📚Worth the Read 📚 Drop a link to a special education-related article, blog, book, whitepaper, or whatever else you think we should be reading!

Have you ever said something to a fellow-faculty member that you regret immediately? How do you cope? I thought I could give advice to a fellow teacher today but it just came out wrong and even though… more

I got to join a few meetings remotely today since I had some things going on at home. It was amazing to be able to do that! My husband works a hybrid and this morning I realized it would be nice to ha… more

A student disclosed abuse happening at home, and now I'm swamped with follow-up reports and meetings. It's vital work, but also emotionally draining and disruptive to my other responsibilities… more

One positive about this school year is that at the beginning of the year there was some toxicity between myself and a preschool teacher because she disagreed with my methods. Long story short, even ju… more

Had a parent storm into my room yelling about a bad grade, refusing to listen to any explanation. I managed to stay calm, but I wanted to cry afterward. How do you bounce back emotionally from those i… more

What could be done to make Sped a more sought after career? I had someone in college who is getting their undergrad in communication disorders come and shadow me yesterday and while I think they enjoy… more

The constant focus on compliance over actual student progress drives me crazy. It feels like we spend more time checking boxes than actually teaching meaningful skills. Can anyone relate?

Do you think that those providing EC education services to preschoolers should be certified in special education?

Wow, sometimes others can be so incredibly kind! Our district celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week in April so I wasn't expecting anything this week. However, today I found out that I won a giveaw… more

What are some "must haves" on a resume to help you get noticed? I recently broke out my resume again, not because I necessarily want to leave my district or Sped, but because I want to just … more

What do you think of calling special education “Sped”? For us, growing up it was considered derogatory and often students with special needs were called “sped heads”. I worked in a school once where … more

Raise your hand if you've ever fantasized about winning the lottery and quitting on the spot 🙋‍♀️ What would you do if money wasn't a factor?

A student I used to teach dropped out, and I can't stop thinking about what I could have done differently. How do you cope with the ones you know you didn't reach?

If you woke up as the superintendent of your school district Monday morning, what is the first thing you would do?

Raise your hand if you've ever fantasized about winning the lottery and quitting on the spot 🙋‍♀️ What would you do if money wasn't a factor?

What is your favorite part about being in Sped? For me it is seeing the positive difference made in a child's life. Whether that was from me, the counselor, a teacher, etc., it makes my job very f… more

Older kids deflect. If they're avoiding, suggest talk after school. Honest, younger inquiries help establish rapport. Practice 5 second and 30 elevator respnses depending on school culture and … more

Taken from another bowl but made me think:

Student asked a question about my personal life that I deflected. Now I'm wondering...should teachers have a stock answer for prying students, or does it … more

Being in Sped is hard enough, but when I got home today my toddler peed all over the kitchen 🙃 help

Sometimes I just want to yell, "It's the lack of appropriate support that's the problem, not the child!" Is it just me?

How often do you have a 1:1 with your supervisor or principal? Do you feel like it helps?

Student clearly needs therapy, but the family refuses. I feel like my hands are tied. What else can I do as a teacher?

What do some of you do over the summer for extra income? I saw a post about remote work ideas but I'm honestly open to anything, remote or not.

Okay here's the real test. Do you love your job enough that you would show up tomorrow but be making 20% less? I honestly don't know if I would but I'm on the fence.

For all you more experienced educators out there, what are some things I can be doing as we wind down the school year to help me get ahead of the game for next year?

Are the people around you (i.e. fellow teachers, admin, etc.) more concerned about people, or profit?

How do you use AI for special education purposes? Scheduling, IEP development etc.

If anyone is sad about their career choice in SpEd, just remember that you are not an insurance agent and that life is actually great. Happy Monday 😄

Does anyone know of any legit stay at home jobs for the summer? Thank you!

I caught a student cheating, and now my heart is torn. I have to report it, but I know this will impact their entire semester. Anyone struggled with this before?

So I heard of a 6th grader paying another 6th grader $1 every time he threw the football to him at recess (there is a group of 6th grade boys that always like to play a touch football game). Is this b… more

Got asked why I chose to work with "those kids" during a job interview. Tried to keep my response professional, but... was that a huge red flag or am I overreacting?

Does anyone drive an EV to work? And if so, what charger do you use? So many options out there! Help a new EV owner!

I hate the inspiration narrative around disability. It's condescending and ignores the real challenges. Do you agree?

A little bit off topic but trying to find a car to purchase is a special form of torture. That is all. Why are they so expensive?!