Your IEP notes are more than paperwork—they reflect your professionalism, your respect for families, and the seriousness of the decisions you make. Write every note as if it will be read in a hearing… because it might be.

Some of the most valuable minutes of a conference might have nothing to do with IEP goals at all. They might be spent laughing about the child's quirky sense of humor, or hearing about their weekend soccer tournament, or learning that they're obsessed with dinosaurs this month. These moments of human connection lay the foundation for trust that makes harder conversations possible when challenges arise.

Annual IEP meetings are required, but they're not the only time IEPs can or should be changed. When we wait for scheduled meetings while students struggle with inappropriate services, we're failing to provide FAPE and we're missing opportunities to support student growth.

Parent advocates don't make meetings adversarial—our response to them does. When we approach advocates as partners who can help us better understand and serve students, meetings are collaborative even when advocates are present.

IEP meetings are not supposed to be quick formalities where we get signatures on documents. They're legally required collaborative planning sessions where teams—including parents as equal members—work together to create individualized education plans.

Presenting unified recommendations might feel more comfortable and professional, but it undermines the collaborative process IDEA requires and that students deserve.

Real collaboration is sometimes messy. It involves diverse perspectives, genuine discussion, and making decisions together in real time.

We are experts, but we're not the only experts in the room. The most effective IEP teams recognize that professional knowledge and parent knowledge are both essential, both valuable, and both necessary for creating truly individualized education plans.

Creating inclusive classrooms is ongoing work. It requires commitment to keep learning and improving. It demands collaboration among educators, families, and students. It needs adequate planning time and resources. And it starts with a fundamental belief that all students can learn and deserve to do so alongside their peers.

This post details six strategies that transform inclusive classrooms to meet all students' needs. This is the second blog post in a series entitled Beyond the Classroom Door.

Let’s be honest—by the time summer rolls around, you don’t want to hear the word “IEP” again until September.

And yet…
Come Fall, how often do we say to ourselves:

• “I should’ve organized this earlier.”

• “I wish I had a better plan for this student.”

• “I feel like I’m already behind—and it’s only the first week.”

When it comes to writing IEP goals, it can be tempting to pull a goal straight from a goal bank. After all, these pre-written goals are convenient, readily available, and cover a variety of skills. However, relying solely on an IEP goal bank can lead to generic, ineffective goals

A picture of a red flag and text that says 5 Red flags that an IEP is not written effectively

Sitting at the IEP table, surrounded by educators, specialists, and families, can be a delicate balancing act. The objective is always to create the best educational plan for the student, but navigating these conversations isn’t always easy.

The post-holiday blues are authentic, especially for educators who pour their hearts into their work daily. Winter break offers a much-needed pause, but getting back into the swing of things can feel like a steep climb.

December is a magical time of the year, but it can also be hectic—especially in a special education classroom. Let’s explore five simple yet powerful ways to spark joy in your classroom this December. These ideas are designed to lighten your workload and brighten everyone’s spirits!

Addressing IEP service disparities requires intentionality and commitment. By building relationships, analyzing data, and advocating for systemic changes, we can ensure that Black and Brown students receive the opportunities they deserve.

By understanding the legal responsibilities surrounding IEPs and taking proactive measures, educators can ensure that students with disabilities receive the appropriate services, and schools can avoid costly legal disputes. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, or advocate, staying informed about the legal framework of IEPs is not just best practice—it’s a necessity.