What is Special Education Academy?

Special Education Academy is an online education and training platform founded by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®. It provides 300+ hours of on-demand training, weekly live coaching, and structured programs for parents, educators, advocates, and professionals who are involved in the IEP and 504 process. The Academy helps everyone who sits at the IEP/504 table navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.

Who is Karen Mayer Cunningham?

Karen Mayer Cunningham is the founder of Special Education Academy™, the creator of The Epic IEP™ educational framework, and the host of the Special Education Boss® podcast. With over 25 years of experience in special education advocacy and training, Karen educates parents, advocates, educators, and professionals on how to understand and navigate the special education process. She is the author of The Epic IEP™, The Epic IEP™: PARA, and The Epic IEP™ Guide to Federal and State Law for Special Education.

What is The Epic IEP™ 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive?

The Epic IEP™ 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive is a foundational training that teaches the full IEP process from start to finish. It covers IDEA, procedural safeguards, IEP development, 504 Plans, eligibility, FAPE, advocacy strategy, and meeting preparation. It is available in three formats: live in-person in Houston, TX, live virtual via Zoom, and on-demand (recorded). This training is the prerequisite for the Professional Advocacy Mastermind.

What training does Special Education Academy offer for parents?

Special Education Academy offers training designed to help parents understand the IEP and 504 process, learn their procedural rights, prepare for school meetings, understand evaluations and eligibility, and advocate effectively for their child's education. Programs include The Epic IEP™ 2-Day Intensive, The EPIC Academy membership with 300+ hours of training, and topic-specific on-demand courses covering areas like evaluation requests, IEP goal writing, compensatory services, and state complaints.

What is the difference between the 2-Day Intensive and The Academy membership?

The Epic IEP™ 2-Day Intensive is a foundational deep-dive training that teaches the full IEP process from eligibility to implementation in a structured two-day format. The Academy is an ongoing membership with 300+ hours of on-demand training, weekly live coaching calls, topic-based series, and a community for continued learning. Many participants start with the 2-Day Intensive and then join The Academy for ongoing support and deeper education.

Does Special Education Academy provide legal advice?

No. Special Education Academy provides education and training, not legal advice or legal representation. The trainings educate participants about special education rights, procedures, and processes so they can show up informed and prepared. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a special education attorney.

Karen Mayer Cunningham, Author at Special Education Academy™

Trust, But Verify: What a Veteran Teacher Wants Every Parent to Know Guest featured: Michelle Williams, 26-year classroom teacher

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Jul 8, 2026 | Advocate Resources, Special Education Advocate

Quick Answer An IEP is a legally enforceable document under IDEA. Once it is in effect, the school district must provide the services, accommodations, and minutes exactly as written. It is not a contract in the formal sense, and no signature is required to make it...

Where Are All the Special Education Attorneys? A Straight-Talk Conversation with Diane Dragan

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Jul 1, 2026 | Advocate Resources, Due Process, IEP, IEP Process, Special Education Advocate, Special Education Boss, Special Education Law, Special Education Rights

=============================================================EPIC NOTES BLOG POST — Special Education BossGuest: Diane Dragan, Dragan Law Firm (St. Louis) / Litigating Literacy=============================================================PASTE INSTRUCTIONS- BLOG BODY...

When Advocacy Isn’t Enough: Understanding Special Education Due Process

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Jun 23, 2026 | Due Process, Special Education Advocate

All Things Special Education When Advocacy Isn't Enough: Understanding Special Education Due Process A candid conversation with special education attorney Maria McGinley, Esq., on the dispute process most families hope they never need, and how to be prepared if they...

Why Behavior Plans Keep Failing — and What Actually Works

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Jun 17, 2026 | Special Education Advocate

=============================================================EPIC NOTES BLOG POST — Why Behavior Plans Keep Failing (Bowman)Special Education Boss® | Karen Mayer CunninghamWebinar with Rick & Doris Bowman · Publish Thursday, June 18,...

Early Pickups, ESY Denials, and the Truth About IEEs – Summer IEP Questions Answered

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Jun 10, 2026 | Ask the Advocate, IEP, IEP Help for Parents, IEP Process, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Advocate

EPIC NOTES BLOG POST — Summer IEP Questions Answered: ESY, Early Pickups, IEEs, and Your Data Special Education Boss® | Karen Mayer Cunningham June 9, 2026 LIVE Q&A · Publish Thursday, June 11, 2026 INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Paste this entire block into a Divi CODE MODULE on...

Trust, But Verify: What a Veteran Teacher Wants Every Parent to Know Guest featured: Michelle Williams, 26-year classroom teacher

Where Are All the Special Education Attorneys? A Straight-Talk Conversation with Diane Dragan

When Advocacy Isn’t Enough: Understanding Special Education Due Process

Why Behavior Plans Keep Failing — and What Actually Works

Early Pickups, ESY Denials, and the Truth About IEEs – Summer IEP Questions Answered

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