From Classroom to Advocacy: Cindy’s Journey from Teacher to Special Education Advocate

In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham welcomes Cindy—a former teacher of 27 years, literacy specialist, MTSS leader, and now a full-time special education advocate. What led her to pivot from teaching to advocacy? The answer may sound familiar: burnout, frustration, and an unshakable belief that kids deserve better.

Cindy opens up about the emotional and professional toll of navigating a school system that often prioritizes compliance over support. She shares how parenting a child with autism, advocating within her own district, and witnessing systemic failures led her to leave the classroom. Her turning point? Finding Karen’s TikTok, joining the 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive, and realizing that she could make a real impact outside the system.

Inside this episode:

• Why “wait and see” is one of the worst models in special education
• How Cindy discovered unmet services buried in her son’s records
• The reality of professional development for teachers (spoiler: not helpful)
• How The Academy and 2-Day Intensive helped Cindy launch her advocacy business
• What it’s like going from educator to IEP table warrior—and how you can too

This is a must-listen for teachers, parents, and anyone wondering if it’s really possible to pivot into advocacy. Spoiler alert: It is. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Join The Academy
• Sign up for the next LIVE 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive
• Email us: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com