Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham
The Special Education Boss® Podcast is where advocacy meets action. Join Karen Mayer Cunningham each week as she empowers parents and professionals to understand their rights, navigate the system, and show up strong at the IEP table.
Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham
Ask the Advocate: Real Questions, Real Answers from the IEP Frontlines
Welcome to Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham — your bold, truth-telling advocate for all things IEP, 504, and student rights. In this debut episode, Karen tackles real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates during a live “Ask the Advocate” broadcast.
If you’ve ever felt lost, frustrated, or steamrolled at an IEP table, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Karen pulls no punches — offering clarity, candor, and laughs as she unpacks the legal and practical sides of special education.
Questions are read aloud by a moderator as Karen responds live with the wit, wisdom, and fire you’ve come to expect from your Special Education Boss®.
Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned warrior, Episode 1 will inspire, equip, and remind you: when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. 💥
💡 In This Episode, Karen Answers Questions Like:
- What are the criteria for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
- Can I get an aide on my child’s school bus?
- What do I do when the school won’t follow the IEP?
- Is it illegal to pre-determine manifestation determination?
- Can I move my child with an IEP to a new district?
- What’s the truth about compensatory services and how to get them?
- Should parents worry about the future of 504 plans?
📚 Resources & Links Mentioned
- Join The Academy — Weekly training + hundreds of hours of expert content
- Two-Day Intensive Training: Details & Registration
- Need help? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
🧠 Key Terms Discussed
- IEP vs. 504
- Prior Written Notice (PWN)
- FAPE & IDEA
- Manifestation Determination
- LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
- OHI and SLD Eligibility
- Compensatory Education
- OCR Complaints
- Special Education Law (34 CFR §300)
📬 Want Your Question Answered on a Future Episode?
Send your question to: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
Or message us on Facebook or Instagram @SpecialEducationBoss
💬 Join the Conversation
Follow Karen for weekly livestreams, special guest trainings, and community support:
- Instagram: @specialeducationboss
- TikTok: @specialeducationboss
- YouTube: Special Education Academy
⚖️ Disclaimer
The content in this podcast is educational and informational and should
✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨
👩⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.
👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
📱 Follow Karen on:
- TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
- YouTube: Special Education Academy
⚖️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your child or school district.
