# data[].attributes.body
I never thought I would teacher first of all. However when I was provided an opportunity to explore what the teacher actually does I really latched on and it was solidified when I was told I would get my education for free.  Esy decision ever!

# data[].attributes.body
There have been many times when I felt that the responsibility of modifying work for a student with an IEP fell solely on the case manager. Modifying work should be a collaboration between the special ed teacher and general ed teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
Cant stress enough how much a student’s whole demeanor and attitude towards non-preferred tasks changes when you recognize their efforts and offer positive recognition. When communicating with parents, lead with their student’s strengths. Email parents about the positive things their child is doing in class/school!

# data[].attributes.body
Progress maybe slow but it is still progress.   Most of the time it is the process not the product that matters.   Every step towards independence is a huge step!

# data[].attributes.body
When you have a caseload of 15+ students, making a functional schedule to support all SDI minutes is a challenge. When the general ed teacher’s schedule is flexible and/or organized, it makes it so much easier to build a resource room schedule. Because of the amount of schedules we work around, we don’t always get to push in/pull students out when we want or when it works best for the teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
The biggest challenge that I have faced in special education is to be able to balance the needs of students the needs of a parent and the needs of the district in order to develop the best program for the student. Sometimes the needs are in conflict and a resolution is hard to find.  What I found that works the best is being transparent with all parties as you look for a solution.

# data[].attributes.body
As a sped teacher you wind up being a direct supervisor to paraeducators as well as your students. There can be difficulty in managing personalities - especially if you come in as a new teacher (regardless how much experience you have) to paras that have been in the classroom through one or more teacher changes. So ensuring clear communication is your key to find success to help lead your classroom the direction you want it to go in.

# data[].attributes.body
The best advice I can give is to remember that you are not the parent of this child so you need to respect that and honor their culture, wishes and goals.  Always lead with love with a child because it will work eventually. And to never look for validation about your job and how well you do your job from anybody who does not do your job. Also not all Paras are equal and they should be prepared to do the whole entire job but some are better with certain aspects of the job.  Play to their strengths and help educate their weaknesses but do not expect them to do the same job in the same way.

# data[].attributes.body
There’s going to be challenges you don’t see coming. But there will also be rewards like you won’t believe. You’ll find yourself celebrating the littlest wins alongside the biggest  accomplishments. No two days are the same - and that’s the fun of the job!

# data[].attributes.body
My brother and my cousin both have dis/abilities. My brother was in school before IDEA. My cousin was in school before IDEIA. I grew up witnessing the dis/ability injustice that was deeply ingrained in the education system, and saw how parents (my parents) primarily were left to advocate for the needs of their children with dis/abilities. To be honest, the special educators that my brother and cousin had were not great. The administrators were not great. And I felt strongly that I needed to enter this profession to do more to advocate.

# data[].attributes.body
I was a para before getting my teaching credential for secondary science. As a middle school science teacher I loved that all students, including those with special needs had to take science. I eventually learned that planning with those students central in my mind made me a better teacher for all of my students. When the opportunity came up to learn more and get certified for sped, I was eager to do it. I was drawn to actually make the jump to sped because I see so much potential for collaboration and partnership between special education and general education that I wanted to see from both sides. This year hasn’t been a great experience in that respect, but I absolutely love getting to know my students and working with them as we discover how they learn best. I also love the creativity that comes with the personalization of instruction.

# data[].attributes.body
Families will lash out sometimes. They can be demanding. They can be emotional. Instead of reacting... listen. Repeat back to them what they've just shared. Share that you hear that is important to them. Sometimes parents can be isolated and you are the only person that they can talk to about their child and their child's needs. Try to figure out which cultural model of dis/ability the family perspective is coming from. Not to judge their perspective, but to understand how to frame the conversation and move forward with IEP decisions that will benefit their child. Talking to families at parent pick up or making phone calls/Teams calls can be so beneficial. Communication over email does not always convey the emotion of care- in both parent to teacher communication or in teacher to parent communication. Putting in the time to build communication and trust with a family ASAP in the fall/before school even starts through a welcome letter (and I do a welcome video) and an open invitation to meet (translated in multiple languages) will go a long way.

