Helping Teachers Help Our Kids: A Compassionate Approach to Advocacy

Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting and noticed the General Education teacher sitting quietly, unsure of what to contribute? Or talked with a parent who shares that their child—who has a 504 Plan or an IEP—is struggling in a general education classroom because the teacher “just doesn’t get it”? These moments are more common than many realize, and while they can be frustrating, they often stem from something simple: our General Education Gurus were never trained to be special educators. When they chose their path in education, they didn’t sign up to specialize in disabilities, accommodations, or individualized supports. Yet here they are, standing in front of a classroom full of diverse learners, trying to meet the needs of a child they may not feel equipped to serve. This doesn’t make them incapable. It means they need support, collaboration, and tools—just like our children do. And when we work together, we not only help them support our child, but we empower them to help many more children in the future.

Today’s classrooms are larger than ever, budgets are shrinking, and the range of student needs grows wider each year. Teachers are leaving the profession in staggering numbers, not because they’ve lost their passion, but because the demands keep increasing, the overwhelm keeps growing, and the financial strain becomes impossible to ignore. As parents, our instinct is to put our child first—and we should. But it’s also important to remember that no educator enters this field intending to fail a child. Behind the scenes, many are grappling with far more than they ever imagined when they graduated, bright‑eyed and eager, ready to change the world.

Recently, I listened as parents expressed frustration about a teacher raising their voice or another insisting on eye contact. As a parent of multiple children with varying needs, I cringed—not only for the student, but for the teacher. Because sometimes, the truth is painfully simple: they just don’t know. And that’s where we come in.

So how do we ensure our children’s needs are met while also supporting our General Education Gurus? We start by approaching teachers as partners. Collaboration is key. When we share information, offer insight, and build understanding, we create a team that benefits not only our child but every child who comes after. When we put ourselves in their shoes and lead with empathy, we build relationships that strengthen the entire educational ecosystem.

As an advocate, I work differently. I believe deeply in relationships. I believe in seeking to understand each other’s perspectives. And I believe that every person at the table shares one common goal: helping a child reach their greatest potential. When you work with me, our initial consultation is a conversation—rich, open, and centered on your child. I want to understand their strengths, their challenges, and their unique way of moving through the world. Together, we will create a vision not just for this school year, but for the future.

We will walk through a series of assessments designed to prepare us to be active, informed, and confident members of the IEP team. From there, we will build a Student Success Plan—a clear, collaborative document that keeps our focus where it belongs: on the child. This plan becomes our guide, our anchor, and our shared commitment to ensuring your child receives the support, accommodations, and opportunities they deserve.