Terri: I am a PT working in Public School for past 20 years. I would like to become an educational advocate as I feel I have a lot to offer students and families because of my background in motor as well as what I have learned about Special Education. How do I go about this?
Terri: There is no formal process and currently no national certification for advocates.
Pete suggests you attend one of our programs – great training and networking with other advocates who can give you advice.
Schedule of Wrightslaw training programs: https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/schedule.htm
We add new dates and locations so check the page for a location of training near you.
A good source of training (without the networking) is our Special Education Law and Advocacy Multimedia Training Program. Info here: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for this training, info here: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/ceu.info.htm
Articles about becoming an advocate:
* So You Want to Be an Advocate https://www.wrightslaw.com/howey/how.advocate.htm
* Advocacy FAQs https://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/07/nl.0605.htm
* Summer School 2013 – So You Want to Be an Advocate! https://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/13/ss.be.an.advocate.htm
Contact your state Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) and request info about training they provide.
Directory of PTIs: http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/ptis.htm
Other people obtain Advocacy and Leadership Training through Partners in Policymaking: https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.partners.policymakng.htm
Hope this information helps. Good luck in your advocacy journey!