IEPs - Educators

As a general education teacher in an IEP, here are some things you can expect, as well as your obligations

• According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students are guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means every general education teacher will have a student with a disability at some point.

• A general education teacher is required on the IEP team by IDEA. You bring the expertise of the student's current level of academic and behavioral achievement. You get to help the team figure out appropriate services for your student.

• In addition to current level of performance, you get to share what progress they have made and what accommodations you use with them in class. Remember that you are the expert on what the student acts like, works like, and struggles with in school. Your input is critical.

How to support students with IEPs

• As a general education teacher, you are legally required to follow a student's IEP. This means that all accommodations are followed and they always receive their support services.

• If you ever have a substitute teacher, it can be useful to let the sub know which students have an IEP and what that means for their work day and that student.

• This video from 1989 goes through how school can feel for students with disabilities. This may be a helpful resource if you are having a difficult time with the students with learning disabilities in your class.

• Compassion and patience is always key.

Resources

Morin, A. (n.d.). IEP meetings for teachers. Understood. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/for-teachers-what-to-expect-in-an-iep-meeting