ABSTRACT
This chapter provokes conversation around practical problems that confront educational leaders today. It talks about 21-year-old Tabitha Jones first year teaching with a temporary teaching certificate. While waiting for her scores to arrive so she can apply for her permanent certificate, she finds a position as a day-to-day substitute Special Education (SPED) co-teacher at a Title I middle school. She is also the advocate for the 30 students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) within the larger group. The IEP students are classified with a variety of exceptionalities. When discussing her role at the school with a colleague who is taking a graduate class at the local University, her colleague tells her it is illegal for substitutes to be the case manager for special education students. Though, she calls the State Department of Education to inform them of the situation. The District Superintendent is quickly notified by the State Department of Education and calls Principal Sampson right away.
