Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham
Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 145
Titre
Date
Durée
What You Don’t Know Will Cost Your Child: Restraints, Paras, and Filing Complaints
01 Apr 2025
00:44:24
Welcome to another episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham, where we cut through the confusion at the IEP and 504 table to give you clear answers and powerful action steps.
This week, Karen is back to answer your biggest questions — from procedural safeguards and legal rights to school practices that just don’t fly. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, advocate, or admin, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to ask, say, and do.
🎯 In this Ask the Advocate session, we cover:
Do you need both a 504 and an IEP? (Short answer: No.)
Compensatory services: how much is enough?
What indirect services really mean — and when they’re not enough.
How to get incident reports (and what to do if the school didn’t report a restraint).
Why paraprofessionals can't deliver specially designed instruction.
The law on replacing special ed teachers with aides.
Who decides if a student qualifies for a 1:1 aide — and what data is required.
FOIA: what it is, how to use it, and why it matters.
What to do when the school doesn’t implement the IEP or BIP.
When and how to file a state complaint that gets results.
Why so many teachers don’t know IDEA — and how that impacts your child.
What to ask for before your ARD/IEP meeting to fully participate.
How to know if your advocate is the right fit.
When “reverse mainstreaming” is inappropriate — and what to do instead.
💬 Key Quotes from Karen:
“Specially designed instruction means it’s special — and it’s instruction. Paras aren’t certified to provide it, no matter how amazing they are.”
“You don’t have to be a lawyer to know your rights. But if you don’t assert them, you don’t have them.”
“What you don’t know doesn’t hurt the school — it penalizes your child, sometimes for a lifetime.”
🎧 Want to advocate like a boss? Register for Karen’s 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Training — available on-demand or join us live in Florida this summer!
📩 Need help now? Email: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com We have full-time, personally trained partner advocates nationwide.
🎓 Join The Academy Access 300+ hours of training, live we
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
You Can’t Make This Up: Real Questions, Real Answers
01 Apr 2025
00:53:17
Welcome to this week’s episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham — where we empower parents, educators, and professionals to navigate and negotiate successful outcomes.
In this Ask the Advocate– session, Karen is LIVE answering rapid-fire questions from real parents and educators sitting at the IEP and 504 table.
🔥 Topics in this episode include:
Is speech impairment required for ECSE eligibility?
What to do when your district says, “We don’t do that here”
Getting support in your classroom when you're short-staffed
What to say when your child’s IEP isn’t being followed
Why you cannot request a human, but you can request services
What’s illegal in self-contained classrooms
When to file a state complaint (and what to say)
How to advocate strategically without starting a war
Karen breaks it down with real talk, compassion, clarity, and the occasional call for a matching tattoo. 🙃
💬 Questions are read aloud by a moderator (SEA Advocate Partner) as Karen responds live with the wit, wisdom, and fire you’ve come to expect from your Special Education Boss®
🎧 Subscribe + Share We release new episodes every week, covering real-world issues, current policy shifts, and parent empowerment through the lens of the law. Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so we can help more families, teachers, and advocates navigate the special education process with confidence and clarity.
🎓 Want to be trained as an advocate? Join our 2-Day In-Person Training or access it On Demand—because what you don’t know could cost your child their education. 👉 Learn more here
📚 Need expert help now? Email us at: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Real Questions, Real Answers from the IEP Frontlines
01 Apr 2025
00:44:02
Welcome to Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham — your bold, truth-telling advocate for all things IEP, 504, and student rights. In this debut episode, Karen tackles real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates during a live “Ask the Advocate” broadcast.
If you’ve ever felt lost, frustrated, or steamrolled at an IEP table, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Karen pulls no punches — offering clarity, candor, and laughs as she unpacks the legal and practical sides of special education.
Questions are read aloud by a moderator as Karen responds live with the wit, wisdom, and fire you’ve come to expect from your Special Education Boss®.
Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned warrior, Episode 1 will inspire, equip, and remind you: when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. 💥
💡 In This Episode, Karen Answers Questions Like:
What are the criteria for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
Can I get an aide on my child’s school bus?
What do I do when the school won’t follow the IEP?
Is it illegal to pre-determine manifestation determination?
Can I move my child with an IEP to a new district?
What’s the truth about compensatory services and how to get them?
Should parents worry about the future of 504 plans?
📚 Resources & Links Mentioned
Join The Academy — Weekly training + hundreds of hours of expert content
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Mutually Agreed Upon Time
08 Apr 2025
00:05:13
Have you ever been told the IEP meeting is already scheduled and you just need to show up? Or that your school onlyholds IEP meetings on Fridays at 10:47?
🚨 Not so fast.
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down what the law says about scheduling IEP meetings. Hint: It must be a mutually agreed upon time—not dictated by the district, principal, or parent alone.
Karen also tackles:
The legal obligation for schools to notify all legal parents or guardians (even if they’re divorced or across the world 🌍)
What “meaningful participation” really means—and why denying flexible scheduling violates it
Practical scripts and steps to advocate for your rights when scheduling is a struggle
Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or educator, this episode gives you clarity and confidence when that IEP invite hits your inbox.
📝 Need support? Join The Academy for weekly training, replays, and a full library of special education resources: 👉 https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate – Real Questions, Real Answers, Real Advocacy
10 Apr 2025
00:42:21
What do you do when your child is suspended?
Denied services?
Or placed in the wrong setting with no say?
In this open Q&A-style episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers your most pressing questions—live and unfiltered.
🎯 Inside this episode:
Can a child stay in general ed if they aren’t accessing grade-level curriculum?
Should the school provide an advocate if the parent asks?
What happens if a charter school refuses special ed services?
What if you're being read "school norms" before the meeting even starts?
The truth about ESY, MDR, para support, toileting, behavior, and more
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, para, or full-time advocate—this episode will hit home.
This one’s full of wisdom, wild stories, legal truth bombs, and just enough sass to keep you laughing while learning.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, and more.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
The 5 Pillars of an Amazing IEP
15 Apr 2025
00:49:37
Welcome back to Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham, where we train everyone who sits at the 504 and IEP table to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
In this episode, Karen breaks down the five foundational pillars of a powerful IEP, equipping parents, educators, and advocates with the tools to understand what belongs in the IEP — and what doesn’t.
📚 From decoding the legal language to understanding how to actually implement supports that move the needle, Karen walks you through:
The #1 question every parent must ask before writing an IEP.
What to include in the initial evaluation request — and what most schools leave out.
Why speech and language to include pragmatics is a non-negotiable in your testing.
The three Ps of quality evaluations (Pristine, Prescriptive, and Puffy!).
The eight areas of testing you should always request.
The difference between academic performance and educational need.
What Present Levels should really look like (hint: not a copy-paste of the last report card).
How to write goals that are appropriately ambitious in light of the child’s unique circumstances.
Why most accommodation pages are a mess (and how to fix them).
What “least restrictive environment” is not — and why general ed is not always the answer.
