Can a representative of a teachers union or organization attend an IEP meeting?
While the parent or school district has the discretion to invite individuals with knowledge or special expertise about the child to an IEP meeting, the Notice of Interpretation that accompanies the federal regulations states: “Part B (IDEA) does not provide for including individuals such as representatives of teacher organizations as part of an IEP team, unless they are included because of knowledge or special expertise regarding the child. (Because a representative of a teachers organization would generally be concerned with the interests of the teacher rather than the interests of the child, and generally would not possess knowledge or expertise regarding the child, it generally would be inappropriate for such an official to be a member of the IEP team or to otherwise participate in an IEP meeting.)” [34 C.F.R., Part 300, App. A Q. 28.
