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
✨ 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
🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.
📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)
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