🔍 Understanding the Role of General Educators on IEP Teams

General education teachers are essential members of the IEP (Individualized Education Program) team. Their role goes beyond simply attending meetings—they provide critical insight into the general curriculum, classroom expectations, and student performance in inclusive settings.

🧩 Key Responsibilities of General Educators on IEP Teams

Provide Input on Student Performance

Share observations about how the student is performing in the general education classroom.
Offer data on academic progress, behavior, participation, and social interactions.
Example:
Ms. Carter, a 5th-grade teacher, brings samples of a student’s writing and math work to the IEP meeting to show how the student is progressing with and without accommodations.

Help Develop Appropriate Goals and Supports

Collaborate with the team to create IEP goals that are meaningful and achievable within the general education setting.
Suggest accommodations or modifications that align with classroom routines.
Scenario:
During an IEP meeting, Mr. Lopez suggests using graphic organizers and sentence starters to help a student meet a writing goal, based on strategies that have worked in his classroom.

Developing student learning outcomes and goals will guide your planning for edTPA.

Ensure Access to the General Curriculum

Advocate for ways the student can participate in grade-level content.
Work with special educators to adapt instruction without lowering expectations.
Example:
A general educator works with the special education teacher to co-plan a science unit, ensuring the student with an IEP can engage in lab activities with peer support and visual instructions.

Implement Accommodations and Modifications

Follow the IEP by providing the supports outlined (e.g., extended time, preferential seating).
Monitor and document how well these supports are working.
Scenario:
Ms. Nguyen uses a checklist to track how often a student uses their calculator accommodation during math assessments and shares this data at the next IEP review.

Communicate Regularly with the IEP Team

Maintain open communication with special educators, related service providers, and families.
Report concerns or successes to help adjust the IEP as needed.
Example:
After noticing a student struggling with transitions, the general educator emails the case manager to discuss possible behavioral supports.

🤝 Why This Role Matters
General educators bring the real-world classroom perspective to the IEP team. Their input ensures that IEPs are not only legally compliant but also practical, relevant, and effective in the general education setting. When general educators are actively involved, students with disabilities are more likely to receive the support they need to thrive alongside their peers.

✅ General Educator IEP Team Participation Checklist

Below is a helpful checklist for you to use to prepare, attend, and follow up for an IEP meeting to support your students!

📅 Before the IEP Meeting

Review the student’s current IEP and accommodations/modifications.
Gather recent data on student performance (grades, assessments, work samples).
Reflect on the student’s strengths, challenges, and classroom behavior.
Identify strategies or supports that have been effective
Prepare questions or concerns about the student’s progress or needs.

🧑‍🏫 During the IEP Meeting

Share specific examples of the student’s academic and social performance.
Contribute to the development of IEP goals that align with grade-level standards.
Suggest accommodations or modifications that are practical in your classroom.
Collaborate respectfully with team members, including the family.
Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding of services and supports.

📘 After the IEP Meeting

Review the finalized IEP and note your responsibilities.
Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined.
Communicate regularly with the special education teacher or case manager.
Monitor the student’s progress and document how supports are working.
Report any concerns or successes to the IEP team as needed.

Like this checklist? You can find a printable checklist here: Printable Checklist.

Sources:

Morin, A. (n.d.). For teachers: What to expect in an IEP meeting. Understood. Retrieved June 11, 2025, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/for-teachers-what-to-expect-in-an-iep-meeting
Stanberry, K. (n.d.). Who’s on the IEP team? Understood. Retrieved June 11, 2025, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/whos-on-the-iep-team
Edutopia. (n.d.). Collaboration tips for instructional coaches. Retrieved June 11, 2025, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/collaboration-tips-instructional-coaches