Back-to-School Special Education Q&A: IEP Meetings, Teacher Certification, and Advocacy Tips

It’s August, it’s hot, and it’s time to talk about starting the school year strong! In this special Ask the Advocate Q&A, Karen Mayer Cunningham — the Special Education Boss® — answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates on everything from calling IEP meetings to checking teacher credentials.You’ll hear how to:Identify real reasons to call an IEP meeting (and avoid wasting time)Make sure accommodations start the first day of schoolHandle uncertified or unqualified staff in special ed classroomsTrack down teacher and para credentials in your stateUnderstand comparable service plans and timelinesAdvocate effectively when meetings get postponedLearn the rules on no-phone policies in schools (including Texas HB 1481)Start your journey as a special education advocatePlus — tips for first-time paras, how to prune IEP accommodations, and why delayed special ed is still denied special ed.📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:📲 Download the Special Education Academy App🎓 Join The Academy📅 Register for the 2-Day Virtual Special Education Advocacy Intensive (Sept 27–28, 2025)📧 Email the Team: [email protected]“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 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.)Because when...