IEP meetings can shape a family’s entire educational journey, yet many parents leave feeling unheard, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the decisions being made. In Episode 26, we continue the conversation with Michael Plummer to explore the emotional side of IEP leadership and how trust, communication, and collaboration influence outcomes for students and families.

This episode goes beyond policies and procedures to focus on the human experience inside IEP meetings. We unpack how leadership styles, team dynamics, and the way data is shared can either build confidence or create lasting IEP trauma. From diploma versus certificate track decisions to student self-advocacy, this conversation highlights how schools and parents can move from conflict toward true partnership.

This conversation is not about blaming schools or parents. It is about understanding how power dynamics, communication choices, and decision-making processes affect families and how meaningful collaboration can change a child’s experience. If you’ve ever felt dismissed in an IEP meeting or unsure how to navigate difficult discussions, this episode will give you language, perspective, and practical guidance.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ How leadership and communication shape the tone of IEP meetings

✨ Why parents often feel unheard and how trust can be rebuilt

✨ The emotional impact of diploma vs certificate track decisions

✨ How data should be explained so families truly understand it

✨ The importance of student voice and self-advocacy in planning

✨ Strategies for reducing conflict and improving team collaboration

✨ How schools can move from authority to partnership with families

✨ Practical ways parents can prepare for difficult IEP conversations

✨ What meaningful support and long-term planning should look like

If you’ve ever walked away from an IEP meeting feeling confused, emotional, or unsure of what comes next, this episode is for you. Understanding the human side of IEP leadership helps families advocate with confidence, build stronger partnerships, and make informed decisions that truly support their child’s future.

🎧 Listen to Episode 26 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Michael and explore his knowledge:

LinkedIn: Michael A. Plummer

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

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Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

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