IEP
IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legally required document and process in education that creates a personalized learning plan for students with special needs. It's like a roadmap that outlines specific educational goals, support services, and accommodations needed for a student's success. Teachers, specialists, and administrators work together to create and implement these plans. Similar terms you might see are "504 Plan" or "Learning Plan," but IEP is specifically for special education services. Think of it as a customized blueprint that helps educators provide the right support and track student progress.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and implemented IEPs for a caseload of 25 students
Successfully managed IEP meetings and documentation for diverse learner populations
Coordinated with specialists to achieve IEP goals for students with special needs
Created progress monitoring systems to track Individual Education Program objectives
Typical job title: "Special Education Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Special Education Teachers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where parents disagree with the IEP team's recommendations?
Expected Answer: A senior educator should discuss building positive relationships with families, effectively communicating data and observations, understanding parental rights, and finding collaborative solutions while maintaining compliance with legal requirements.
Q: How do you mentor other teachers in IEP development and implementation?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in training others, sharing best practices for documentation, progress monitoring, and providing guidance on legal compliance while maintaining student-focused outcomes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure IEP goals are both measurable and meaningful?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to write specific, measurable goals that align with student needs, curriculum standards, and real-world applications, while being realistic and achievable.
Q: Describe your process for progress monitoring and adjusting IEPs.
Expected Answer: Should discuss regular data collection methods, documentation systems, and how to make informed decisions about adjusting accommodations and goals based on student progress.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the essential components of an IEP?
Expected Answer: Should identify key elements like present levels of performance, annual goals, accommodations/modifications, service hours, and progress monitoring methods.
Q: How do you prepare for an IEP meeting?
Expected Answer: Should explain gathering student data, preparing progress reports, ensuring proper notification to all team members, and organizing necessary documentation.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic IEP documentation and goal writing
- Implementation of accommodations
- Progress monitoring basics
- Understanding of special education laws
Mid (2-5 years)
- Leading IEP meetings
- Developing comprehensive learning plans
- Collaboration with multiple specialists
- Advanced behavior management strategies
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and evaluation
- Staff training and mentoring
- Complex case management
- Department leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of knowledge about special education laws and regulations
- Poor documentation skills or disorganization
- Limited experience with collaborative team approaches
- Inability to explain how to measure student progress
- Unfamiliarity with assistive technology and accommodations
