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.

Advocate Resources Archives - 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...

Resource Rooms Are Required Under IDEA — Plus MDR, Compensatory Services & More | Special Education Boss®

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Apr 22, 2026 | Advocate Resources, IDEA, IEP, Karen Mayer Cunningham

EPIC NOTES BLOG POST — Ask the Advocate: Resource Rooms, MDR, Compensatory Services, and More Special Education Boss® | Karen Mayer Cunningham April 20, 2026 LIVE Q&A INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Paste this entire block into a Divi CODE MODULE on your blog post page 2. Paste the...

The Advocate’s Deep Dive into Child Find: Uncovering the Hidden Pathways to Special Education

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Aug 31, 2023 | Advocate Resources

Today, let’s focus our hearts and minds on a topic that often goes unnoticed but holds immense power: Child Find. This legal cornerstone in special education is a game-changer, and I’m thrilled to guide you through its intricacies. What Is Child Find?...

Navigating the Waters of Due Process in Special Education

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Aug 21, 2023 | Advocate Resources

Join in a Real Due Process Hearing: A Unique Opportunity I’m headed into a Due Process hearing August 23-25, 2023 and I invite you to join me via Zoom. This is a rare opportunity to witness a Due Process hearing in action and gain valuable insights into the...

Mastering the IEP’s Present Levels Section: Guidance for Parents and Advocates

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Aug 14, 2023 | IEP, Advocate Resources, Special Education Advocate

If there’s one part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) that I’ve seen make or break a child’s success, it’s the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). This section is a detailed snapshot of your child’s abilities,...

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

Resource Rooms Are Required Under IDEA — Plus MDR, Compensatory Services & More | Special Education Boss®

The Advocate’s Deep Dive into Child Find: Uncovering the Hidden Pathways to Special Education

Navigating the Waters of Due Process in Special Education

Mastering the IEP’s Present Levels Section: Guidance for Parents and Advocates

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