From Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave Transition

From the classroom to the conference table—today’s episode is one of full-circle purpose.

Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is joined by the amazing Rachel Mottern, a former special education teacher turned full-time national advocate, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t forget.

Rachel shares her journey from struggling with dyslexia as a child to becoming a teacher, earning her master's at Vanderbilt (yes, the #1 program in the nation), and eventually realizing she could serve students better outside the system.

What started with a two-day training inside the Special Education Academy turned into a career pivot that changed everything. You'll hear:

• What it was like being a student with dyslexia and a “quiet struggler”
• Why she took the 2-Day Intensive and Mastermind—and how it gave her permission to act.
• Behind-the-scenes stories of systemic pushback, evaluation roadblocks, and how Rachel refused to be hushed.
• How she built her advocacy practice with courage, community, and Karen’s mentorship.

This episode is for every educator, advocate, and parent who knows something isn’t right—and is ready to do something about it.

Rachel now serves families nationwide and is living proof that when you combine training, lived experience, and boldness, you can make real change.

Connect with Rachel Mottern:
Website: www.MotternIEPHelp.com
Email: rachel@motternadvocacy.com
Partner Page: Inside Special Education Academy

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