mix of perspectives among the audience.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

My Brother's Keeper: Interview with David Tynes
Q: How did the Saturday program begin and how has it evolved?
The program started small before I took over, and my connections allowed me to grow it into a comprehensive fitness and recreation initiative for people of all ages with disabilities.
My Brother's Keeper: Interview with David Tynes
Q: How did you enter the field of special education?
I have a sister with a disability, and growing up, I learned to adapt and protect her, which naturally pushed me towards this field.
We're Thankful for YOU....and so is NASET!
Q: What are the latest or most recent Supreme Court cases that we need to know?
Recent cases focus on FAPE being individually tailored and the implications of recent court rulings such as Andrew and Mahmoud cases that impact special education rights and processes.
We're Thankful for YOU....and so is NASET!
Q: What is the legal way to switch from pullout instruction to push-in model for all students on my caseload?
Look at each student individually and use assessments. Collaborate with families and co-build a plan that allows for pilot programs to demonstrate effectiveness.
We're Thankful for YOU....and so is NASET!
Q: How do you present the concept of specially designed instruction to general education teachers?
Use a collaborative approach to co-plan lessons that include modifications for content, instruction, and assessment to support various learners in a way that emphasizes inclusive practices.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of topics relevant to special education through the engaging perspectives of a special education teacher, a district administrator, and an education lawyer. Key discussions revolve around the evolving landscape of special education laws, advocacy, and practical strategies for educators to navigate the complexities of individual education plans (IEPs), behavioral management, and compliance with educational regulations. The hosts share personal anecdotes, significant milestones such as the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and answer listener questions, making the content both informative and relatable. The blend of expertise, humor, and heartfelt comm... more

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1. Science of Reading: The Podcast
2. We Can Do Hard Things
3. The Moth
4. Handsome
5. Up First from NPR

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this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 153 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. David Tynes
2. Marilyn Vrandes
3. Erika Bare
4. Tiffany Burns
5. Kathleen Browning
6. Jim Lange
7. Elizabeth C. Hamblet

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