Why para support alone does not equal special education.
The truth about FAPE and what it actually means for your child.
Karen also shares:
✔️ When to revisit your IEP mid-year (especially before transitions)
✔️ How to hold the team accountable to timelines and testing obligations
✔️ How to use your voice, your data, and your knowledge to drive outcomes — not emotion
Whether you're new to the process or you've been in it for years, this episode will give you the roadmap to step confidently into your next meeting — and walk out with clarity, not confusion.
🗣️ Karen says it best: "We're not trying to make the disability disappear — we're teaching strategies to self-manage it."
👉 Subscribe to the Special Education Boss® podcast so you never miss an episode. New episodes drop every Tuesday
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
IEP Chaos, Charter School Myths & Advocate Q&A
17 Apr 2025
00:44:32
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham is back with answers, attitude, and all the legal clarity you need to navigate the wild world of special education.
She tackles it all: ✅ The legality of removing non-verbal students without parent notification ✅ Why dual-certified teachers can’t wear two hats at an IEP meeting ✅ Whether charter schools are really doing right by students with disabilities (spoiler: they're not) ✅ What data actually drives Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) decisions ✅ How to use IDEA law to stand your ground — and when to file that state complaint ✅ The problem with “collaboration” minutes and mystery staff in the classroom ✅ What to say when someone throws “House Bill 4545” at you like it’s a solution …and more.
This episode is equal parts fire and facts. If you’re in the trenches — whether you’re a parent, teacher, advocate, or school-based member — you don’t want to miss this one.
📚 Resources Mentioned: → SpecialEducationAcademy.com → Email us: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com → Want the book Karen referenced? Grab the Advocate’s Bookshelf
🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts 📌 Subscribe, rate, and share — because when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
How to Write Compliant IEP Goals That Actually Help Kids Thrive
24 Apr 2025
00:35:09
Do you know what really makes an IEP goal compliant, effective, and life-changing for students?
In this training-style episode, Karen breaks down:
The 6 types of IEP goals (spoiler: academics are just ONE type)
Why present levels matter more than you think
The truth about SMART goals (and what most teams are getting wrong)
What to say when someone tells you a student “doesn’t qualify because they’re getting A’s and B’s”
How to base goals on expectation and rate of progress—not generic standards
This episode is a must-listen for any parent, teacher, or advocate who wants to ensure students get the supports and services they deserve.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Know Your Rights: The Truth About Procedural Safeguards in Special Education
22 Apr 2025
00:37:43
Do you know your rights—or are you just hoping the school will tell you the truth?
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham dives deep into the procedural safeguards that every parent, guardian, and educator needs to understand. From child find and prior written notice to the myths surrounding 504s and referrals, Karen exposes how misinformation, manipulation, and policy “spin” are keeping families in the dark.
🚨 You don’t need to be a lawyer to understand your legal protections—but you do need to stop depending on someone who’s never read the law.
What you’ll learn:
✅ What “procedural safeguards” really are and why they matter ✅ When you MUST receive them—and why a signature isn’t understanding ✅ How schools twist language, deny testing, and delay services ✅ What IDEA’s Child Find provision guarantees—and how to use it ✅ Why 60% of an IEP is never enough ✅ How to spot manipulation in meetings (including referral “stall” tactics) ✅ What to say when you’re told “this is just policy” ✅ How to demand testing—without begging or proving your case ✅ The power of knowing your rights before walking into the meeting
Plus, Karen shares one of the most absurd school responses she’s seen in a referral meeting—and how she shut it down with grace, fire, and a whole lot of federal law. 🔥
🎧 Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or deep in the trenches, this episode will empower you with real knowledge, practical tools, and a Karen-style dose of confidence to enforce and invoke what your child is legally entitled to.
📥 Want the Reading Conversion Chart Karen mentioned in this episode? Email: advocate@specialeducationacademy and we’ll send it your way!
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Mastering Specially Designed Instruction and Progress Monitoring with Dr. Mitchell Yell
29 Apr 2025
01:09:33
In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham is joined by Dr. Mitchell Yell—renowned special education expert, author, and hearing officer—to unpack the heart of what makes an IEP truly effective.
Together, they dive into:
The definition of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Why software and canned goals aren't enough
How to craft measurable, meaningful IEP goals
The critical difference between procedural and substantive violations
What happens when schools fail to monitor student progress
How parents and advocates can hold schools accountable without escalating unnecessarily
Dr. Yell shares practical advice for school-based staff, advocates, and parents alike, plus reveals key insights about the Supreme Court case A.C. v. Osseo Area Schools and why it matters to special education nationwide.
✨ Whether you're a parent, advocate, teacher, or admin, this conversation will leave you better equipped—and more empowered—to support students with disabilities.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Your IEP Questions, Answered!
01 May 2025
00:45:09
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen dives into a rapid-fire Q&A answering the real questions families and teachers are facing right now—from placement and eligibility to SDI, IEPs, 504 plans, behavior, executive functioning, transition, and more.
If you've ever left an IEP meeting feeling confused, overwhelmed, or ready to throw a chair (Karen’s words, not ours), this episode is for you.
🎯 Here’s what Karen covers:
Can a child have a 504 and an IEP at the same time?
Why executive functioning isn’t a class—and what really works
What ESY is (and isn’t), and when it applies
Can a para deliver specially designed instruction?
Why goals must be based on need, not just placement
What happens when the school won’t follow LRE?
How to prepare for transition services (hint: start sooner than you think)
Karen’s origin story and why she’ll always fight for your kid
📣 Be sure to: 👉 Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen 👉 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/918iqLJtGb8 👉 Join The Academy for 300+ hours of training + live weekly support: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Surviving to Living: A Special Conversation with Jennifer Swan
06 May 2025
00:39:49
In this heartfelt and unforgettable episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham is joined by Jennifer Swan—a constitutional lawyer, caregiver, and speaker who shares her extraordinary journey raising her daughter Kennedy, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
More than just a story of survival, this is a message of radical perspective, courage, and joy in the face of lifelong medical challenges. Jennifer shows us how to shift from feeling trapped by our circumstances to choosing a life worth living—for ourselves and our children.
🌟 QUOTE WORTH REMEMBERING:
“If you're willing to shift your perspective about the circumstance in your life, I promise it will open doors you thought were locked shut.” —Jennifer Swan
📲 Connect with Jennifer: IG + TikTok: @diagnosis_magical Interested in coaching or her curriculum? DM her to learn more about: • Living Proof: Limits Are an Illusion (for special needs caregivers) • Engage Your Inner Counsel (for individuals being called to more)
💥 This is more than a story—it’s a roadmap for anyone navigating complex needs, grief, or feeling stuck in the “waiting room” of life. Jennifer reminds us: “The circumstance isn’t a cage—it’s a portal.”
