Feeling Targeted? When Your Teacher Might Be Crossing the Line with Your IEP: Your Action Guide
It’s a heavy feeling, isn’t it? That persistent sense that a teacher singles you out, treats you differently (and not in a good way), and maybe even ignores the very plan put in place to help you succeed – your IEP. If you’re thinking, “My teacher has been targeting me all year and may be violating my IEP,” know this: your feelings are valid, and you have rights. Feeling frustrated, anxious, or even powerless in this situation is completely understandable. But you don’t have to just endure it. Let’s walk through what you can do.
First, Understand Your IEP is Your Shield and Support Plan
Your Individualized Education Program (IEP) isn’t just paperwork. It’s a legally binding document created by a team (including you, your parents/guardians, teachers, and specialists) outlining:
Your Unique Needs: How your disability impacts your learning.
Measurable Goals: What specific skills you’re working towards.
Crucial Accommodations & Modifications: The specific changes to how you learn, are tested, or participate (e.g., extended time, preferential seating, use of assistive tech, modified assignments, breaks).
Related Services: Any extra support you need, like speech therapy or counseling.
Teachers are legally obligated to implement your IEP as written. If they’re not, it’s not just unfair – it could be a violation of federal law (IDEA – the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Is it “Targeting” or an IEP Violation? Key Signs to Watch For
It can be tricky to figure out the difference between a personality clash, a tough teaching style, and actual IEP violations that feel like targeting. Look for patterns where the teacher’s actions seem to deliberately undermine your support:
1. Consistently Denying Accommodations: This is the clearest sign. If you’re supposed to get extra time but the teacher rushes you or takes your test early, that’s a problem. If you have preferential seating away from distractions but are constantly placed somewhere chaotic, it’s an issue. If you’re allowed breaks and denied them, it’s a violation.
2. Publicly Calling Out Needs: Does the teacher announce to the class, “Okay, Johnny gets extra time because he has an IEP”? This is humiliating and violates your right to confidentiality.
3. Grading Based on Disability, Not Work: Penalizing you for behaviors directly related to your disability (e.g., taking points off for fidgeting if you have ADHD and your IEP allows movement breaks).
4. Refusing Modifications: Giving you assignments you fundamentally cannot do without the agreed-upon modifications (e.g., requiring lengthy handwritten essays if you have a writing disability and your IEP specifies typing or oral responses).
5. Exclusion from Activities: Not letting you participate in class activities or field trips that are possible with your IEP accommodations.
6. Hostile or Dismissive Communication: Belittling your needs (“You don’t really need that”), refusing to discuss concerns about the IEP, or making sarcastic remarks about your accommodations.
7. Increased Discipline for Disability-Related Behaviors: If your disability impacts your behavior (e.g., impulsivity, emotional regulation), and the teacher disproportionately punishes you without considering the IEP’s behavior plan or functional behavior assessment (if you have one).
Your Action Plan: Steps to Take Charge
Feeling targeted is awful, but taking action empowers you. Here’s your roadmap:
1. Document, Document, Document: This is your most powerful tool. Be specific and factual.
Keep a Log: Note dates, times, specific incidents. What exactly happened? What did the teacher say/do? What accommodation was denied? Who was present? How did it make you feel? (e.g., “Oct 10, Math Test: Asked for my extra time (30 mins per IEP). Teacher said, ‘Hurry up, everyone else is done,’ and took my paper after only 10 extra minutes.”)
Save Evidence: Keep emails, graded assignments (especially if they show denied accommodations), notes from the teacher, assignment instructions that contradict your modifications.
Track Grades/Progress: Are your grades dropping specifically in this class despite effort? Is progress on IEP goals stalling?
2. Review Your IEP: Get out your actual IEP document. Read it carefully, especially the accommodations/modifications section and the present levels of performance. Be crystal clear on what should be happening.
3. Talk to Your Parents/Guardians: Share everything – your feelings, the incidents, and your documentation. They are your strongest advocates. They need the full picture to help you effectively.
4. Request a Conversation (With Support):
Talk to the Teacher (Optional but Often Recommended First Step): If you feel safe enough, you and your parent/guardian can request a calm, private meeting. Use “I” statements: “I feel anxious when I’m not allowed my full extra time, as outlined in my IEP on page 3. Can we discuss how to make sure this accommodation is followed?” Present your documentation factually. Goal: Clear communication and problem-solving.
Go Straight to the Case Manager/Special Ed Teacher: Your case manager is a key ally. Explain the situation and provide your documentation. They should understand the IEP and can intervene directly with the general education teacher or facilitate a meeting.
5. Request a Formal IEP Team Meeting: If talking doesn’t resolve the issue, or if the violations are serious, this is your right. Your parents/guardians should submit a written request (email is fine) to your case manager or school principal asking for an IEP meeting to address concerns about implementation. State clearly that you believe the IEP is not being followed and provide specific examples (from your log).
6. At the IEP Meeting:
Bring your documentation and a list of specific concerns.
Ask clarifying questions: “Can you explain how Accommodation X is being provided in class?”
Focus on solutions: What specific steps will the teacher take to ensure the IEP is followed? Does anything in the IEP need to be clarified or updated to prevent misunderstandings?
Get it in Writing: Any agreements or action steps decided in the meeting should be documented in the official meeting notes or an addendum to the IEP.
7. Escalate if Necessary: If the school team fails to address the violations:
School Principal: Present your concerns and documentation formally.
District Special Education Director: Every school district has one. Find their contact info.
File a Formal Complaint: Your state’s Department of Education has a special education complaint process. This is a serious step involving investigation.
Seek Outside Help: Consider contacting a Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) or an educational advocate or attorney specializing in special education law. Find your PTI: [https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/](https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/).
What NOT To Do
Retaliate or Confront Angrily: This rarely helps and can escalate the situation negatively.
Give Up or Stop Trying: Easier said than done, but letting grades plummet or disengaging hurts you most.
Assume It’s Just You: Talk to your parents, case manager, or a trusted counselor. Don’t isolate yourself.
Ignore the Paperwork: Verbal promises are hard to enforce. Get agreements in writing via email or IEP documentation.
Remember: You Deserve Respect and Support
Having an IEP means you learn differently, not less capably. A teacher ignoring your plan isn’t just inconvenient; it actively blocks your path to success. Feeling targeted is incredibly stressful, but by understanding your rights, documenting what’s happening, and using the formal processes available, you can advocate for the fair treatment and support you are legally entitled to. Don’t be afraid to speak up and lean on your support team – your education is worth fighting for. You have the tools; now it’s time to use them.
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