What if we stopped labeling kids as “difficult”… and got serious about what difficult behavior is communicating?
Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with John Vergara (aka The Difficult Student) — an assistant principal over special education and a leader known for practical, relationship-driven strategies that protect learning for every student in the classroom.
This episode is packed with real-world guidance for teachers, school leaders, parents, and advocates who want structure and compassion — without relying on reward charts, token systems, or empty “just build relationships” advice.
✅ In This Episode
The difference between “difficult students” vs. “students with difficult behavior”
The classroom foundation: safety → love → self-esteem
How routines and procedures create safety (not punishment)
Teaching regulation and skills instead of punishing unmet skills
Why inclusion can work — when it’s supported
Mindset shifts for teachers navigating toxic or unsupported environments
Links + Resources
✅ Join The Academy (Skool Community): https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
✅ Get Karen’s book The Epic IEP (official link): https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom
Connect with John Vergara
Instagram / TikTok: @thedifficultstudent
Podcast: The Difficult Student Podcast (Spotify / Apple / YouTube)
👍 If you found this helpful: Like, subscribe, and share with a teacher, parent, or advocate.
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham
#SpecialEducationBoss #IEPHelp #504Plan #BehaviorSupport #InclusionMatters #KnowYourRights #AskTheAdvocate
Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with John Vergara (aka The Difficult Student) — an assistant principal over special education and a leader known for practical, relationship-driven strategies that protect learning for every student in the classroom.
This episode is packed with real-world guidance for teachers, school leaders, parents, and advocates who want structure and compassion — without relying on reward charts, token systems, or empty “just build relationships” advice.
✅ In This Episode
The difference between “difficult students” vs. “students with difficult behavior”
The classroom foundation: safety → love → self-esteem
How routines and procedures create safety (not punishment)
Teaching regulation and skills instead of punishing unmet skills
Why inclusion can work — when it’s supported
Mindset shifts for teachers navigating toxic or unsupported environments
Links + Resources
✅ Join The Academy (Skool Community): https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
✅ Get Karen’s book The Epic IEP (official link): https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom
Connect with John Vergara
Instagram / TikTok: @thedifficultstudent
Podcast: The Difficult Student Podcast (Spotify / Apple / YouTube)
👍 If you found this helpful: Like, subscribe, and share with a teacher, parent, or advocate.
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham
#SpecialEducationBoss #IEPHelp #504Plan #BehaviorSupport #InclusionMatters #KnowYourRights #AskTheAdvocate