Shows
Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham504 vs. IEP: Why the Difference Changes EverythingWhat’s the real difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP? According to Karen Mayer Cunningham, the answer is simple: everything.In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen unpacks the critical distinctions between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—and why settling for a 504 when your child needs an IEP can set them up for failure instead of success.You’ll learn:Why a 504 is not an education plan—and what that means for your childWhat an IEP actually provides (data, instruction, and measurable progress)How schools blur the...2025-08-0810 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamBack to School, Back to the IEP Table: Rapid-Fire Q&A for 2025-2026It's August 2025, and we’re back to school and back to the IEP and 504 tables! In this episode of Ask the Advocate, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, takes questions live and delivers rapid-fire answers, real-talk strategies, and expert insight to get your year started right.Whether you're prepping for a first IEP meeting, navigating an out-of-place placement, wondering about compensatory services, or trying to understand cell phone exemptions in Texas, this episode covers it all, with a little humor and a whole lot of clarity.🟡 Topics Covered:✅ What to request before your IEP meet...2025-08-0751 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamUnderstanding Evaluations: What Every Parent and Advocate Needs to KnowEvaluations are the foundation of every IEP, and most parents, advocates, and even school staff don’t realize how many sections are involved, what’s legally required, or how much can go wrong when pieces are skipped.In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through the full scope of educational evaluations, breaking down each required component and the common mistakes families face.You’ll learn:The difference between formal and informal evaluations (and when to push back)What MUST be included in a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE)Why skippin...2025-08-061h 03Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamDiagnosis vs. Eligibility: What Every Advocate Needs to KnowWelcome 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 modelsNavigate eligibility categories, comorbidities, and eligibility orderDecode the true meaning of a 504 vs. an IEP—and why “he’s doing great” isn’t good enoughAdvocate for comprehensive evaluations, including cognitive (all 7 Gs), adaptive, achievement, psychological, and languageUse your role to tell the child’s...2025-08-0532 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamDivorce, Disability & IEPs: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Mary Ann HughesWhat 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.🎧 Join The Academy🌐 Learn more about Mary Ann"When we get it...2025-08-0127 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave TransitionFrom 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...2025-07-3134 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamHow to Request and Navigate Special Education Testing & EvaluationsHow to Request Special Education Testing + What Happens NextSpecial Education Boss® Podcast | Hosted by Karen Mayer CunninghamConfused 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...2025-07-301h 02Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamWriting Measurable, Meaningful IEP GoalsHow to Ditch SMART Goals, Align with Present Levels, and Meet the Endrew F. StandardMost 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 shortA simple 3-step formula for writing measurable goalsHow to align goals to present levels (not ju...2025-07-291h 29Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamOCR Complaints Part 3: Mediation, Rebuttal, and Resolution ExplainedWhat 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 di...2025-07-2555 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Paras, Placements, Phones & IEP Problems—AnsweredWhat 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 wi...2025-07-241h 03Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamIEP or 504? Budget Excuses, OT Battles, and Why Data Always Wins | Ask the AdvocateWhat’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...2025-07-2345 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamOCR Part 2: Next Steps Unveiled — Navigating Post-Complaint Procedures with OCRSo 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 “gatherin...2025-07-221h 04Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamRapid-Fire Q&A: IEP Services, Transition Plans, 504 Misconceptions & Parent AdvocacyHave 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 16Can a classroom be run by paras only?Why "extremely low IQ" isn't...2025-07-1851 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamWhat Schools Get Wrong: Q&A on One-to-One Support, Service Minutes, and Your Parent RightsDo 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 placementHow to respond when your child’s related services were never deliveredThe truth about paras providing IEP minutes (yikes...2025-07-171h 00Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamHow to File an Effective OCR Complaint (Part 1): Know Your Rights and Get It RightDo 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...2025-07-1642 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamThe Testing Talk: How to Get Your Child Fully Evaluated for Special EducationIs 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 testingWhat ages are eligible (starting as early as 2.5!)The 8...2025-07-1530 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamHow to Make a Formal Special Education Request (Say This Exactly)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 wri...2025-07-1103 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAI, Authenticity, and Saving 10 Hours a Week: A Conversation with Matt FornitoAre 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 worseWhat Karen learned from Matt that helped her finally finish her bookWhy AI isn’t replacing teachers, but bad systems might tryTools that can actua...2025-07-1043 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamHot Topics + Hot Deals: July Q&A with the Special Education Boss®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 Mas...2025-07-0958 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamDispute Resolution in Special Education: What Are Your RightsIf 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 HearingThis episode covers:What each option is and when to use itPros, cons, timelines, and what to expectReal-talk about when being “nice” won’t get your child the services they deserveHow to choose the right path—and why you only ge...2025-07-0829 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamWhat Is a Due Process Hearing—and What Does It Mean for Parents and Advocates?