🧠 Need representation or help navigating your IEP meeting? Email us: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🎧 Prefer audio? Catch this episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search: Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: IEP Drama, Pre-K Confusion, and the Truth About 504 Plans
09 May 2025
00:47:44
This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham is back behind the mic—and not holding back. From surprise IEP changes to last-minute general ed placements, Karen shares exactly what to do when your child’s services suddenly shift, your 504 isn’t enough, or you're navigating retention, testing, accommodations, and more.
💥 Plus, Karen answers:
What rights do you actually get with a 504?
Can a substitute really deliver IEP services?
Why does your child suddenly not need special ed next year?
When should you file a state or federal complaint?
Can a teacher just copy/paste the old IEP goals?
💡 Spoiler: the answer is always in the data.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, you’ll walk away better equipped to stand your ground—and serve students with confidence.
🧠 Want more weekly training? Join The Academy and get live Monday night sessions + 250+ hours of recorded training. 👉 www.specialeducationacademy.com
🎧 Subscribe. Share. Show up. Because when we get it right for the child—we get it right for everybody.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Lion King Backpacks to Federal Reform: Karen’s Founding Story on Founders Future
13 May 2025
00:12:31
In this special episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, CEO and founder of Special Education Academy, sits down with the Founders Future podcast to share the powerful story behind her life's work—advocating for students with disabilities. From her personal journey navigating the special education system as a parent to building one of the most recognizable training and advocacy platforms in the country, Karen offers raw insight, unfiltered truth, and an undeniable passion for reform.
She discusses the challenges families face, the flaws within the system, and her mission to ensure every child gets access to the education and equity they deserve. You’ll hear how she scaled from individual advocacy to global impact, why she believes there’s no such thing as work-life balance, and what’s ahead for Special Education Academy.
This conversation is a must-listen for educators, parents, advocates, and founders alike.
If you’ve ever wondered how one voice can become a movement, this conversation is it.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Mayhem, Misconceptions, and Must-Know Answers
15 May 2025
00:50:18
Welcome back to another power-packed episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham — and welcome to the Month of Mayhem! From bathtub to beach to balcony, wherever you're tuning in, Karen is here with clarity, conviction, and the kind of answers that cut through confusion at the IEP and 504 table.
In this episode, Karen tackles real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates including:
What paraprofessionals can and cannot do under IDEA
How to get autism added as an eligibility
What makes a “real” IEP goal (spoiler: “slow down and read carefully” isn’t one)
Whether general education teachers can scribe for a student with an IEP
The truth about moving students from an IEP to a 504 — and how to stop it
And how to respond if your child’s para is mocking or mistreating them 👀
She also dives deep into eligibility, evaluations, discipline, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), compensatory services, and due process — all through the lens of empowering YOU with what you need to sit at the table prepared.
💡 Plus: Karen breaks down why she doesn’t do what she does on the side — and why you shouldn’t trust your child’s education to someone who does.
🎧 Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or an advocate, this episode is full of hard truths, big laughs, and high-impact strategies.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Gym Class to Game Changer: How Adaptive Fitness Empowers Young Adults with Disabilities with Mike Lutey, Franchise Owner – Special Strong Houston
20 May 2025
00:23:29
Part 1 of 2
This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Mike Lutey, franchise owner of Special Strong Southeast & Northwest Houston, to talk about the power of adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities—and how the right workout can change everything.
Mike shares his personal journey, inspired by his sister with Down syndrome and his mom’s advocacy work in Montana, to becoming the very first Special Strong franchisee. What started as a LinkedIn message became a mission to serve others through fitness, inclusion, and community-building.
From one-on-one personal training to group classes that build social confidence and structure, Special Strong is filling the gap that so many parents face after graduation: What’s next?
💪 Whether your child has autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or other cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges, Special Strong is meeting individuals where they are—and building strength from the inside out.
Special Strong offers adaptive and inclusive fitness training for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive disabilities. They specialize in post-therapy fitness, group classes, and customized coaching for those with autism, Down syndrome, CP, traumatic brain injury, and more. With franchise locations growing nationwide, they’re on a mission to make fitness accessible to everyone.
📍 Locations: – Southeast Houston (League City, Friendswood, etc.) – North/Northwest Houston (Spring, Conroe, The Woodlands, Cypress)
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Denied. Retaliated. Silenced. — A Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired Speaks Out
What happens when a certified teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) demands that blind students receive the services they're legally entitled to? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Angela Tucker, a veteran special educator and ACTVI in Texas, who shares her personal story of standing up—and being shut down.
Angela was hired to serve students with visual impairments in Bryan ISD. But when she raised concerns about the lack of braille materials, denied access to adapted content, and violations of IDEA and FAPE, she was met with silence, retaliation, and eventually a non-renewal notice.
🎧 In this episode:
The shocking truth about what blind students were not receiving
Why “access” is not optional—it’s the law
What retaliation looks like for educators who speak up
The critical role of a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)
How parents can find out if their child is actually receiving FAPE
What districts don’t want you to know—and how to file a state complaint
This is not just one teacher’s story. It’s a mirror of what’s happening across districts when leadership fails students with low-incidence disabilities.
📣 We’re calling for action. A press conference is planned for June.
If you’ve been impacted or want to take the next step:
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Amazing Things for Individuals with Disabilities
22 May 2025
00:20:51
Movement Is Medicine: How Fitness Builds Longevity, Choice, and Confidence for Individuals with Disabilities Part 2 with Mike Lutey, Special Strong Franchise Owner
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Special Education Boss® Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down again with Mike Lutey, franchise owner of Special Strong Houston, to go even deeper into the life-changing impact of adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities.
This episode covers why movement matters, especially for students and young adults with cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges—and how fitness, socialization, and voice-access tools like AAC devices contribute to longer, more empowered lives.
Mike shares how Special Strong is helping families create healthier, more connected futures—one workout at a time.
About Special Strong Special Strong provides adaptive and inclusive fitness training to individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive disabilities. Their services include:
One-on-one personal training
Inclusive group fitness classes
Adaptive programs for post-therapy recovery and adult wellness
Their programs support individuals with autism, Down syndrome, CP, traumatic brain injury, and more—with locations across Southeast and North/Northwest Houston.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Live Special Education Q&A — Your Most Pressing IEP, 504, and Transition Questions Answered
27 May 2025
00:52:45
n this rapid-fire, real-talk episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham returns for another Ask the Advocate session, answering over 50 real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates across the country. From first IEP meetings to post-secondary transition plans, from AAC devices to due process complaints—you asked, and Karen delivered.
⚠️ Spoiler alert: This one gets spicy (and hilarious). Don’t miss the part where Karen clears up what to do with homework, reveals why she was almost called a grifter, and drops the truth about who really belongs in a 1:1 para situation.
💬 Listener Favorite Moments:
“Can I file a complaint if an IEP evaluation took 24 months?” (Yes.)
“Why do you dislike 1:1 aides in gen ed?” (Karen doesn’t hate them—she wants appropriate placement.)
