E17. 10+ Things Not to Say in an IEP Meeting

The Intentional IEP Podcast

We spend so much time preparing for IEP meetings—writing goals, gathering data, pulling everything together—yet when we finally sit down at the table, the words we use can make or break the entire conversation.

There are a handful of phrases that can instantly shift the tone of a meeting, and not in a good way. Some of them come out of habit, others because we’re trying to save time or keep things moving. But here’s the thing: what we don’t say is just as important as what we do say.

In this episode, Stephanie will:

• Share more than 10 phrases to avoid during an IEP meeting
• Explain why comments like “we only have an hour” or “there’s no way we can increase their minutes” can shut down collaboration
• Offer practical alternatives that keep conversations positive, strengths-focused, and student-centered
• Give tips for navigating tricky moments with confidence and professionalism
• Help you create smoother, more collaborative meetings where families feel heard.

If you’ve ever left a meeting wishing it had gone more smoothly, this episode will give you practical swaps, helpful reminders, and the confidence to navigate IEP meetings without stress. Because when the team works well together, the student always wins.

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