One of the hardest things to remember day in and day out is that you matter too-- and that when you leave time for you (even if that lesson isn't perfect), your students benefit too. So, you know, you matter for you and for them.
As a special education teacher, you deserve to have a life. Really. That means finding ways to save time without sacrificing the quality of service you provide. Sound tricky? Yup. Here's a few tips on how I have managed it.
One clear finding in the research is that special educators are often isolated in their schools. To thrive, you need a tribe. You need mentors, listening ears, and more.
While tequila and tears are excellent beginning teacher coping strategies, at some point you are going to need a few more. Here is a list of some of mine!
Ever been told not to take something your classroom personally? That has never worked for me, ever. What has is finding the humor-- and more specifically having an acute sense of the ridiculous.
Let's be real. Special education teachers almost never have all of the materials they need to excel. Bridging the gap requires always being on the lookout for what colleagues have--and being ready to beg, borrow, and copy what you need.
One of the keys to thriving as a special educator is having good relationships with the power players at your school-- the custodians and front office staff who can make your life so much better.... or not. This post is on how I learned that lesson and the power of saying hi.
Stop spending your own money! People want to give special educators money for their students-- you just need to know where to look! That's what this post focuses on-- getting stuff for free.
Special education teachers deserve to thrive, not just survive. The problem is that far too many aren't even surviving in the field. This post looks at what the research says on how pervasive burnout is-- and what causes it.