“What if the school says they can’t provide the data?” (We wait. No data, no decision.)
“My advocate talks to me every day about mental health…” (Hmm. Let’s unpack that.)
*The press conference can be found on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/rckw4XBqRp8
📅 New episodes every Tuesday! Subscribe for more IEP help, IDEA breakdowns, parent empowerment, and behind-the-scenes commentary that will leave you informed, laughing, and ready to sit at the table prepared.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
How to Get Your Child Fully Tested for Special Education Services
29 May 2025
00:41:12
Do you know your rights when it comes to getting your child tested for special education?
In this training episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham, we walk step-by-step through the entire process of requesting special education testing—starting with how to recognize suspected areas of need, what to include in your written request, and what evaluations you have the right to request under IDEA.
Whether you’re a parent noticing delays or a caregiver unsure of the next step, this episode is a must-listen. Karen breaks down:
✅ What suspected disability means (and why it matters) ✅ Why you don’t need a diagnosis to request testing ✅ The 8 areas of evaluation you should ask for ✅ What timelines schools must follow after your request ✅ What to do if your request is denied ✅ Why putting it in writing changes everything ✅ How to prepare for the Notice & Consent meeting ✅ What happens after testing—504, IEP, or denial
This is the training so many parents say they wish they had years ago.
🛑 Don’t wait. Testing identifies or eliminates. And either way, your child deserves clarity, support, and a plan forward.
📨 Need help? Reach out to advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📚 Want to go deeper? Join The Academy for full access to all training series:
🎧 Listen to more episodes on your favorite podcast platform 📺 Subscribe on YouTube
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Don’t Overcomplicate It: Testing Requests, Service Denials, and Straight Talk on Advocacy
10 Jun 2025
00:40:45
Tired of being told “we don’t do that” or “your concern isn’t valid”? This episode of Special Education Boss® is your reminder: you don’t need permission to advocate for your child.
Karen Mayer Cunningham returns with another fire Ask the Advocate Q&A—answering real questions from parents, teachers, and advocates nationwide. Whether you’re being told you can’t request testing, the IEP “isn’t needed,” or services were “missed but not a big deal”—this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and next steps.
We’re talking: ✅ How to request testing (simple, not stressful) ✅ Data myths that delay evaluations ✅ Predetermination: what it looks like & how to respond ✅ When reevaluations are actually necessary ✅ Speech-only IEPs, ADHD concerns, and service denials ✅ Why missing just one session matters ✅ What “refusal” really means in BIPs and IEPs ✅ Filing state complaints—the right way ✅ Retention, behavior plans, and tracking the right data ✅ Why your voice at the table matters more than ever
🎯 Plus: Upcoming training details for parents, teachers & advocates who are ready to step in and serve—without confusion or second-guessing.
🎙 Listen on YouTube, Buzzsprout, or your favorite podcast platform. 💬 Like, share, comment, and subscribe to help more families get access to clear answers and strong 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
FAPE for All: Real Talk on IEPs, Comp Ed, and What’s Actually Right
05 Jun 2025
00:48:28
What’s right, what’s wrong, and what you absolutely need to know about your rights in special education.
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham is back—answering live questions about IEPs, 504s, placement, compensatory services, and so much more. If you’ve ever been told:
“We don’t offer that here…”
“We’re removing resource classes…”
“Your child doesn’t qualify…”
“We’re amending without a meeting…”
…it’s time to sit all the way down and tune in.
Karen unpacks:
Resource vs. inclusion vs. life skills
When to file a state complaint
Why MTSS/RTI cannot delay an evaluation
Compensatory time: how much is due and when to push back
The TRUTH about asynchronous and hybrid service models
What parents can do when the school “doesn’t have” something federally required
The reality of charter schools and IEP implementation
How to advocate when no one else will—and why sometimes you need to be the big mouth in your district
💡 Plus: Karen shares summer training updates you don’t want to miss.
🎯 Ready to get trained to advocate with confidence and clarity? Join The Academy
Listen to more episodes on Buzzsprout, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Follow, like, share, and subscribe—it helps us reach more families who need this info.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Understanding the Continuum of Special Education Services: Myth-Busting LRE, Resource, and More
03 Jun 2025
00:41:19
Most parents—and far too many educators—don’t fully understand what the “Continuum of Special Education Services” actually means. And that’s a problem.
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down one of the most misunderstood components of IDEA: the continuum of placements and how it connects to your child’s right to FAPE in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
From general education with accommodations, to resource classes, self-contained programs, out-of-district placements, and even homebound instruction—Karen walks you through five key “buckets” of service delivery. She shares real talk, practical examples, and the truth about how these options should be considered—not just based on funding or staffing convenience.
Topics include:
Why LRE is not a place—it’s a consideration
How to ensure your child’s IEP goals are being implemented by the right people
What to ask at your next IEP meeting (“Who is the second teacher?”)
What happens when schools say, “We got rid of Resource”?
Understanding your child’s unique circumstances and cognitive profile
When and why out-of-district placement or homebound may be appropriate
The difference between ethical persuasion and pressure in IEP teams
Why the Continuum must be individualized—not one-size-fits-all
If you’ve ever felt pressured by a district to accept a placement that doesn’t feel right—or you’ve been told your child “won’t get a diploma” if they’re in special education—you need this episode.
Join The Academy and get full access to all our trainings, live Q&As, and the most powerful advocacy community around:
Listen on your favorite Podcast Platform we are on all of them or watch the full replay on YouTube.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
LRE & FAPE: Placement, Predetermination, and the Continuum of Services with Dr. Mitchell Yell
12 Jun 2025
01:05:33
What’s the difference between FAPE and LRE—and why does it matter so much in IEP placement decisions?
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with national expert Dr. Mitchell Yell to unpack two of the most misunderstood elements of the IEP process: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation offers a deep dive into how schools are (and aren’t) following federal law—especially when it comes to placement, the continuum of services, and ensuring each child receives an appropriate education in the right setting.
👉 You’ll learn:
The definitions of LRE and FAPE—and how they work together
Why LRE is not a location (and general ed is not always the answer)
What schools get wrong about resource rooms and self-contained classrooms
The difference between “shoehorning” and individualized placement
What predetermination actually looks like in practice—and why it's a problem
Why schools can't eliminate parts of the continuum (like resource rooms!)
How to respond when schools say things like “we don’t offer that here” or “we got rid of resource”
Karen and Dr. Yell also answer dozens of real audience questions—including what to do if your child is being pushed into a program without team discussion, how to handle denials of placement, and why you should always ask for a proper Prior Written Notice.
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered:
🧠 “Do they really have to offer a continuum of services?” 🧠 “Can a district just say they don’t do resource anymore?” 🧠 “What if my child is placed without trying general ed first?”
