How to Get Gen Ed Teachers to Follow the IEP

Let me just say this–before people get all salty with me–this topic was heavily requested. By teachers. If you subscribe to my email, you get a welcome email. In that email it says, “What is your number one problem right now with IEPs?”

I have several versions of that question, and I use the replies to drive what content I create. By far, and I mean, it’s not even close–but special ed teachers reply all the time with “I can’t get the gen ed teachers to follow the IEP.”

This isn’t about villainizing teachers. Most of them are doing the best they can in overwhelmed, under-resourced systems. But that doesn’t mean a child should suffer. And legally? They’re required to follow that plan. Full stop.

Let’s just say it: IEPs and 504s are only as good as the people actually implementing them. And if you’ve ever had a general education teacher blow off your child’s accommodations—or just “forget”—you know how frustrating it is to watch your kid struggle because someone didn’t feel like reading a document.

So what do you do when a teacher just… doesn’t?

When You’re the Special Ed Teacher and No One’s Listening

This first part is for the special ed teachers—because I see all those emails you send me.

You’re writing the IEPs, coaching the kids, managing the paperwork, running the meetings… and then watching your general ed colleagues ignore accommodations like it’s no big deal.

You’ve done the training. You’ve emailed. You’ve explained. You’ve printed a cheat sheet. You’ve slid it into their mailbox with a little sticky note that says, “Just a reminder 😊.” And still—nothing.

I get how infuriating and helpless that feels.

Because here’s the thing: when gen ed teachers don’t implement the plan, you still get the phone calls, the meeting invites, the blame, and the side-eye when that kid struggles. But legally? You’re not responsible for implementation in classes you don’t teach. The school is. The team is.

What Can You Do?

• Document Your Efforts: Every time you inform a gen ed teacher about a student’s accommodations, save the email. Keep a log. Yes, it’s extra. But it protects you when admin starts pointing fingers.
• Loop in Admin Early: Don’t wait until the parent is fuming. If you’ve reminded a teacher twice and it’s still not happening, escalate it. Quietly and professionally. Let admin know that you’ve done your part.
• Push for Training: You have every right to ask your school to offer IEP compliance training. Many gen ed teachers simply don’t understand what the accommodations mean—or that they’re legally required to follow them.
• Use the IEP Team Process: If something isn’t working, or teachers aren’t following through, bring it back to the table. If the team knows there’s noncompliance, the team can address it. You don’t have to carry that on your own.
• Support Parents—Without Breaking Rank: You don’t have to throw anyone under the bus. But you can guide parents toward asking the right questions, documenting the right concerns, and using the IEP process effectively.

You can’t fix a broken system alone. But you can do your part—and protect your license—by documenting, communicating, and knowing when to push things up the ladder.

And parents? When you have a special ed teacher who’s in your corner like this—thank them. They’re doing more behind the scenes than you’ll ever know.

Parents

Step 1: Assume Positive Intent (But Document Everything)

Start with the assumption that the teacher may not have even seen the IEP or 504. Some schools are awful at distributing them. Others don’t clarify accommodations, or worse—bury them in sub folders of sub folders in the online system.

Send a kind-but-clear email. Something like:

“Hi [Teacher], I just wanted to make sure you’ve had a chance to review [Student’s] IEP/504, specifically regarding [key accommodation]. Let me know if you need anything from me to support implementation in your class.”

Attach a copy of the plan and highlight the key points. Save the email and any responses.

Step 2: Bring in the Case Manager

If things don’t improve, escalate to the case manager or 504 coordinator. Frame it around your child’s access to learning:

“Despite reminders, [Student] still isn’t receiving [accommodation], which is impacting their ability to access the curriculum. I’m requesting a team meeting to address this.”

If you’re feeling brushed off, ask in writing: “Who is responsible for ensuring that general ed teachers are implementing the IEP/504 accommodations?”

This question usually gets attention.

Step 3: Ask for Training or Clarification

Sometimes teachers just don’t know how to implement what’s in the plan. “Preferential seating” or “reduced assignments” can be interpreted a dozen different ways. Ask the team to clarify how these are being implemented—and who’s monitoring it.

If needed, request staff training. Yes, you can. Especially if multiple teachers are not following accommodations.

Step 4: Put It in the Prior Written Notice (PWN)

If you’re getting nowhere, write a formal letter requesting that the issue be addressed via a PWN. Ask the school to document what steps they’re taking to ensure the plan is followed moving forward.

PWN = paper trail = pressure.

Step 5: File a Complaint (When All Else Fails)

If noncompliance continues, you have the right to file a state complaint. This isn’t being dramatic—it’s what you do when the law isn’t followed. And yes, not following an IEP or 504 is a violation of federal law.

Bonus: How to Write It Into the Plan

Pro Tip: You can add a line in the IEP or 504 that says, “All staff working with [Student] will be informed of and trained on the accommodations.” You can also ask for a copy of the teacher sign-off sheet that shows who has reviewed the plan.

Bottom Line?

You shouldn’t have to babysit a legal document just to make sure your kid gets what they need. But here we are. Until the system does better, protect yourself with documentation, clear communication, and using the tools built into IDEA and Section 504.

Let me know if you want letter templates, complaint samples, or a walkthrough of how to use PWN to address noncompliance. I’ve got you–just use the search bar or get yo’ self an IEP toolkit.