Hot Topics: Legal Series for Teachers:
Crafting Success for Every Student: Practical Applications of IEP Essentials
This school year, AZCEC is bringing you a budget-friendly, 4-part legal series designed for teachers, by people who understand teachers. You’ll get clear, practical guidance on the legal side of special education—without the jargon.
What You’ll Learn:
- The latest case law and what it means for your classroom
- Hot topics shaping special education right now
- Guidance from OSEP you can actually use
- Best practices to help you stay compliant and confident
All sessions are led by Lorie A. Gerkey, an attorney with over 30 years in special education—starting as a classroom teacher, then a district administrator, and now a trusted legal advisor for schools across Arizona. Her unique perspective bridges the gap between real classroom challenges and the legal requirements that guide them.
Let’s face it—special education law can be tricky. This series makes it clear, relevant, and directly applicable to your day-to-day teaching.
Dates: Tuesdays 9/16/25, 12/2/25, 2/3/26, 4/7/26**
- 9/16/25 Session 1: From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Legal Lessons from the Past Year
- 12/2/25 Session 2: Beyond the Bell: Understanding Extended School Year Services (ESY)
- 1/13/26 Session 3: When Behavior Meets the IEP: Understanding IDEA discipline and the MDR Process
- 4/7/26 Session 4: The IEP Team’s Role: Evaluating the Need for Related Services Legally & Effectively
**All sessions will be recorded, no matter when you sign up or which sessions you can attend, you will have access to all 4 recorded sessions.
Time: 4:30pm – 5:45 pm:
60 minutes of training, 15 minutes for Q & A
Where: In the convenience of your classroom, office, or home
Cost: $40 Total for all 4 sessions!
Tucson Values Teachers is providing limited scholarships for educators to attend PD opportunities, if you are interested, click here for more information
- For questions regarding this resource, please contact Arizona Council for Exceptional Children (AZCEC).
- Contact Name: Arizona Council for Exceptional Children
- Phone No: 5204811749
- Email Address: jay@localfirstaz.com