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.

Ask the Advocate Archives - Special Education Academy™

hen the IEP Doesn’t Say It in Writing: A Back-to-School Special Education Q&A

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Aug 12, 2026 | Ask the Advocate, IEP, Special Education Advocate

Special Education Boss® — Ask the Advocate Blog Post Session: August 10, 2026 (back-to-school Q&A) Divi-ready. Built to the established authority-layer format: eyebrow + H2 hook + byline, video embed, Key Takeaways, narrative body, FAQ accordion, About the Expert,...

An IEP Is Not a List of Suggestions: 8 Straight Answers From This Week’s Live Q&A

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Jul 15, 2026 | Ask the Advocate, Special Education Advocate

SPECIAL EDUCATION BOSS(R) — BLOG POST (Epic Notes format) Live Q&A, July 13, 2026 PASTE INTO A DIVI CODE MODULE (not a Text Module). Self-contained: scoped Special Education Boss® Podcast "An IEP Is Not a List of Suggestions": 8 Straight Answers From This Week's Live...

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...

What to Do When Schools Break IEP Law — PWN, ESY, Dyslexia & More | Ask the Advocate

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | May 14, 2026 | Ask the Advocate, Evaluation & Eligibility, IEP Help for Parents, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Parent Rights, Special Education Law

Ask the Advocate — Live Q&A Prior Written Notice, ESY & Dyslexia Evaluations — Your Questions Answered Karen Mayer Cunningham answers your live questions — and none of the answers are soft. This is the last full week of IEP meetings and the truth is coming...

hen the IEP Doesn’t Say It in Writing: A Back-to-School Special Education Q&A

An IEP Is Not a List of Suggestions: 8 Straight Answers From This Week’s Live Q&A

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

What to Do When Schools Break IEP Law — PWN, ESY, Dyslexia & More | Ask the Advocate

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