Legislative Advocacy for Special Educators

Overview & Synopsis

Even though paid advocates exist in the field of special education, teacher advocates are important because their work is based on passion and a belief that change is warranted due to their own needs and experiences with students, not merely on the basis that they are being paid to advocate. Education policy in recent years has become more political, and most politicians do not have a special education background. Researchers reported a disconnect between policy, advocacy, and special education teachers. As a result, special education teachers believe their professional knowledge is being left out of the decisions being made about them and their students. This article discusses 10 steps that special education teachers can take for legislative advocacy. A list of special education advocacy organizations and their websites are provided.