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 itW...2025-07-0431 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Mid-Year Wake-Up Call + Your Top IEP Questions AnsweredWe’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 evaluationWhy behavio...2025-07-0356 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Mom Guilt to Systemic Change: Angie Pannuti's Special Education Advocacy JourneyWhat 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 transitionFeeling like she was failing as a parent (d...2025-07-0245 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Classroom to Advocacy: Why This Educator Walked Away to Stand Up for KidsThe 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 classroomsWhy call...2025-07-0123 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Summer Services, Speech Support, and the 50% Off Sale!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...2025-06-2659 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFort Bend ISD Whistleblower Reveals IEP Failures, FERPA Violations & RetaliationWhat 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 teamsKaren breaks it all down—what’s legal, what’s not...2025-06-2511 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Classroom to Advocacy: Why Alan Driggers Left Teaching to Fight for FamiliesWhat 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 tr...2025-06-2435 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Summer School, Services Denied, and Screaming GoatsOver 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 minutesWhether uncertified SPED staff are legal (spoiler: they’re not)How to request testing in the summerSummer school vs. ESY — what the law actually saysWhat to do when the school says, “Your child isn’t that bad off”Who qu...2025-06-191h 00Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Classroom to Advocacy: Cindy’s Journey from Teacher to Special Education AdvocateIn 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 tur...2025-06-1724 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamLRE & FAPE: Placement, Predetermination, and the Continuum of Services with Dr. Mitchell YellWhat’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...2025-06-121h 05Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamDon’t Overcomplicate It: Testing Requests, Service Denials, and Straight Talk on AdvocacyTired 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 s...2025-06-1040 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFAPE for All: Real Talk on IEPs, Comp Ed, and What’s Actually RightWhat’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 skillsWhen to file a state complaintWhy...2025-06-0548 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamUnderstanding the Continuum of Special Education Services: Myth-Busting LRE, Resource, and MoreMost 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...2025-06-0341 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamHow to Get Your Child Fully Tested for Special Education ServicesDo 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 suspect...2025-05-2941 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Live Special Education Q&A — Your Most Pressing IEP, 504, and Transition Questions Answeredn 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 Mom...2025-05-2752 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamDenied. Retaliated. Silenced. — A Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired Speaks OutWATCH HERE! https://youtu.be/OGw4WtH3KMMWhat 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 vio...2025-05-2735 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAmazing Things for Individuals with DisabilitiesMovement Is Medicine: How Fitness Builds Longevity, Choice, and Confidence for Individuals with DisabilitiesPart 2 with Mike Lutey, Special Strong Franchise OwnerIn 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 dev...2025-05-2220 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Gym Class to Game Changer: How Adaptive Fitness Empowers Young Adults with Disabilities with Mike Lutey, Franchise Owner – Special Strong HoustonPart 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 o...2025-05-2023 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Mayhem, Misconceptions, and Must-Know AnswersWelcome 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 IDEAHow to get autism added as an eligibilityWhat makes a “real” IEP goal (spoiler: “slow down and read carefully” isn’t one)Whether general education teachers can...2025-05-1550 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Lion King Backpacks to Federal Reform: Karen’s Founding Story on Founders FutureIn 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 eq...2025-05-1312 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: IEP Drama, Pre-K Confusion, and the Truth About 504 PlansThis 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 IE...2025-05-0947 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamFrom Surviving to Living: A Special Conversation with Jennifer SwanIn 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 perspecti...2025-05-0639 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamYour IEP Questions, Answered!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—an...2025-05-0145 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamMastering Specially Designed Instruction and Progress Monitoring with Dr. Mitchell YellIn 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 enoughHow to craft measurable, meaningful IEP goalsThe critical difference between procedural and substantive violationsWhat happens when schools fail to monitor student progressHow parents and advocates can hold schools accountable without escalating unnecessarilyDr. Yell shares practical advice for school-based staff, advoc...2025-04-291h 09
The Yes Show!E34 YES… Leadership, Comedy, Autism, and How to Rock TikTok in Your 50s🎙️ YES… Leadership, Comedy, Autism, and How to Rock TikTok in Your 50sGuest: Karen Mayor Cunningham | Advocate, Comedian, Special Education BossWhat do autism, stand-up comedy, hotel leadership, and TikTok success all have in common? This week’s YES Show guest, Karen Mayor Cunningham, ties it all together with heart, humor, and a whole lot of YES energy.After receiving a crushing diagnosis about her son, Karen made a decision that changed everything—one that launched a new mission, ignited a million-follower movement, and brought laughter into the most unexpected places.In this episode, you'll hear:- The shocking words that changed Kar...2025-04-2844 min
