Podcast
Listen to the Accelerating Education Podcast, with Richard Capone
Episodes
How AI is Fixing Special Ed IEPs (and Saving Teachers Hours) ft. Dr. Paul McDonald
Dr. Paul McDonald, Education Consultant and 35-Year Education Veteran
- Education Consultant
How can AI help special education teams create stronger IEPs while saving teachers hours of paperwork? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Dr. Paul McDonald, a 35-year education veteran and education consultant, about how diagnostic data and AI can work together to improve the IEP process. Dr. McDonald shares lessons from a Nevada school district that used AI-supported systems to reduce documentation time, strengthen compliance, and create more individualized learning plans for students. The conversation explores the importance of moving beyond grade-level data and using diagnostic assessments to write clearer present levels and more meaningful IEPs. Dr. McDonald also discusses how customized AI prompts, compliance checklists, and district approval workflows can help educators meet federal, state, and local requirements while maintaining professional oversight. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, district leader, or EdTech professional, this conversation offers practical insight into using AI responsibly to reduce workload, improve consistency, and keep individualized student needs at the center of special education.
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Episodes
Teaching Kindness Through Animal Welfare with Richard Verlander
Richard Verlander, Board Member of Goochland Pet Lovers
- Goochland Pet Lovers, Richmond, Virginia
How can animal welfare help teach children kindness, empathy, and stronger social skills? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Richard Verlander, a founding board member of Goochland Pet Lovers, about the organization’s work transforming animal welfare into a meaningful educational experience. Richard shares his unexpected journey into animal advocacy and how community support helped Goochland Pet Lovers raise $1.5 million to improve its shelter and expand its impact. The conversation explores the organization’s innovative Teaching Kindness initiative, which brings lessons about compassion, responsibility, and animal welfare into schools. Richard explains how the program is designed to be repeatable, engaging, and easy for educators to incorporate while helping students strengthen empathy and positive behavior. He also discusses the importance of community partnerships, volunteers, and hands-on experiences, including student visits to the animal shelter. Whether you are an educator, school leader, parent, or community advocate, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how animals can bring people together and help teach the values of kindness, respect, and compassion.
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Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap: Teacher Ed, AI, & Future of Special Education w/Dr. Jennifer Sears
Dr. Jennifer Sears, Associate Professor at the University of North Georgia
- Department of Elementary and Special Education, University of North Georgia
How can teacher preparation programs better bridge the gap between what educators learn and what they need to do in today’s classrooms? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Dr. Jennifer Sears, Associate Professor in the Department of Elementary and Special Education at the University of North Georgia, about teacher preparation, retention, advocacy, and the evolving role of technology in special education. Dr. Sears shares how her family’s advocacy for individuals with disabilities helped shape her path into the field and discusses the importance of giving future teachers meaningful, hands-on classroom experience. The conversation explores the University of North Georgia’s unique approach to preparing educators for both elementary and special education settings, as well as the challenges schools face in retaining new teachers and preventing burnout. Dr. Sears also discusses how technology and AI can enhance teaching when educators receive the right training and support. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, teacher educator, or district leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into preparing, supporting, and learning from the next generation of educators.
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Navigating Today’s Special Education with CEC President & UNCG Professor, Dr. Julie Bost
Dr. Julie Irene Bost, CEC President and Clinical Associate Professor at UNCG
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and UNC Greensboro
What are the biggest challenges shaping special education today—and how can educators and leaders continue moving the field forward? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Dr. Julie Irene Bost, President of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and Clinical Associate Professor at UNC Greensboro, about the evolving landscape of special education. Drawing on 28 years of experience in the field, Dr. Bost discusses the ongoing educator shortage, teacher burnout, and the importance of providing meaningful support and professional development to special education professionals. The conversation explores the lasting impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), continued challenges surrounding special education funding, and the need for strong advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities. Dr. Bost also shares positive trends she is seeing in technology and data use, while emphasizing that schools should be intentional when introducing new tools and initiatives. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, professor, or education advocate, this conversation offers an informative and hopeful perspective on supporting educators, strengthening communities, and creating better outcomes for students with disabilities.