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Classroom to Advocacy: Cindy’s Journey from Teacher to Special Education Advocate
17 Jun 2025
00:24:15
In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham welcomes Cindy—a former teacher of 27 years, literacy specialist, MTSS leader, and now a full-time special education advocate. What led her to pivot from teaching to advocacy? The answer may sound familiar: burnout, frustration, and an unshakable belief that kids deserve better.
Cindy opens up about the emotional and professional toll of navigating a school system that often prioritizes compliance over support. She shares how parenting a child with autism, advocating within her own district, and witnessing systemic failures led her to leave the classroom. Her turning point? Finding Karen’s TikTok, joining the 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive, and realizing that she could make a real impact outside the system.
Inside this episode:
Why “wait and see” is one of the worst models in special education
How Cindy discovered unmet services buried in her son’s records
The reality of professional development for teachers (spoiler: not helpful)
How The Academy and 2-Day Intensive helped Cindy launch her advocacy business
What it’s like going from educator to IEP table warrior—and how you can too
This is a must-listen for teachers, parents, and anyone wondering if it’s really possible to pivot into advocacy. Spoiler alert: It is.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Summer School, Services Denied, and Screaming Goats
19 Jun 2025
01:00:12
Over 20 questions. One boss. No fluff. In this high-energy episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your biggest concerns in a LIVE Q&A format—covering everything from compensatory services and ESY confusion to ABA therapy myths, denied evaluations, and falsified IEP data.
📌 Topics include:
What to do if your child missed speech or reading minutes
Whether uncertified SPED staff are legal (spoiler: they’re not)
How to request testing in the summer
Summer school vs. ESY — what the law actually says
What to do when the school says, “Your child isn’t that bad off”
Who qualifies for IEP vs. 504 and how they’re NOT the same
Tips on paraprofessionals, eligibility, evaluations, and real FAPE violations
Why the Screaming Goat might be your new IEP BFF
💥 Bonus segments:
Behind-the-scenes updates on upcoming Mastermind (starts July 27)
Details on the July 19–20 in-person training in Florida
What’s inside Karen’s app (and how to download it!)
Why she’s headed back to Washington, D.C. for special education policy change
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Classroom to Advocacy: Why Alan Driggers Left Teaching to Fight for Families
24 Jun 2025
00:35:00
What happens when a seasoned special education teacher realizes the system isn't built to support the very students it's supposed to serve?
In this powerful conversation, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with former educator Alan Driggers, who recently left the classroom after 14 years to become a full-time special education advocate. Alan shares what it's really like behind the scenes in public education: the lack of training, inconsistent processes, data collection failures, and systemic barriers that leave both teachers and students in the dark.
You’ll hear:
Why Alan became the 504 coordinator with zero training
What happens when advocates show up—and schools call in their attorneys
Why behavior support programs fail without accountability
The real reason many students never get evaluated under Child Find
What led Alan to finally walk away and join the advocacy movement
How teachers are unintentionally getting it wrong—and how it impacts IEPs
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode will open your eyes to the cracks in the system—and how one educator decided to do something about it.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Fort Bend ISD Whistleblower Reveals IEP Failures, FERPA Violations & Retaliation
25 Jun 2025
00:11:29
What would you do if your child’s school ignored the law—and told teachers not to speak to you?
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham shares a powerful whistleblower letter from a former general education teacher inside Fort Bend ISD. This teacher came forward to expose what was really happening behind closed doors:
🚫 IEPs not implemented 🚫 Accommodations skipped 🚫 FERPA violations—including sharing unredacted IEPs 🚫 Retaliation against staff who speak up 🚫 Confidential mediation details leaked to campus teams
Karen breaks it all down—what’s legal, what’s not, and what families must know to protect their rights.
This isn’t just one isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern of ongoing non-compliance, denial of services, and systemic retaliation. The district’s actions have triggered multiple filings, including due process hearings, state complaints, and a case now in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
🎯 If you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate—this episode is a must-listen.
🎓 We train everyone at the IEP/504 table to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Summer Services, Speech Support, and the 50% Off Sale!
26 Jun 2025
00:59:37
We’re wrapping up June with Ask the Advocate—and it’s packed! Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your most-asked questions about IEPs, 504s, compensatory services, and more. From data myths and goal-setting to speech therapy, para support, and placement issues—this episode is full of clarity, education, and laughter (of course).
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Now through June 30, download Wealthy & Well-Known (for FREE) and email a screenshot to advocate@specialeducationacademy.com to get a 50% OFF coupon for any one digital product—including the 2-Day Virtual Intensive!
Topics in this episode:
How to request an IEP meeting when elopement or behavior concerns arise
Can districts deny services due to “summer”? (Spoiler: no)
Why IEP goals must be based on present levels (and what to do if they aren’t)
Resource rooms, para staffing, and LRE compliance
What to do when the district says they “didn’t know”
Navigating ESY, state complaints, private school myths, and more
The difference between The Academy, the 2-Day, and the Mastermind
The new APP is here! Search Special Education Academy in your app store.
Want more help navigating special education? Join The Academy for just $97/month:
🎧 Listen, learn, and ask your questions live every week with Karen.
Grab your 50% OFF digital product coupon Download Wealthy & Well-Known for free → Send us a screenshot → Email: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com Offer valid June 23–30 only!
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Classroom to Advocacy: Why This Educator Walked Away to Stand Up for Kids
01 Jul 2025
00:23:34
The system isn’t just broken—it’s breaking teachers.
This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Linda Glazewski, a bold new voice in the advocacy world. After 30+ years in the classroom, Linda walked away from the job she once loved to start advocating full-time for families and students with disabilities. Why? Because the very system she served was standing in the way of student success.
👉 You’ll hear:
What finally pushed Linda to say, “I’m done”
The real story behind aggressive behaviors in co-taught classrooms
Why calling an IEP meeting isn’t always as simple as it sounds
How trauma, burnout, and broken systems affect great teachers
The one moment that made her say, “I have to do more”
What teachers and parents need to understand about being allies—not adversaries
The training shift that changed her perspective (spoiler: it was the 2-Day Intensive!)
This episode is for every teacher who wants to make a bigger impact, every parent who feels like no one’s listening, and every advocate trying to bridge the gap.
📩 Want to connect with Linda Glazewski? Email: linda@specialeducationace.com
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Mom Guilt to Systemic Change: Angie Pannuti's Special Education Advocacy Journey
02 Jul 2025
00:45:56
What happens when a fiercely intelligent parent is told her child just isn’t “a good fit” for school?
In this raw and powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Kentucky-based mom, medical professional, and now advocate, Angie Pannuti. What began as a personal struggle with sleep-deprived nights, guilt-filled days, and a nonverbal toddler has turned into a mission to shift entire school systems—starting with her son, Michael.
Angie shares her journey:
Navigating early intervention and a rocky preschool transition
Feeling like she was failing as a parent (despite being a physician assistant!)
