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.

Special Education Academy Archives - Page 2 of 2

Demystifying Extended School Year Services: Guidance for Special Education Advocates and Parents

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Apr 18, 2023 | Advocate Resources, Special Education Academy, Special Education Advocate

Last week I presented a free webinar, Qualifying for Extended School Year Special Education Services (April 12, 2023) providing valuable insights into the complex realm of Extended School Year (ESY) Special Education Services. We delved into the intricacies of ESY...

Connecting with Special Education Boss™ | Karen Mayer Cunningham

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Oct 16, 2022 | Special Education Academy

So you want to connect with the Special Education Boss™, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Advocate? Here are all the many ways to connect. Click. Like. Share. Subscribe … to one or all. We look forward you joining us in advocating for children....

WCPS Under Federal Investigation Following Complaint Of Alleged Discrimination

by Karen Mayer Cunningham | Oct 11, 2022 | Special Education Advocate, Special Education Academy

REPOSTED by Kelly Dean | Published: October 11, 2022 at 3:51 PM MDT BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – The Warren County Public School District is under federal investigation following a complaint of alleged discrimination against a special education student. “Addie...

Demystifying Extended School Year Services: Guidance for Special Education Advocates and Parents

Connecting with Special Education Boss™ | Karen Mayer Cunningham

WCPS Under Federal Investigation Following Complaint Of Alleged Discrimination

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