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 school
- Handle uncertified or unqualified staff in special ed classrooms
- Track down teacher and para credentials in your state
- Understand comparable service plans and timelines
- Advocate effectively when meetings get postponed
- Learn the rules on no-phone policies in schools (including Texas HB 1481)
- Start your journey as a special education advocate
Plus — 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: 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
📱 Follow Karen on:
- TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
- YouTube: 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.)
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