Two years ago, I quit a teaching job I absolutely loved, one I thought I’d retire from, because it wasn’t sustainable for my family. 

I cried in the car on the way to give my notice, packed up my beloved classroom with regret barely concealed behind a shaky smile, and took the biggest risk of my life.

Now, I’m so glad I did. 

What began as a small tutoring business has grown into something I never could have imagined. I still get to teach students one-on-one in tutoring sessions, which I love. But I’ve also had the privilege of acting as a special education advocate, supporting families in districts across Massachusetts. In a way, it’s just another form of teaching, only now I’m helping families understand their child’s learning profile and how to access the support their child needs.

I’m grateful every single day to be a part of these students’ journeys. I read their educational histories, observe, assess, and watch them grow. Some cases are heartbreaking, and we spend years fighting for support that should be obvious. Others are more straightforward, but I get the joy of empowering families so they can walk into IEP meetings feeling confident, informed, and ready to advocate for their children. 

Over the last two years, I’ve met truly exceptional people. My students are hardworking and persistent. They show up every week and do their absolute best. I love watching their reactions when a complex concept finally clicks for them. I get to witness their growth in both academics and confidence.

Every parent I’ve worked with has been a fierce advocate for their child. Their patience, persistence, and love never cease to amaze me. I feel honored to share my expertise and help them access what their child needs to thrive.

This is my dream job. I learn constantly, whether it’s reviewing regulations, observing a new technique in a classroom, or watching my clients and their children in action. It’s driving me back to grad school (even after I said I was done!) because the macro lens I’m lucky enough to have has shown me that challenges in special education are systemic. I want to help drive the policy to change them.

Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far: 

1. Understanding is everything. 

True advocacy starts with a deep understanding of the whole child: their strengths, their challenges, how they think, and how they’ve experienced school. When every member of the Team truly understands the student’s profile, decisions become clearer, collaboration becomes easier, and support becomes more effective because everyone actually gets the child. Advocacy isn’t about pushing for services. It’s about helping the entire Team see the student clearly so the IEP reflects what they actually need.

2. Start with the positive, even when you have every right to be angry. 

By the time I join a student’s Team, communication has usually broken down. Parents often feel dismissed or misunderstood, and they’re exhausted. And while they have every right to be frustrated, anger does not lead to positive outcomes. My role is to maintain a collaborative tone, use data to drive decision-making, and ensure the conversation stays focused on the student’s needs. That’s why I like to begin with something positive. It starts the meeting with a collaborative tone, which makes it easier to move forward productively. 

We’re still fighting for what your child deserves, we’re just making sure that we take a moment to praise their progress and those who helped them achieve it.  

3. Parents are experts in their children, but they need the tools to use that expertise effectively. 

Parents know their children better than anyone, which makes them valuable Team members. But too often, they walk into Team meetings unaware of their rights and unsure of how to use their knowledge effectively. 

My job as an advocate isn’t to speak for families, it’s to teach them how to leverage their power through carefully written Parent Concerns, a strong understanding of the law, and clear, confident communication of what their child needs. 

4. Progress isn’t linear.

In special education, progress is often slow and inconsistent, but it’s there! We learn to recognize and celebrate the small wins early on in our careers because they are just as incredible as the big ones. This holds true in special education advocacy as well. Maybe things don’t go the way we hope at a meeting, but there was some shifting toward the end goal or someone understands the child better. That’s still progress!

5. Openness is the key to building a support system.

I’ve watched parents transform their own advocacy journeys simply by being open in sharing their stories, resources, and experiences with others.

That openness builds trust. It helps families connect with educators, with other parents, and with professionals who care. And it creates the kind of support network that turns a lonely fight into a shared mission.

I feel so grateful to have spent the last two years doing a job I love, empowering families, and using my experience to make a real difference. I know I still have so much to learn, and I’m genuinely excited to see what next year brings.

There’s one more lesson I want to share. If you’re frustrated because you know your current job isn’t sustainable or you’re feeling pulled in a new direction, make the change. 

Take the leap. Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. 

Lean into what you know and be eager to learn what you don’t. 

Be honest. Be open. Be willing to grow. 

You won’t regret it. I know I don’t.