About
Why Did I Become an IEP Coach?
On my first day as a teacher, I walked into my classroom and found an unfurnished space with no books, supplies, or technology. I had no idea what I should be teaching or where to look for resources. I had to teach myself on the job how to give my students what they needed. Three weeks later, I learned that my first IEP was due in 2 weeks; I’d practiced writing them in graduate school, but never for real children. I reached out for support and was told, “Just do your best, most parents don’t read it anyway.” The idea that my students and their families didn’t deserve a high-quality IEP and the assumption that the parents don’t care enough to read the plan was insulting. I also found it infuriating that the students with the highest needs had the least access to instructional resources. My desire to advocate for students with special needs and their families was sparked by these experiences.
Unfortunately, this is the norm in special education (in my experience). Many teachers start out eager to make a difference and be the best teacher they can be but are discouraged by the lack of support, resources, and encouragement, and become jaded and burned out. This leads to teachers who create cookie-cutter, copy & paste IEPs, don’t make data-informed decisions, and provide services based on their personal preferences, not what is best for the student. I’ve also sat through many IEP meetings where a parent has tried desperately to advocate for their child only to be “overruled”, talked over, bombarded with acronyms and jargon, or flat out told “we don’t do that here”. As an IEP Coach, I understand how to leverage the IEP to not only provide support and services for students but training and resources for burned out, frustrated teachers.
I also want every parent to know that they can ask for ANYTHING! And that a positive, data-driven approach can easily turn a no into a yes! Most parents don’t know it, but they are the most important person on the IEP team because they know their child best. They have valuable experience and expertise to bring to the table. A thorough understanding of your child’s needs and the full range of services and resources available mixed with patience and a collaborative spirit can transform any parent into a powerful advocate for their child. Let me take that transformative journey with you! Schedule a free 30 minute consultation today!