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Episodes
The Role of AI Assistants in Special Education: Richard Capone, CEO
Richard Capone, CEO and Co-Founder of Let’s Go Learn
- Let’s Go Learn
How can AI help special education teachers spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting students? In this episode of Accelerating Education, guest host John Williams interviews Richard Capone, CEO and Co-Founder of Let’s Go Learn, about the growing role of artificial intelligence in special education. Richard explains how AI technology has matured and how purpose-built AI assistants can help educators with time-consuming tasks such as developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), drafting present levels, and organizing student information. The conversation explores why strong student data and context engineering are essential for producing useful, individualized AI-generated content rather than generic responses. Richard also discusses the importance of data privacy, document management, and maintaining educator oversight when incorporating AI into special education workflows. The episode highlights how AI can support teachers without replacing their professional expertise, while professional development and implementation support help schools use these tools responsibly. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, technology leader, or district decision-maker, this conversation offers a practical look at how AI assistants can make special education processes more efficient, data-driven, and manageable.
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Episodes
Transforming Special Education Through Urban Agriculture & Restaurants: Teacher Michael Craig
Michael Craig, Director of the Drew Horticulture Program and 2025 CEC Teacher of the Year
- Charles R. Drew Transition Center, Detroit Public Schools
How can hands-on learning help students with disabilities build real-world skills, confidence, and pathways to employment? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Michael Craig, Director of the Drew Horticulture Program at the Charles R. Drew Transition Center and the 2025 CEC Teacher of the Year. Michael shares his journey from general education into special education and explains how his horticulture program has evolved into a powerful vocational learning experience for students with diverse needs. The conversation explores how students participate in daily gardening, hydroponics, food preparation, and other hands-on activities designed around their individual abilities. Michael also shares success stories from the program, including opportunities to introduce students to fresh produce, build culinary skills, and collaborate with local restaurants and community partners. He discusses the challenges of creating meaningful employment opportunities for students with disabilities and why stronger community and policy support is essential. Whether you are a special education teacher, transition specialist, administrator, or community partner, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how practical, student-centered learning can prepare young adults for greater independence and success beyond the classroom.
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Revolutionizing Transition Education: Dr. Stacie Dojonovic on Life-Centered Learning 2.0
Dr. Stacie Dojanovic, Executive Director of the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT)
- Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT)
What does it take to prepare students with disabilities for meaningful, independent lives beyond the classroom? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Dr. Stacie Dojanovic, Executive Director of the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT), about the evolution of transition education and the importance of preparing students for life after high school. Dr. Dojanovic discusses why transition planning should begin early and how changing societal expectations have reshaped the skills students need for successful post-secondary outcomes. The conversation explores the importance of explicitly teaching practical life, career, and independent living skills rather than assuming students will develop them on their own. Dr. Dojanovic also shares insight into the development of Life-Centered Education 2.0, an updated approach designed to help educators better support students as they prepare for adulthood. Richard and Dr. Dojanovic discuss how technology can strengthen transition instruction, make resources more accessible, and give educators better tools to personalize learning. Whether you are a special education teacher, transition specialist, administrator, or district leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into creating more intentional pathways from school to adulthood.
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Why is Behavior a National Issue in Schools? Interview with Dr. Angela Bost, Former Dep. Superintendent
Dr. Angela Bost, Former Deputy Superintendent and Education Leader
- Former Deputy Superintendent
What if schools approached student behavior with the same structure and strategy they use for academics? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Dr. Angela Bost, a former Deputy Superintendent, about the critical connection between behavior management and academic performance. Drawing on her extensive experience as an educator and district leader, Dr. Bost explains why schools need to move beyond reactive discipline and build proactive systems that address behavior before challenges escalate. She discusses the importance of developing a strong behavior core framework, using data to identify student needs, and creating systems that align behavioral and academic supports. The conversation also explores common challenges districts face when implementing behavior initiatives, including inconsistent discipline practices, limited training, and the need for stronger collaboration across school teams. Dr. Bost shares how technology can help educators assess, monitor, and respond to student behavior more effectively while providing the data needed to guide decision-making. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, behavior specialist, or district leader, this conversation offers practical insight into building sustainable behavior systems that support stronger student outcomes.
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Leveraging Technology in Special Education: Interview with EC Teacher, Cassie Dodson
Cassie Dodson, EC Department Chair at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School
- Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School
How can better data and technology make special education more effective for teachers, students, and families? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Cassie Dodson, EC Department Chair at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School, about the challenges special education teams face and the tools that can help simplify instruction, assessment, and communication. Cassie shares her experience using Let’s Go Learn to assess student needs, monitor progress, and provide targeted instruction based on meaningful data. She explains how having clear, actionable information can strengthen IEP meetings and help special education teachers communicate student progress more effectively with parents and general education teachers. The conversation also explores the role technology can play in reducing teacher workload while helping educators make more informed instructional decisions. Cassie and Richard discuss the growing potential of AI in education and how emerging tools could further support teachers without replacing their professional expertise. Whether you are a special education teacher, case manager, administrator, or school leader, this conversation offers practical insight into using data and technology to better support students and make the special education process more manageable.
