3 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew About IEP Meetings
Psychology Today
by Katie Rose Guest Pryal J.D., Ph.D.February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Teachers of exceptional children (EC) face significant pressures that parents may not fully understand. EC teachers often feel overwhelmed by competing demands from school administrators and parents alike. From meeting strict testing requirements to managing the emotional toll of IEP meetings, these educators are navigating a complex landscape. Lisa Cooper Ellison, a former EC teacher with a background in mental health counseling, highlights how EC teachers are squeezed between the need to improve standardized test scores and their commitment to providing meaningful education for neurodiverse students. This pressure can lead to burnout and frustration, ultimately affecting the quality of support these teachers provide.
IEP meetings are often emotionally charged for both parents and educators. Parents may enter these meetings desperate for answers or hoping for a diagnosis that will simplify their child’s challenges. However, these meetings frequently become spaces where parents grapple with difficult truths about their child’s struggles. While EC teachers empathize with this pain, they often lack the training to effectively support parents during these moments of vulnerability. This gap in communication and understanding can create tension and hinder progress for the child.
The challenges faced by EC teachers and the emotional dynamics of IEP meetings underscore the need for systemic change in how schools support both students and families. Parents should advocate for better resources and training for EC teachers, recognizing that their well-being is directly tied to the success of their children. By fostering collaboration between parents and educators and addressing the pressures faced by EC teachers, we can create a more supportive environment for neurodiverse children. This issue matters deeply to readers interested in health and mental health, as it highlights the broader challenges of supporting students with special needs and the importance of equity in education.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/19/2026