By Liz Koch 
It’s easy to focus on the shortcomings of the public school system. Most can agree it needs a significant overhaul, as many families and school staff are under-resourced and stretched paper-thin. But when it comes to IEPs, my family has been fortunate to work with teams in the school system that are responsive, dedicated, and truly creative in their approach to meeting my kids’ needs. Moments of success are sometimes overlooked, but they are the heart of why I share this today.
What makes the IEP process different for our family is not the paperwork or meetings—it’s the people. The members of our teams have consistently treated me as a respected partner; we collaborate, exchange ideas, and brainstorm solutions. Whether it’s through a meeting, a quick email, or a phone call, the team is genuinely invested in finding what works best for my children.
IEP teams see more than just a list of academic goals or behavioral interventions. They see my kids as individuals with unique strengths and challenges, and they work to help them experience success. I see it in how they approach their work thoughtfully and understand that every child’s needs differ.
Beyond their dedication to my kids’ success, I deeply appreciate the respect our IEP team shows me. I’m not just another parent at the table—I’m an active part of my children’s education. This sense of partnership is essential in an IEP process that could easily feel adversarial. Instead, it feels like a team effort, with my children’s best interests as the foundation of every conversation.
I recognize ours isn’t the experience every family has. Many parents feel unheard or unsupported. Many educators are under heavy pressure with too many students and too few resources. I’m aware of the larger systemic issues at play and believe they need to be addressed at every level; I also believe that when a team is truly invested, as ours has been, it’s possible to create a space where complex kids do well.
The truth is, it’s easy to criticize a system that feels broken. But it’s also important to recognize when something is working well, and the commitment of our IEP teams has made an impact. I’ve seen the effort they put in, not just during the school day, but in the hours they dedicate beyond it—preparing for meetings, researching new strategies, or simply checking how my kids are doing. Their hard work and heart for my children make all the difference. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for more.
The IEP process may be imperfect and exhausting, but having a team that listens and respects you takes it from isolating to collaborative. I am grateful for every meeting, every discussion, and every effort our team makes to ensure my kids have the support they need to succeed.
Our IEP teams have been a bright spot for my family. They have made a positive, lasting impact on us, and I will always be thankful.
by Valli Vida Gideons 
by Nikita Busic 
