TPP 487: Stacey Shubitz on How to Advocate & Help Your Child Thrive at School

Today’s show is all about navigating the school system when your child has disabilities—and how to do that with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot more support. My guest is Stacey Shubitz, author of the new book Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future. In this episode, Stacey shares her journey as both an educator and a parent, and we dig into what parents really need to understand about special education, effective communication with schools, and the IEP process. She offers practical, empowering strategies for advocating for your child, managing the complexity of the system without losing yourself, and finding moments of joy and meaning along the way, even if (or when) the path feels overwhelming.

About Stacey Shubitz 

Stacey Shubitz is a certified literacy specialist and former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in the New York City Public Schools and a public charter school in Rhode Island. Since 2009, she has been a literacy consultant, supporting teachers with writing instruction. Stacey has also taught graduate literacy education courses at Lesley University and Penn State–Harrisburg.

She is the Chief of Operations and Lead Writer for Two Writing Teachers, a leading resource for writing instruction since 2007. She also co-hosts the Two Writing Teachers Podcast. Stacey earned an M.A. in Literacy Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an M.S.Ed. in Childhood Education from Hunter College.

She has published several books about writing instruction, including Welcome to Writing Workshop and Craft Moves. Stacey’s most recent book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, was published by Guilford Press in January 2026. In this book, she shares her experiences as both a parent and an educator, equipping families with real-life stories, inclusive resources, and the knowledge to advocate for their children confidently. Stacey lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and children.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• How Stacey’s dual perspective as an educator and parent strengthens her advocacy for families in special education

• Why educating yourself about your rights, school processes, and the IEP system is essential for effective advocacy

• How partnerships with teachers — built through clear, ongoing communication and regular check-ins — support your child’s success

• Why building a support network helps parents navigate the overwhelm of special education

• How practicing consistent self-care and finding joy in small moments protects parents from burnout

• Why celebrating every bit of progress, no matter how small, helps families stay grounded and encouraged

Resources mentioned

• Stacey Shubitz’ website

• Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future by Stacey Shubitz

• Parenting Training & Information Centers

• Two Writing Teachers Blog

• Two Writing Teachers Podcast

• Stacey Shubitz’s Substack

• Stacey Shubitz on Instagram

• Stacey Shubitz on LinkedIn

• The Kids Who Aren’t Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools by Dr. Ross Greene

• Strength-Based Assessments with Dr. Jade Rivera (Tilt Parenting podcast)

• The Strength-Based Assessment Lab at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Development

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