The moment she realized something had to change
Finding Karen’s videos late one night on Facebook Reels
Attending board meetings, joining the Academy, and becoming “all in”
Starting a nonprofit, Special Education Lifeline, to support families in Kentucky
This episode is a masterclass in what happens when a parent is empowered with the right tools, training, and support—and the ripple effect it creates in communities, classrooms, and systems.
💡 You’ll hear:
Why Angie had to step back as “just mom” to truly advocate
The power of saying, “Show me the data.”
How a structured classroom transformed Michael’s school year
Why teachers, not just parents, are joining the Academy in record numbers
What it really means to “train everyone at the IEP/504 table”
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outnumbered, or underprepared in special education—this conversation is your lifeline.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Mid-Year Wake-Up Call + Your Top IEP Questions Answered
03 Jul 2025
00:56:22
We’re back with a no-holds-barred Ask the Advocate episode—and this one is fire. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is answering your most-asked questions with the clarity, humor, and wisdom you’ve come to expect.
Spoiler: It’s July. That means we’re in the second half of the year—and there’s still time to get in the game and fight for your child’s rights.
In this episode:
How long schools have to evaluate your child (and what “school days” really mean)
Whether a school can ignore a private evaluation
Why behavior issues and good grades don’t cancel each other out
The real job of a paraprofessional
What to do when an aide is helping other students instead of yours
The truth about MDRs, ESY, speech-only IEPs, and testing timelines
Why “buckle down and listen” isn’t a valid intervention—and what to do instead
The difference between a diagnosis and eligibility
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
What Is a Due Process Hearing—and What Does It Mean for Parents and Advocates?
04 Jul 2025
00:31:51
f you’ve ever said, “I’ll sue the school district,” you may be thinking about a due process hearing—but do you actually know what that means?
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the fourth and most formal dispute resolution option under IDEA: the Special Education Due Process Hearing.
Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or educator, you’ll walk away with a deep understanding of:
What a due process hearing really is (and isn’t)
What IDEA says about who can file and how to do it
What must be included in a complaint to even be heard
Timelines that could make or break your case
Whether you need a lawyer—or if you can self-represent
What happens after you file (hint: it’s not instant!)
Karen’s personal insight from 11+ years of hearings
This isn’t about suing—it’s about knowing your rights, protecting your child, and walking into that room prepared.
Need help or want a free resource? Just fill out the orange contact form on our site or email: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com We’ll send you a FREE copy of the Texas Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook.
Want your copy of the federal IDEA law book (IDEA 2004)? Get it HERE
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Dispute Resolution in Special Education: What Are Your Rights
08 Jul 2025
00:29:03
If you're facing a disagreement with your child’s school over special education services, this episode is for you.
Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the four state-level dispute resolution options every parent, guardian, and advocate must know:
✅ IEP Facilitation ✅ Mediation ✅ State Complaint ✅ Due Process Hearing
This episode covers:
What each option is and when to use it
Pros, cons, timelines, and what to expect
Real-talk about when being “nice” won’t get your child the services they deserve
How to choose the right path—and why you only get one shot
Karen shares insights from 28 years of experience advocating across the country, including how to use these tools to hold school districts accountable—and most importantly, to secure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for your child.
📚 Mentioned in this episode: – Federal Law: IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34 – State-specific dispute forms (check your SEA website)
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Hot Topics + Hot Deals: July Q&A with the Special Education Boss®
09 Jul 2025
00:58:03
July is heating up—and so is the conversation! In this live Q&A episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest questions on IEPs, 504s, eligibility, state complaints, ABA therapy, inclusion, and more.
Plus, she announces exciting news: 📕 Karen’s long-awaited special education book is finally done—and pre-orders with bonuses are coming soon! 🔥 For the first time ever, the 2-Day On-Demand Advocacy Intensive is 50% off through July 31 with code: JULY 📍 The final in-person 2-Day Intensive for the year is July 19–20 in Melbourne, Florida 📆 The only Mastermind of the year is July 27—and the 2-Day is a prerequisite 📲 And yes, the new Special Education Academy app is live on both app stores!
🔊 In this episode, Karen covers:
What to do if service providers skip sessions
Can parents sit in when there’s no aide?
What does "as needed" in the IEP really mean?
How to request no homework (yes, really)
What happens when IEP meetings are cut short
Why “LRE = General Ed” is not what the law says
Do you need a diagnosis to qualify for 504?
Can schools deny placement based on space?
🗣️ “We’re not giving legal advice. We’re educating you.”
🧠 Whether you're a parent, teacher, para, or advocate-in-the-making, you'll walk away with clarity, action steps, and more than a few laughs. (And yes—some hairspray commentary, too.)
🎁 Special Offers 👉 Get the 2-Day On-Demand Training at 50% off with code: JULY 🧠 Join The Academy for weekly training: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about 📲 Download the app on iOS or Android: Search: Special Education Academy
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
AI, Authenticity, and Saving 10 Hours a Week: A Conversation with Matt Fornito
10 Jul 2025
00:43:37
Are you using AI... or is it using you?
In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with keynote speaker, organizational psychologist, and AI strategist Matt Fornito to unpack what’s really happening in the world of artificial intelligence—and why it matters for educators, advocates, and business owners alike.
They cover:
How AI is changing education and business—for better or worse
What Karen learned from Matt that helped her finally finish her book
Why AI isn’t replacing teachers, but bad systems might try
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
How to Make a Formal Special Education Request (Say This Exactly)
11 Jul 2025
00:03:48
Parents: If you think you’ve made a request for special education testing, but it wasn’t written, clean, concise, and clear… you didn’t.
In this short but powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, walks you through exactlywhat a formal request is — and what it isn’t.
No more: 🚫 "Hey Bob, can you check on that for me?" 🚫 "I’m on the PTA, they’ll take care of it." 🚫 Phone calls that go nowhere.
✅ You’ll leave this episode knowing exactly what to write, how to write it, and what happens next.
📌 Sample Script: “Dear Staff, this is my formal request for my child, Billy Smith, to have special education testing. Areas of suspected disability are attention and learning issues. I look forward to your written response.”
No threats. No legal code. Just clean. Concise. Clear.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
What Schools Get Wrong: Q&A on One-to-One Support, Service Minutes, and Your Parent Rights
17 Jul 2025
01:00:34
Do you know your rights when it comes to makeup services, one-to-one support, and placement decisions? In this powerful, unfiltered Q&A session, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, breaks down REAL questions from parents and educators navigating the IEP table.
We’re covering everything from:
Can a school deliver compensatory minutes before talking to the parent?
Is one-on-one support really “too restrictive”?
What to do when a school says “It’s all or nothing” on placement
How to respond when your child’s related services were never delivered
The truth about paras providing IEP minutes (yikes)
What to say when denied dyslexia testing or told your child is “too low to help”
And yes... how to explain SLD (Specific Learning Disability) in parent-friendly terms
💥 Plus: Karen shares her favorite due process win, when to file a state vs. federal complaint, and why the phrase “That’s it” has NO place in IDEA.
