Mid-Year Teacher Turnover and How ItImpacts IEP Implementation

By: Mattelin McReynolds, Advocate

Mid-year teacher turnover is more common than parents realize. Whether a teacher resigns, goes on extended leave, or is reassigned, changes in staffing can disrupt routines, services, and the overall implementation of a child’s IEP. While schools are responsible for ensuring continuity, the reality is that transitions often create gaps that directly affect student progress.

Understanding how teacher turnover impacts special education services helps families know what to look for and how to advocate for stability and accountability.

Why Mid-Year Turnover Can Disrupt a Child’s IEP

1. Loss of instructional consistency

Students with disabilities rely heavily on predictable routines, teaching styles, and consistent communication. A new teacher may not be familiar with the child’s strengths, struggles, triggers, accommodations, or behavior supports. This can lead to delays, confusion, and inconsistent expectations.

2. Interrupted service delivery

When a teacher leaves, there can be a lag before the replacement is trained or assigned. During that time, students may not receive direct minutes, small group instruction, or specialized instruction required in their IEP.

3. Poor handoff of critical information

IEPs often contain nuanced details that go beyond the written document. Without a proper handoff, new staff may miss important components such as behavior strategies, prompting levels, sensory needs, or communication supports. Even small oversights can significantly impact a child’s day.

4. Regression in skills or behavior

Change can be difficult for many students, particularly those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or learning disabilities. The shift to a new teacher can result in increased behaviors, avoidance, decreased participation, or regression in academic skills.

5. Inconsistent data collection

If the departing teacher did not complete progress monitoring or if the new teacher is unaware of specific measurement methods, the data used to adjust goals and services may become unreliable or incomplete.

What Schools Are Required to Do

Despite staffing changes, schools are legally required to implement the IEP exactly as written. This includes:

• Maintaining all service minutes

• Following accommodations and modifications

• Implementing the Behavior Intervention Plan

• Providing progress monitoring

• Ensuring qualified staff deliver specialized instruction

• Communicating with the family

A vacancy or turnover cannot reduce or interrupt a student’s services.

Signs That Turnover Is Impacting Your Child’s IEP

Parents should watch for:

• Missing or reduced service minutes

• Changes in classroom expectations or behavior responses

• Lack of communication from replacement staff

• Increase in behaviors, refusals, or anxiety

• Missing assignments or unclear instruction

• Delays in progress reports or inconsistent data

If any of these appear, it is appropriate to request a meeting or written explanation of how the school is ensuring continuity.

How to Advocate When a Teacher Leaves Mid-Year

1. Request written confirmation of how IEP services will continue

Ask who will be responsible for instruction, accommodations, progress monitoring, and communication.

2. Ask for an introduction meeting with the new teacher

Even a short meeting helps ensure the new teacher understands key supports and your child’s profile.

3. Request a copy of updated schedules

This helps verify that service minutes are still being delivered.

4. Track changes in behavior or academics

If concerns arise, document them and request a data review meeting.

5. Request retraining or clarification if the BIP is not followed

Turnover often leads to missteps in behavior plans. Schools must train new staff on the plan immediately.

Mid-year teacher turnover is stressful for families and can create real challenges for students with disabilities. While staffing changes may be unavoidable, service interruptions and inconsistent implementation are not. Parents have the right to understand who is working with their child, how IEP supports will continue, and what steps the school is taking to ensure stability.

Proactive communication and clear expectations can help rebuild consistency and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

If you need support or have questions about your rights or your child’s rights under an IEP, you can schedule a free consultation with me at any time.