Honoring the Circle: IEP Through Nez Perce Pedagogy

This episode guides listeners through a powerful professional learning experience that reimagines the IEP writing process through the wisdom and values of Nez Perce Pedagogy. The session invites educators to slow down, step into story, and honor each child’s full humanity as they create legally compliant and culturally grounded IEPs.We begin with a traditional Coyote story that opens the door to the nine principles of Nez Perce teaching. These principles frame the heart of the work as staff visualize a student’s day, explore the strengths they see, and practice writing PLAAFPs and Needs Statements that reflect the student’s gifts, needs, and personal sovereignty.This is more than a compliance training. It is a call to remember that every IEP is a living document shaped by community, relationship, and care. Join us as we walk the circle together and learn how culturally rooted practices can transform both our writing and our understanding of the children we serve.