➡️ If you’ve ever been told “we don’t do that here” or “your child doesn’t need that,” this episode is your roadmap to push back — respectfully, legally, and strategically.
⚠️ Bonus Highlights:
Why denying access to AAC or lunch = OCR complaint
What to do if your child is carried in a trash can 😡
What the 7 Gs are — and why they matter in IEP testing
Why charter schools may not be the best fit for SPED students
How to explain accommodations vs. modifications to staff
Listen now and join the movement of informed, prepared, and empowered parents and professionals who are changing the game in special education.
💡 Join The Academy 📲 Get the app → Search “Special Education Academy” in your App Store 📧 Need help? advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
How to File an Effective OCR Complaint (Part 1): Know Your Rights and Get It Right
16 Jul 2025
00:42:29
Do you know your rights when it comes to filing a federal complaint for disability discrimination? In this powerful Part 1 of our 3-part training, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—walks you through how to effectively file an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “Should I file a federal complaint?” 👉 “What does OCR actually cover?” 👉 “What goes into a successful filing?” 👉 “Can I file as an advocate, or only as a parent?”
Then THIS episode is for you.
Here's what you’ll learn:
What the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is—and what it’s not
The difference between an OCR complaint vs. a state complaint
Who can file: parent, guardian, advocate, or group
The strict 180-day timeline to file (and why most people miss it)
What OCR does not investigate (and why knowing this matters)
Step-by-step walkthrough of the OCR Complaint Assessment System
What to include (and NOT include) in your complaint narrative
Sample wording for discrimination, denial of accommodations, and retaliation
How to request meaningful remedies like training and compensatory time
Whether you're a parent, advocate, educator, or professional, this training will help you sit at the table prepared, informed, and effective.
📍This is Part 1 of a 3-part series. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll unpack what happens after you file—including interviews, investigations, and settlements.
Ready to get trained on all six dispute resolution options? Join The Academy for over 250+ hours of on-demand training
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
The Testing Talk: How to Get Your Child Fully Evaluated for Special Education
15 Jul 2025
00:30:49
Is your child struggling in school, and you're wondering if special education testing is the next step? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the entire process of requesting and navigating special education testing—from suspected needs to formal evaluations.
If you've ever been told "your child doesn’t qualify" or "we don’t think there’s a learning disability," this episode is for you.
📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Who qualifies for special education testing
What ages are eligible (starting as early as 2.5!)
The 8 areas of a full evaluation (including speech, cognition, behavior, and more)
How to write a clean, concise, and clear formal testing request
What happens after the request
What to do if the school denies testing or misidentifies eligibility
What your parental rights are (and what schools are legally required to do)
You’ll also hear real Q&A from parents asking:
“What if my request was denied?”
“Do verbal requests count?”
“What if I don’t agree with the eligibility category?”
“How can I be heard at IEP meetings?”
Karen pulls back the curtain on the red tape, simplifies the legal language, and gives you real, actionable tools so you can confidently advocate for your child without fear or confusion.
📣 Don’t wait another day. If you know something isn’t right—start now.
“Testing does one of two things: it identifies or eliminates. Either way, we want answers.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
Have a question about IEPs, special education rights, or how to advocate for your child? In this rapid-fire episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers YOUR burning questions from parents, teachers, and advocates across the country.
✨ From transition services at age 16 (or earlier!) to paraprofessional-only classrooms, related services, and the legal difference between an IEP and a 504, this episode is packed with clear, actionable insight.
🔍 Topics covered include:
What to do when the school refuses a transition plan at age 16
Can a classroom be run by paras only?
Why "extremely low IQ" isn't enough without data
What’s required for behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
How long is “without unnecessary delay”?
When to Request an IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation)
How to advocate for AAC devices like a light box
Can self-contained students be dismissed early? (Spoiler: NO!)
Can a school end an IEP without parent consent?
And so much more…
💬 Karen also explains why “extremely low” isn’t a legal term, how parents should handle emotionally charged meetings, and what to do if the team “dictates” the IEP.
🎓 Want more support? Join The Academy for full access to over 250+ hours of training, ongoing weekly updates, and a community that knows how to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
👉 Join The Academy: 📩 Need an advocate? Email: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 🎧 Listen to past episodes on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
OCR Part 2: Next Steps Unveiled — Navigating Post-Complaint Procedures with OCR
22 Jul 2025
01:04:05
So you filed an OCR complaint… now what?
In Part 2 of our 3-part training series, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through exactly what happens after you hit "submit" on an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint—because filing is just the beginning.
This training picks up where we left off in Part 1 (go back and listen if you haven’t yet!). We’re moving into what the federal process looks like after your complaint is received—including consent forms, timelines, clarification calls, documentation requirements, and what it actually means when they say they’re “gathering facts.”
You’ll learn:
✅ What happens after filing an OCR complaint ✅ The difference between a dismissal letter and a notification letter ✅ What to expect during the clarification call ✅ What role retaliation plays in a complaint ✅ Why you must stick to the facts—not feelings
Karen breaks down real-life examples of complaints she’s filed, including those on behalf of individual students and groups, and what districts are required to do under Section 504, ADA Title II, and other civil rights laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.
📌 Important Reminder: OCR is a neutral fact-finding body. They're not on your side. They're not on the district's side. They are there to determine if the facts support a violation of civil rights. You need documentation, clarity, and preparation to navigate this process successfully.
This episode is packed with actionable insight for parents, advocates, and professionals. Whether you’re mid-complaint or just getting started, don’t skip this one.
🔗 Listen to Part 1 here 🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow for more weekly training on your rights under IDEA, 504, FAPE, and special education guidelines.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
IEP or 504? Budget Excuses, OT Battles, and Why Data Always Wins | Ask the Advocate
23 Jul 2025
00:45:50
What’s the real difference between an IEP and a 504? Spoiler: one of them is a “waste of good paper”… and Karen does not hold back.
In this rapid-fire Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers the most pressing questions from parents, teachers, and advocates navigating special education. From whether schools can deny services based on budget to how to respond when accommodations “aren’t being implemented,” Karen gives straight answers with humor, heart, and strategy.
Topics Covered:
How to request special education testing (what to say + how to say it)
IEP vs. 504 — and why that matters more than ever
Can good grades cancel an IEP?
Why schools push for life skills programs — and how to push back
What to do when raw data is missing (or obviously fake)
How to advocate for one-to-one support, ESY, or out-of-district placement
When to file a complaint, skip mediation, or request an IEE
Plus: Karen dishes out solid gold on how YOU can become an advocate—and why the system needs you now more than ever.
🎧 Listen, laugh, learn—and leave ready to advocate with confidence.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Ask the Advocate: Paras, Placements, Phones & IEP Problems—Answered
24 Jul 2025
01:03:42
What do you do when the IEP isn’t followed? When a para is left unsupervised? When your child is denied services due to a “lack of staff”? Or when a cell phone ban interferes with their support plan?
