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empowering parents and educators to navigate special education with confidence
The EPIC Training Pathway
start here
The EPIC IEP ACADEMY™
Parents, educators, and advocates who want ongoing education, support, and a trusted place to learn.
What this includes:
- Live weekly training and coaching
- 300+ hours of on-demand education
- Monthly workbooks and resources
- A collaborative learning community
This is where most people begin, and where many continue long-term.
build your knowledge
The EPIC 2-Day Advocacy Intensive
Individuals ready for a comprehensive, structured understanding of the full special education process.
What this includes:
- Step-by-step training on IEPs and 504s
- Shared language, strategy, and expectations
- Practical guidance for meetings, evaluations, and services
This foundational training is required for participation in advanced EPIC programs.
Lead & Mentor
The EPIC Mastermind & VIP Advocate Pathway
Experienced advocates and professionals seeking deeper strategy, mentorship, and leadership development.
What this includes:
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Application-based Mastermind experience
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Advanced case strategy and implementation
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Eligibility for EPIC VIP Advocate Coaching
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Potential pathway to SEA Advocate Partner roles
Advanced opportunities are available to individuals who complete the pre-requisite, The EPIC 2-Day Intensive training.
Not sure where you belong? We’ll help you identify the best next step based on your role and experience.
Bring The Epic IEP™ World Tour to Your Team
The EPIC IEP™ World Tour is more than a training—it’s a shared experience that brings people together around a common purpose. Karen Mayer Cunningham works with teams across the country to spark clarity, confidence, and renewed commitment at the IEP and 504 table. These sessions inspire meaningful conversations, strengthen collaboration, and remind everyone why this work matters, because “when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special education academy?
Special Education Academy is an educational training platform created by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, to help parents, educators, advocates, and professionals understand and navigate the special education process with confidence.
We train everyone who sits at the IEP/504 table to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
Through courses, live trainings, coaching calls, and our membership community, we break down IDEA, IEPs, 504 Plans, procedural safeguards, evaluations, state complaints, and more — in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering.
who is this training for?
Special Education Academy is for:
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Parents of children with disabilities
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Educators and school staff
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Special education advocates
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Paraprofessionals
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Related service providers
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Anyone who sits at the IEP or 504 table
If you’ve ever thought, “Something doesn’t feel right,” or “Do I actually know my rights?” — this is for you.
You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to.
What is the difference between The Epic IEP™ Academy and the Epic IEP™ 2-Day Intensive?
The Epic™ IEP 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive is a deep-dive foundational training that teaches the full IEP process from start to finish.
The Academy is our ongoing membership community with 300+ hours of training, weekly updates, live coaching calls, and topic-based series (Procedural Safeguards, Prior Written Notice, Every Page of the IEP, Eligibility categories, and more).
Many people start with the 2-Day Intensive and then continue learning and implementing inside The Epic IEP™ Academy.
How do i know where to start?
If you’re brand new, start with the 2-Day Intensive.
If you want ongoing support, advanced strategy, and weekly training updates, join The Academy.
If you’re a professional advocate ready to level up your implementation and accountability, apply for the VIP Advocate Program.
No matter where you start, the goal is the same:
To show up informed, confident, and prepared.
Because when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.
— Karen Mayer Cunningham