The Yes Show!E34 YES… Leadership, Comedy, Autism, and How to Rock TikTok in Your 50s🎙️ YES… Leadership, Comedy, Autism, and How to Rock TikTok in Your 50sGuest: Karen Mayor Cunningham | Advocate, Comedian, Special Education BossWhat do autism, stand-up comedy, hotel leadership, and TikTok success all have in common? This week’s YES Show guest, Karen Mayor Cunningham, ties it all together with heart, humor, and a whole lot of YES energy.After receiving a crushing diagnosis about her son, Karen made a decision that changed everything—one that launched a new mission, ignited a million-follower movement, and brought laughter into the most unexpected places.In this episode, you'll hear:- The shocking words that changed Kar...2025-04-2844 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamHow to Write Compliant IEP Goals That Actually Help Kids ThriveDo 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 thinkThe 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 standardsThis episode is a must-listen for any parent, teacher, or advocate wh...2025-04-2435 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamKnow Your Rights: The Truth About Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationDo 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.2025-04-2237 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamIEP Chaos, Charter School Myths & Advocate Q&AIn 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...2025-04-1744 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamThe 5 Pillars of an Amazing IEPWelcome 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...2025-04-1549 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate – Real Questions, Real Answers, Real AdvocacyWhat 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...2025-04-1042 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamMutually Agreed Upon TimeHave 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...2025-04-0805 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamAsk the Advocate: Real Questions, Real Answers from the IEP FrontlinesWelcome 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, wisd...2025-04-0144 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamYou Can’t Make This Up: Real Questions, Real AnswersWelcome 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-staffedWhat to say when your child’s IEP isn’t being followedWhy you cannot request...2025-04-0153 minSpecial Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamWhat You Don’t Know Will Cost Your Child: Restraints, Paras, and Filing ComplaintsWelcome 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 a...2025-04-0144 min
Laughter for All Podcast with Comedian NazarethSpecial Education Boss and Autism with Karen Mayer CunninghamKaren is a comedian an author, and Special Education Advocate
She wrote a book called Defying Autism
Karen Mayer Cunningham Special Education Boss™ Special Education Advocate. I have been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. I am passionate about training, educating, and empowering everyone that sits at the 504/IEP table.
Educating, equipping and entertaining families as they navigate the special education system.
2025-01-2857 min
Laughter for All Podcast with Comedian NazarethSpecial Education Boss and Autism with Karen Mayer CunninghamKaren is a comedian an author, and Special Education Advocate
She wrote a book called Defying Autism
Karen Mayer Cunningham Special Education Boss™ Special Education Advocate. I have been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. I am passionate about training, educating, and empowering everyone that sits at the 504/IEP table.
Educating, equipping and entertaining families as they navigate the special education system.
2025-01-2857 min
Special Needs Planning with Consolidated Planning GroupKaren Mayer Cunningham - Partnering with 504/IEP Teams for Successful Student OutcomesIf your child has a 504/IEP plan, you won't want to miss this webinar! Karen Mayer Cunningham, Founder and CEO of Special Education Academy, will share how to effectively partner with your child's school when grappling with a 504/IEP team. Karen believes it is the obligation, the responsibility, and the duty of the school districts to find, locate, and assess children with suspected disabilities who may need special education services. Karen has helped many families fight for their child with special needs. Join this webinar to learn the information needed to successfully navigate the special education system.2024-04-3058 min
Special Needs Planning with Consolidated Planning GroupKaren Mayer Cunningham - Back to School with a Successful IEPThe first day of school is nearly here. You want to be your child's champion and put steps in place for the best possible year. Join this webinar to learn from Special Education Advocate Karen Mayer Cunningham as she guides us toward the best way to successfully navigate the special education system.2024-03-291h 02
Special Needs Planning with Consolidated Planning GroupA Conversation with Karen Mayer Cunningham - Special Education BossEnjoy this conversation with a trusted professional and our friend, Karen Mayer Cunningham. Karen wears many hats: Founder and CEO of Special Education Academy, the Special Education Boss, Advocate, Professional Speaker, Coach, and Global Life Changer. Karen has been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. She is passionate about training, educating, and empowering everyone that sits at the 504/IEP table.2024-03-0527 min
Special Needs Planning with Consolidated Planning GroupAccessing and Utilizing Special Education ResourcesDo you wish you had a bank of resources to start or continue the 504/IEP process? Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss, will share her best with us in this upcoming training for all who sit at the 504/IEP Table.2023-04-2157 min
Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, NeurodivergentSpecial education teacher shortage, FAPE, IEPs, and educational services with Special Education Boss, Karen Mayer-Cunningham
Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and Karen Mayer-Cunningham as they talk “Special Education Teacher Shortage, FAPE, IEPs, and Educational Services.”
Karen has been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. Her advocacy began as an effort to get needed services for her son and later founded Special Education Academy to share her broad experience and resources.
Our discussion dives into parent rights and responsibilities during the IEP process, data points that every parent should see throughout the school year, forming a team with all staff involved with your child, preparing for IEP meetings, red f...2022-09-0647 min