In this rapid-fire Q&A episode of Ask the Advocate, Special Education Boss® Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your most pressing questions about special education—straight from the front lines. No fluff. No legal jargon. Just real answers to real problems.
Topics we cover in this episode:
✅ Are all paras qualified to serve students with disabilities? ✅ Can you be hired without certification? (Short answer: Yes. Long answer: You better listen.) ✅ Can a child be denied VO-Tech or transition services? ✅ What if the principal ignores IEP violations? ✅ When should compensatory services be offered—and what if they’re never delivered? ✅ Can a parent request a one-to-one aide? ✅ What’s legal when it comes to substitutes in inclusion classrooms? ✅ How do students access their phones if there’s a safety plan or doctor’s note? ✅ What’s the deal with Level 1, 2, or 3 autism labels in schools? ✅ Can a school make a placement decision without a meeting?
💡 BONUS: Karen shares what federal law actually says about paraprofessionals and IEP implementation—plus how to get her most requested resource: Working with Paraprofessionals: A Resource for Educators of Students with Disabilities. Request it: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
📱 Download the Special Education Academy App: Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just search Special Education Academy and look for the lightbulb with the grad cap!
🎓 TRAININGS: ✔️ 2-Day Intensive (On-Demand) — 50% off with code JULY ✔️ Mastermind Cohort — Starts July 27, 2025 ✔️ Weekly Training in The Academy — Every Monday @ 8 PM CST
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Writing Measurable, Meaningful IEP Goals
29 Jul 2025
01:29:43
How to Ditch SMART Goals, Align with Present Levels, and Meet the Endrew F. Standard
Most IEP goals aren’t measurable—and that’s a big problem.
In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham is joined by Dr. Mitchell Yell, special education expert, professor, and hearing officer, to break down how to write IEP goals that actually meet legal standards and support real student progress.
Together, they cover:
Why SMART goals fall short
A simple 3-step formula for writing measurable goals
How to align goals to present levels (not just state standards)
What the Endrew F. case says about student progress
How to fix goals that are vague, invisible, or rolled over year to year
When to change instruction (not just lower expectations)
This is essential listening for parents, educators, and advocates who want to get IEPs right.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
OCR Complaints Part 3: Mediation, Rebuttal, and Resolution Explained
25 Jul 2025
00:55:35
What happens after you file an OCR complaint? In Part 3 of our special series on how to file effective OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaints, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, walks you through everything that happens once your complaint is opened for investigation—including mediation options, rebuttal strategies, and meaningful resolutions.
This episode covers:
✅ What the OCR looks for when opening an investigation ✅ Why mediation is always voluntary—but often powerful ✅ Real examples of how compensatory services and training were negotiated ✅ What to include in your rebuttal if a district disputes your claims ✅ Why every complaint needs clear documentation, timelines, and expectations ✅ What to say (and not say) when engaging with investigators ✅ How to respond when your case is transferred to a new investigator ✅ What "resolution" really means—and how to make it work for your child
Whether you're a parent, advocate, or professional supporting students with disabilities, this deep dive gives you the language, tools, and mindset to stay in the fight for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
How to Request and Navigate Special Education Testing & Evaluations
30 Jul 2025
01:02:18
How to Request Special Education Testing + What Happens Next Special Education Boss® Podcast | Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham
Confused about how to get your child tested for special education services? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
In this powerhouse episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, breaks down what every parent, educator, and advocate needs to know about requesting and navigating special education evaluations.
📚 We’re covering: ✅ How to request an FIE (Full Individual Evaluation) ✅ IDEA timelines and eligibility basics ✅ 504 vs. IEP: Which one applies—and when? ✅ What goes into a proper evaluation (academic, speech, OT, behavior, etc.) ✅ How to prepare for the results and advocate for appropriate supports ✅ Writing goals based on data—not feelings ✅ Behavior plans, assistive tech, and related services ✅ Real Q&A from parents and educators just like you
Whether you're new to this journey or knee-deep in evaluations, this training gives you clarity, confidence, and action steps to move forward.
🧠 Want more support? Join The Academy. New training sessions weekly, 250+ hours available now.
📲 Download the free SEA app for access, updates, and community.
“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” —Karen Mayer Cunningham
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
From Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave Transition
31 Jul 2025
00:34:14
From the classroom to the conference table—today’s episode is one of full-circle purpose.
Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is joined by the amazing Rachel Mottern, a former special education teacher turned full-time national advocate, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t forget.
Rachel shares her journey from struggling with dyslexia as a child to becoming a teacher, earning her master's at Vanderbilt (yes, the #1 program in the nation), and eventually realizing she could serve students better outside the system.
What started with a two-day training inside the Special Education Academy turned into a career pivot that changed everything. You'll hear:
What it was like being a student with dyslexia and a “quiet struggler”
Why she took the 2-Day Intensive and Mastermind—and how it gave her permission to act.
Behind-the-scenes stories of systemic pushback, evaluation roadblocks, and how Rachel refused to be hushed.
How she built her advocacy practice with courage, community, and Karen’s mentorship.
This episode is for every educator, advocate, and parent who knows something isn’t right—and is ready to do something about it.
Rachel now serves families nationwide and is living proof that when you combine training, lived experience, and boldness, you can make real change.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Divorce, Disability & IEPs: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Mary Ann Hughes
01 Aug 2025
00:27:01
What happens when a parent of two children with autism faces divorce during IEP transition years? In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Mary Ann Hughes, Certified Special Needs Divorce Coach and founder of Special Family Transitions. From navigating divorce while parenting children with disabilities to building lifelong support plans, Mary Ann shares practical tools, real-life insights, and hope for parents walking a complex path. This conversation is a must-listen for advocates, educators, and families facing tough transitions.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)
...
Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What Every Advocate Needs to Know
05 Aug 2025
00:32:51
Welcome back to Special Education Boss®! In this power-packed training episode from Day 1 of “How to Advocate for Anyone,” Karen Mayer Cunningham unpacks one of the most misunderstood areas in special education: the difference between medical diagnosis and educational need, and why it matters at the IEP table.
Key takeaways:
Differentiate between medical, therapeutic, and educational models
Navigate eligibility categories, comorbidities, and eligibility order
Decode the true meaning of a 504 vs. an IEP—and why “he’s doing great” isn’t good enough
Advocate for comprehensive evaluations, including cognitive (all 7 Gs), adaptive, achievement, psychological, and language
Use your role to tell the child’s full story, not just comply with checkboxes
Avoid common traps in eligibility and evaluation—and how to ask for Prior Written Notice when needed
Why “we’re not in the pool” and “we consider it” are red flags—and what to say instead
How to ensure your advocacy is rooted in excellence, integrity, and long-term outcomes
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode is a masterclass in IDEA advocacy and strategic decision-making at every stage of the special education process.
“This is why we don’t waffle, waver, or water it down.”
Listen now and equip yourself with the language, mindset, and legal literacy to lead IEP teams and advocate for what every child deserves.
✨ 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 Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 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.)