# data[].attributes.body
We have a long way to go before achieving true inclusion. It is not okay for an educator to say "I don't know how to teach that student because they are black." and yet somehow it is okay to say, "I don't know how to teach that student because they have XYZ dis/ability" Special education is a service not a place, and from what I see, as it stands, the majority of general education classrooms are not designed to adequately meet those services. A combination of Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy is vital in general education classes for true inclusion to be achieved.

# data[].attributes.body
I honestly feel that there is so little support where it is needed. Whether it is caseloads that are too big, radio silence from teachers and admin, teachers who aren’t used to being asked to actually accommodate or support inclusion, it wears me down. I had to fight to get access to curricular materials that were in my classroom at the beginning of the year. This year in particular has made these challenges most evident, but it is clear these are entrenched in the way things work in Bellevue. I wish students with special needs were centralized in the way we plan and navigate systems and policies in this district. The ways it is done seem superficial. What makes this even more frustrating is that admin at all levels are so quick to agree or acknowledge that we are not doing what we need to do to best serve these students. I understand that systemic change is slow, but it really does seem that the moment equity and/or inclusion become difficult (or expensive) support from those with systemic power fall short. It is really disappointing.

# data[].attributes.body
When we partner together we are a force to be reckoned with!

# data[].attributes.body
We are in awe of your patience, knowledge, and tenacity.

# data[].attributes.body
It’s been a bit hard to accept, but after only a year in sped, I know that I will serve these kids better as a gen ed teacher. It is okay to realize that.

# data[].attributes.body
I wish that teachers knew that when it comes to accommodations or structures like UDL, it’s really just good teaching. What we are advocating for to help our students will help all students whether they have an IEP or not.

# data[].attributes.body
Help families understand and feel apart of the process. Acknowledge their expertise on the student make things a discussion rather than a presentation.

# data[].attributes.body
I wish they knew how hard my job is when there is not a regular or advanced plan. I want to support students using materials from class, but I can’t do that if I don’t know what they are.

# data[].attributes.body
SPED is a hard job- I admire and respect what you do.
As a general education teacher I didn't get a lot of training/education in sped so I'm always looking for new resources / ways to help all kids. We sometimes feel like we lack the skills/training but do want to do what is right for all our kids!
Also- tell us what we can do to help! We want to help and work with you!

# data[].attributes.body
If you are able to be discerning about a job, do your homework about the school. Are the admin seen as supportive? Do gen ed teachers want kids with special needs in their class? What resources are available? Is the sped team willing to partner/work together?  Has there been a lot of turnover (if so, why?), etc. Sometimes you may be looking for that challenge, but if not, it will make things tough.

# data[].attributes.body
Paras love teachers who  view themselves and paraeducators as a team. Show mutual respect and recognize that paras have experience and knowledge to share. We are not "just paras". Involving paras in the planning and decision making makes us feel valued. Don't be too controlling and don't micromanage your paras!  We love being given responsibilities. Trust your paras, take advantage of your paras' strengths when deciding who works with whom and who can do certain tasks. We will go above and beyond for teachers when we know we are appreciated.

# data[].attributes.body
In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges is managing paraeducators. My first year teaching, as a 22 year old, I was managing a group of 8 paraeducators who had years of experience. It is a fine balance and something that can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Creating a "team" within the classroom, asking for feedback, brainstorming, make them feel appreciated-- those are all things to be mindful of. The tricky aspect with this is remembering that as the teacher, everything (good or bad) falls on you- there do need to be boundaries in place, but creating a positive work environment helps with this aspect of the job.

