I hear it all the time—parents, teachers, and therapists who want to make a bigger impact in special education, but feel stuck because they think IEP advocacy or becoming an advocate is just too hard.

They see the challenges—learning the laws, building a business, finding clients—and it all feels overwhelming.

But what if it wasn’t as difficult as you think? What if there was a simpler way to step into this role?

We Need Fresh Voices (Like Yours!)

The IEP world is full of outdated strategies and the same voices repeating the same messages. But families and schools need something different.

They need you. Your experience. Innovative fresh ideas. Your ability to bring real solutions to the table without being stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it” thinking.

And here’s the thing—you don’t have to have all the answers today. You just need to take the first step.

Traditional Advocate vs. A New Approach

Typically, when people think of IEP advocacy, they usually picture sitting in meetings, negotiating services, and working 1:1 with parents. And while that’s an important piece, it’s not the only way to make an impact. Traditional advocacy can feel exhausting, especially if you’re already juggling a full plate.

The good news? There are other ways to use your expertise without running yourself into the ground.

Advocacy vs. Coaching: The Shift That Changed Everything

When I started my career over 25 years ago, I watched so many people make advocacy harder than it needed to be. They were caught up in constant battles, focusing on fighting instead of finding solutions. I knew there had to be a better way.

For me, it was always about finding the fastest path to collaboration because, as cheesy as it sounds, that old saying is true—together everyone achieves more.

That’s the biggest difference between traditional advocacy and coaching. Advocacy is often focused on fighting for a child’s rights. IEP Coaching is about empowering parents, teachers, and teams to navigate the IEP process with confidence. And coaching creates real change without burnout.

Simplifying the Advocate Process—Because Life Was Complicated Enough

The truth is, becoming an IEP advocate shouldn’t be overwhelming. I learned this the hard way. About a decade into my career, I went through a divorce and became the sole financial provider and parent for my two daughters.

That meant I had to simplify everything. Not just my advocacy strategies (which became even more effective) but also all the behind-the-scenes systems that made it work.

No unnecessary, overcomplicated stress allowed!

That’s why I built the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship—to help you take the guesswork out of stepping into this role. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to waste time trying to figure it all out yourself.

• No getting stuck in IEP advocacy business research rabbit holes
• No second-guessing if you’re doing it right
• No spending months trying to “figure out” where to start

You already have the IEP experience. Now it’s time to use it in a way that makes a difference beyond your own IEP table and supports you financially.

More Ways to Advocate = More Doors Open for You

Of course, working 1:1 with parents is always an option, but your advocacy can go far beyond that.

As a Master IEP Coach®, you can:

• Get paid to speak at conferences, school districts, and professional development events where educators and parents need your insights.

• Train teams of teachers and therapists to create better IEPs that actually work for students.

• Build a profitable blog, sharing your expertise while earning income—without working directly with families. (This is a great way to keep your current job while laying the foundation for a new career in advocacy.)

Not Ready to Go All In? Start Here.

If stepping into becoming a Master IEP Coach® role still feels like a big leap, start by dipping your toes in. One of the easiest ways to begin making an impact is by starting a profitable special education blog.

You can share your insights, help families and schools, and create change one post at a time.

Bottom line? Helping others through IEP advocacy doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re ready to go all in or take a smaller first step, there’s an easier way to make an impact.

Next Possible Steps for You to Turn Your IEP Experience Into Income

1. Learn more about Special Education Blogging Simplified
2. Become a Master IEP Coach®

With Hope & Determination Always,

Catherine

P.S. Have questions about either option? Send me a message!