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AI vs. Humans: Who Writes Better IEPs? Interview with Education Professor Dr. Lynne Ryan
Dr. Lynn Ryan, Professor at Providence College
- Providence College
Can artificial intelligence help improve the IEP process without replacing the expertise of educators? In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Dr. Lynn Ryan, professor at Providence College, about her research exploring the use of AI in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Dr. Ryan shares her background in special education and explains a recent study comparing AI-generated IEPs with those created by experienced educators and teacher candidates. The results offer an important look at the growing role of AI in special education, including findings that showed no significant difference in quality between AI- and human-generated IEPs. We explore why AI should be viewed as a resource rather than a replacement for educators, the importance of teacher training and human oversight, and how AI-generated content can support—but not substitute for—professional judgment. Dr. Ryan also discusses the need for transparency with families, the importance of parental perspectives, and how schools may need to adapt their IEP processes as AI tools become more common. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, teacher educator, or school leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into the future of AI-supported IEP development.
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Episodes
The Future of Special Education: CASE Executive Director, Phyllis Wolfram, on Policy Shifts
Phyllis Wolfram, Executive Director of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
- Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
Special education is constantly evolving—and leaders need to be prepared for what comes next. In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Phyllis Wolfram, Executive Director of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), about the political and policy shifts shaping the future of special education. Phyllis shares insight into some of the biggest challenges facing special education administrators today, from changing federal and state policies to advocating for the resources educators and students need to succeed. We explore the important role administrators play in navigating education policy, supporting special education teachers, and ensuring students with disabilities continue to receive high-quality services and opportunities. Phyllis also discusses the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and staying informed as the education landscape continues to change. Whether you are a special education administrator, teacher, district leader, or education advocate, this conversation offers valuable perspective on how leaders can stay ahead of policy changes while continuing to put students and educators first.
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The Future of Special Ed: AI & Empowerment, with Chad Rummel
Chad Rummel, M.Ed., CAE, Executive Director of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Council for Exceptional Children
In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Chad Rummel, Executive Director of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), about the future of special education and how educators can be better supported. They discuss the growing administrative demands placed on special education teachers, the role of AI and technology in reducing workload, and the importance of giving educators more time to focus on students.
Chad also shares insights into the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit (TET), a CEC member resource designed to help streamline administrative responsibilities and strengthen teacher support. The conversation explores how technology, leadership, and innovative systems can work together to reduce burnout, empower educators, and shape the future of special education.
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The “Closed” AI Model in Special Education, with Dr. Angie Balsley
Angie Balsley, Ed.D., CEO of Unified Leadership
- UnifiedLeadership.org
In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Angie Balsley, CEO of Unified Leadership, discussing her extensive background in special education and the challenges faced in the field. They explore the importance of relationships and systems in special education, the innovative FAPE Compass tool designed to assist educators, and the future of special education leadership. Dr. Balsley shares insights on the impact of AI in education and the positive feedback from districts using FAPE Compass.
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Empathy and AI Innovation in Special Education with Angela Miller
Angela Miller, Special Education Teacher, Case Manager, and SSD Coordinator
- Carlsbad Municipal School District, New Mexico
Stop letting paperwork lead to burnout! Discover how Angela Miller is using the Airma AI Assistant to revolutionize the IEP process and reclaim the “heart” of special education. In this episode of Accelerating Education, host Richard Capone interviews Angela Miller, a special education teacher, case manager, and SSD coordinator in the Carlsbad Municipal School District in New Mexico. Angela shares her powerful personal journey from being a student with a reading disability to becoming a “Jill of all trades” educator motivated by her own son’s autism diagnosis. We explore the “solution-based” strategies Angela uses to drive student success, including the use of Airma AI, an innovative educational technology tool. She explains how AI in education allows her to create highly individualized education programs (IEP) and progress reports with fidelity, while maintaining data privacy and FERPA compliance. Whether you are interested in social emotional learning (SEL), effective professional learning communities (PLC), or how to combat teacher burnout, this conversation offers a roadmap for meeting the needs of the “whole child”.