# data[].attributes.body
I grew up with my Uncle, who has significant cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as a male cousin on the autism spectrum. I chose this field because of my love for those members of my family, and the progress I saw my cousin make throughout the course of his life. Advocacy and people believing in him is what got him to where he is today. That will always inspire me to advocate for my students.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was in fourth grade, our class had kinderbuddies to read to one time per week. My teacher selected me to pair with a student with Down's Syndrome. I went with him to speech therapy, I learned how his work was modified, and how he learned some of the same things as the other students in a different way. I like that special education is a challenge every day. Every day I am challenged to better my practice and problem solve student behaviors and learning. It can be frustrating to have to implement so many interventions, but once one works for a student, it is worth it.

# data[].attributes.body
As a first year teacher, the biggest challenge was the workload and the parents. It was difficult to find time for data management, creating new materials, new class routines, how to train paras, how to plan for general education integration. It has also been a challenge navigating parent relationships and the role they play on the IEP team. It is so important for parents to be involved in every part of the IEP and in their child's education, however, it is a delicate balance to enforce FAPE and maintain professional decisions over the wants of some team members. Some of these skills just come with experience and can be difficult to study in school.

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding that everyone can participate in an activity, and that it may look different depending on the students abilities and challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
I wish that general education teachers knew that although some students comprehend simple/logical speech best, this doesn't mean that they need to be addressed in a baby voice or only like infantilized topics. There is more than meets the eye- especially when you get to know a child personally. Students will grow and adapt a lot to how they are treated and talked to throughout the day. Think about how you speak about, react to, and talk to students with special needs. They deserve respect and dignity just like every other student.

# data[].attributes.body
The job is hard, time consuming, and you need to be creative and confident in yourself. Know your strengths (behavior? teaching reading? teaching math?), and ASK FOR HELP! You are not a superhero and lean on others for guidance and assistance. Also-- set healthy boundaries with your schedule (this goes for ALL teachers!).

# data[].attributes.body
Because all students are unique and have varying abilities, it is important for families to know the teacher is taking their specific needs into account. It means the world to a parent when you acknowledge a student's unique abilities, new skills, or even something fun the student did at school. I have found that some parents of students with special needs feel isolated and having a teacher who genuinely cares and knows their child can mean the world to them.

# data[].attributes.body
Paraeducators do a lot of work for not enough pay. They are asked to be educators, care takers, healthcare workers and more! Respect and rapor are vital when working with paraeducators. It is also important to know that although some paras have been working the job for many years, few have had any professional schooling or training for their job. Teachers are responsible for navigating this delicate relationship; ensuring paraeducators are provided with enough training to do their jobs while maintaining respect for the knowledge that they do have.

# data[].attributes.body
This job is HARD. Hard work goes unnoticed. There is a lot of paperwork and effort behind the scenes that other teachers, parents and even admin doesn't realize! A sped teacher has to be able to humble themselves, manage time, and understand that although this job doesn't give us fortune and fame, it gives us the MOST smiles, love, compassion, intimate joy, and achievements I have ever experienced.

# data[].attributes.body
Special Ed just made sense. At the time my University's general ed program was not data driven. It was very Whole Language, "just expose kids to books". Sped was saying lets take data, lets explicitly teach what they're missing. It just made sense.

# data[].attributes.body
*managing adults
*feeling unsupported/unheard
*admin not understanding sped/unwilling to learn or admit that they don't know

# data[].attributes.body
Inclusion doesn't just mean the sweet kid with Down Syndrome joining you for story time. We need to include all kids; including the kid with behavior difficulties (resource student) and make sure that they feel like part of their class, not ostracized.
Inclusion needs to be with same-age peers, not a 3rd grader included in kindergarten class

# data[].attributes.body
Be honest, be real, show compassion, go slow - don't rush anything, don't come off as the expert, be a team member (parents are = to admin in IEP meetings)

