IEP Mentorship Experience
I had the opportunity to attend the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship in Orlando in October, hosted by Catherine Whitcher, the founder of the mentorship. I would definitely say I am a lifelong learner and often always worry that I do not know enough. I was so excited to attend this meeting and it did not disappoint at all! I wanted to share the things I learned that was most helpful to me!
IEP goals should be written for the real world and should prepare students for further education, employment, and independent living!
IEP goals should not be copied and pasted year after year they should fit each student’s unique needs.
Special educators are a powerful group of people, at a time when more and more of us are leaving the classroom and there is a shortage of people entering the field we need to take care of ourselves and each other.
Parents need to realize their power at the IEP table, and an IEP coach can help them step into that power!
I also learned a lot about myself and my business. I tapped into ways I can help the community in which I live and the field of special education. Like most people, I struggle at times to feel worthy, falling into the “imposter syndrome” thinking all the training and certifications I have are not enough. After this weekend, I walked away feeling like I am enough. If I don’t take action then who will?
By nature I am a pretty “glass half full kinda gal” and this mentorship weekend helped me find that gal. I am a definite risk-taker and goal seeker, after all, I went back to school to become a special educator in my 40s. This mentorship and becoming an IEP coach helped me find myself and my people and grab my passion for IEPs and special education and run with it. I’m glad I did, the race has just begun!