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Welcome to Pillar 1: Basics
Foundation for A + N
Pillar 1 is where you build your footing.
This pillar is designed for teachers who are new to special education, new to a school or state, or who have been doing this for a while but were never shown how all the pieces of an IEP actually fit together.
You do not need to complete everything here at once.
You do not need to download every resource today.
Pillar 1 works best when you pair it with the FLOW + ANCHOR system:
- Anchor your timelines
- Name your priorities
- Then use these lessons to fill in the gaps
Think of this pillar as your reference point — something you come back to as questions pop up.
How to Use This Pillar
As you move through Pillar 1, focus on what feels heavy or confusing right now.
You can check off lessons as you complete them, but progress matters more than completion.
Here are optional exercises you can work through as you’re ready:
☐ Set up (or refresh) your IEP caseload binder or digital system
☐ Map out your IEP due dates using a blank calendar from the Member Resources
☐ Use the IEP Writing Timeline to identify each student’s individual timeline
☐ Download and reference the acronyms list as needed
☐ Review the Disability Category brochures to strengthen your foundational knowledge
☐ Explore the 1-year and 3-year IEP timelines for long-term planning
You do not need to do all of these to “move on.”
Choose what supports your current role, caseload, and time.
The Goal of Pillar 1
By the end of this pillar, the goal is not mastery. The goal is to feel:
- Less overwhelmed
- More grounded
- More prepared to make decisions
This pillar helps you move from confused and unsure to ready to learn and move forward.
Take your time. Start where you are.
And remember: this is a foundation you can always come back to.