Bridging the Gap: Why Advocacy and Education Must Work Together—Not Against Each Other

As an Educational Diagnostician and Special Education Consultant, my mission is to empower parents with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate effectively for their child—because no one knows their child better than they do.

But recently, that mission made me unwelcome in a space I once considered professional and collaborative. After launching a consulting business to support families of students with disabilities, I was removed from a Facebook group aligned with my field - Educational Diagnosticians. When I respectfully asked why, the response was simple: “Advocates aren’t allowed.”

Although I don’t technically call myself an “advocate”, that moment revealed a larger issue in education—one that needs to be addressed.

Redefining “Advocate” in Education

The word “advocate” has taken on a negative tone in far too many professional spaces. Many educators hear "advocate" and assume the worst—conflict, blame, and confrontation. When in truth, advocacy should be collaborative and student-centered.

Advocacy isn’t about undermining schools. It’s about supporting students by partnering with schools.

The services I offer, helping parents interpret evaluations, understand their rights, and navigate the IEP process, are not a threat to the system. They fill a gap that should already be supported by the system. The goal is to not fight educators. It’s to work with them, so families feel seen, heard, and informed.

“Advocates” Must Also Do Better

To be clear, some of the negative perceptions around advocacy are not entirely unfounded. They have been shaped, in part, by experiences where advocates approached school teams with hostility, suspicion, or a lack of understanding of how educational systems function.

As a field, advocates must:

• respect the expertise and dedication of educators.

• be informed, solution-oriented, and collaborative.

• not speak over or for parents, but empower them to speak up for their child with clarity and confidence.

The parent is, and always should be, their child’s strongest advocate. The role of an advocate should not replace them, but to equip them.

It is not helpful, or productive, to paint districts or educators as negligent or uncaring. Instead, advocates should come to the table with solutions, clarity, and an understanding of the educational system. To guide parents effectively, advocates also must be well-versed in special education law, classroom realities, and developmental needs. An effective advocate understands the delicate balance between supporting families and maintaining a respectful, productive relationship with school teams. We must model the kind of partnership we are asking others to adopt.

It’s Time for a Mindset Shift

When a parent brings an advocate to the table, it’s not a declaration of war. It’s a call for clarity, partnership, and support. Respecting that decision and welcoming an informed advocate into the process should be seen as a sign of collaboration, not conflict. And when that advocate understands both the system and the family’s needs, it can lead to powerful outcomes for the student. 

Educators: Don’t fear advocacy—fear the silence of parents who feel they can’t speak.
Advocates: Don’t become what the system already fears—be the bridge, not the wedge.

Because the only “side” that matters is the one that supports the child.

From Both Sides of the Table: Bridging the Gap with Insight and Integrity

As a Diagnostician, I understand the complex realities of school systems, federal regulations, and student needs. My background equips me to speak both the language of schools and the language of families. The goal is to not divide, but to bridge the gap.

✔️ I respect educators' training and expertise.
✔️ I also believe families deserve transparency, support, and clarity.
✔️ My work helps both sides come to the table informed and prepared, so students receive the services and support they need.

I work from within the system to help both sides, families and educators, navigate special education more effectively. Because collaboration isn’t optional. It’s essential.

You don’t have to navigate special education alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply want a clearer path forward for your child, I'm here to help. Let’s work together to ensure your child gets the support they need, and that you feel confident every step of the way. Schedule a FREE consultation today to get started.