I’ve worked in public education for more than a decade, supporting students with disabilities and the educators who serve them. My experience spans classroom teaching, program development, and district-level leadership focused on improving special education practices, building staff capacity, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
In my current role, I oversee special education programming across schools, support cross-functional teams, and work closely with families, service providers, and administrators to align services with student needs. My work often centers on strengthening IEP quality, improving inclusive practices, and using data to inform decision-making and staff development.
I am currently a J.D. candidate at Nashville School of Law, where I’m deepening my understanding of the legal frameworks that shape special education and public service. I write to reflect on the intersection of law and practice and to contribute to conversations that keep students at the center.
In this field brief, we examine the legal must-haves for a properly constituted IEP team under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What happens when a general education teacher or service provider is absent? Can their participation be waived? Only if strict legal conditions are met—and too often, they’re not.
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