What really happens when an advocate walks into an IEP meeting?
In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Paige Fitzgerald and Kate McAl—former special educators turned full-time advocates and founders of Inclusive Educational Practices.
Together, they pull back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes when an advocate is present at the IEP table—and why outcomes shift when someone trained in special education advocacy enters the room.
They share:
✨ Why schools often react differently when an advocate attends
✨ What teachers are (and aren’t) trained to understand about IDEA
✨ How funding pressures impact IEP decisions
✨ Why parents often know something is wrong—but need help articulating it
✨ The difference between combative advocacy and collaborative leadership
✨ How to build bridges before the meeting even begins
✨ Why relationships—not intimidation—create long-term change
Paige and Kate also share their journey from the classroom to advocacy, the fears educators experience when an advocate is present, and why ethical, trained advocates are critical for protecting student rights and improving outcomes.
This conversation is honest, practical, and encouraging for:
• Parents navigating difficult IEP meetings
• Educators who want to do special education better
• Aspiring advocates considering this path
• Anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed at the IEP table
As Karen reminds us:
“We train everyone at the IEP/504 table to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.”
📲 Download (https://app.specialeducationacademy.com) the Special Education Academy app
📘 Get your copy of The Epic IEP™ (https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos)
🎓 Join The Academy (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/)
Listen, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.”
— Karen Mayer Cunningham
Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464872/support)
✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨
👩⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.
👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/) First month free, after that, cancel anytime.
📱 Follow Karen on:
• TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@specialeducationboss) & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy (https://www.youtube.com/c/SpecialEducationAcademy/videos)
🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.
📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)
...
In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Paige Fitzgerald and Kate McAl—former special educators turned full-time advocates and founders of Inclusive Educational Practices.
Together, they pull back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes when an advocate is present at the IEP table—and why outcomes shift when someone trained in special education advocacy enters the room.
They share:
✨ Why schools often react differently when an advocate attends
✨ What teachers are (and aren’t) trained to understand about IDEA
✨ How funding pressures impact IEP decisions
✨ Why parents often know something is wrong—but need help articulating it
✨ The difference between combative advocacy and collaborative leadership
✨ How to build bridges before the meeting even begins
✨ Why relationships—not intimidation—create long-term change
Paige and Kate also share their journey from the classroom to advocacy, the fears educators experience when an advocate is present, and why ethical, trained advocates are critical for protecting student rights and improving outcomes.
This conversation is honest, practical, and encouraging for:
• Parents navigating difficult IEP meetings
• Educators who want to do special education better
• Aspiring advocates considering this path
• Anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed at the IEP table
As Karen reminds us:
“We train everyone at the IEP/504 table to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.”
📲 Download (https://app.specialeducationacademy.com) the Special Education Academy app
📘 Get your copy of The Epic IEP™ (https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos)
🎓 Join The Academy (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/)
Listen, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.”
— Karen Mayer Cunningham
Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464872/support)
✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨
👩⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.
👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/) First month free, after that, cancel anytime.
📱 Follow Karen on:
• TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@specialeducationboss) & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy (https://www.youtube.com/c/SpecialEducationAcademy/videos)
🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.
📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)
...