# data[].attributes.body
*say no, you don't have to do it all
*if it doesn't feel right in your gut, speak up
*relationship is everything; with parents, students, staff, admin, etc.
*special ed is the BEST

# data[].attributes.body
I joined the teaching profession through Teach for America. When I was doing my application I checked off "special education: Maybe with more information" and then I ranked my grade level preferences as: elementary, high school, and middle. So of course I became a middle school special education. I never planned to stay in teaching. TFA was meant to be a break before med school. After about 3 years I realized, I really liked it. After about 5 years I realized this was my calling. I love working in special education because of the intellectual challenge, the impact we have on children and families, and how much opportunity I have to learn.

# data[].attributes.body
There's nothing magical about what we do, it's about our mindset, our perspective, our beliefs, our creativity, and our constantly growing knowledge. So when people come back to me with "I'm not trained to work in special education" - I tell them, well neither was I - I taught kindergarten for 4 weeks before I became a middle school special education and then I just kept figuring out through time, learning, and trial and error. But our jobs in special education are hugely conditional based on how willing or resistant our general education partners are. If it's a your/my kid situation - that sucks for us and the kid. If it's a "our kids" situation, world's better.

# data[].attributes.body
I could write a whole book on this topic. Listen deeply. Listen to what they're saying, how they're saying, and what they're not saying. Don't personalize it - sometimes they are saying valid things but in a really crappy way, so don't get distracted by the packaging. Look for shared wins, common grounds, but also respectfully hold lines and clearly state dissenting opinions. Remember everyone's human and wants respect, joy, fun, success.

# data[].attributes.body
It's not for everyone. I've been doing this for 15 years and I've always wanted my current job (director of special education), but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. The wins are enormous but the blows can be extremely hard. When it's rough, it's REALLY rough and most of the time you can't even tell anyone about it. So at least at my level of special education you have to be prepared to handle both and have really good self-regulation and coping skills. But if it's the right fit for you, it's the most interesting, fun, and rewarding job you'll ever have. The families will open their hearts to you, the kids you'll fall in love with, the staff you'll want to clone and have professional crushes on, and every day is a new and different day.

# data[].attributes.body
I love my job and the open line of communication I have with the parents. However the worst part of the job is feeling like you cannot give 100% to teaching and to the paperwork...my students and their emotional, and academic needs always come first.
I have always wished that someone else did the paperwork and that I could teach. It is definitely more than. two full time jobs!
I am great with change; however it is difficult when your district changes best practice...in favor of something else that covers their a**. Documentation should be for those you are working with, not to take away from the students. Every year it is more and more paperwork, it isn’t the law, just busy work to keep them out of court.

# data[].attributes.headline
Build your relationships with honesty and trust

# data[].attributes.subject
Build your relationships with honesty and trust

# data[].attributes.body
I honestly believe that the key to a good relationship with parents is total honesty and an open line of communication. When a parent calls, they do so because they are concerned about their precious babies that they share with us. Give them a minute of your time as soon as possible. It will build the trust they have in you.
I don’t necessarily think this is for everyone...however I give my parents my phone number. It started as only senior parents, then I gave it to my seniors before they graduated. Now with Covid-19 they all have it. I have honestly never had any problems with giving it out.
It also takes away the students excuse for not doing their work.

# data[].attributes.body
I kind of just stumbled my way into the field. My bachelors is in business. I had the opportunity to get my masters and teaching cert in an alternative route, so just decided to take the risk!

# data[].attributes.headline
Why I chose special ed??  From my high school days as a camp counselor, I worked with children with special needs. Then in college I majored in recreation therapy which is all about help children and adults with special needs. So, i continued on later in my life to et my masters in teaching special ed.  I like to work 1-1 or with small groups of students to help them become more successful in their gen ed classrooms. I like the challenge of trying various approaches to help students feel good about their abilities. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Why I chose special ed??  From my high school days as a camp counselor, I worked with children with special needs. Then in college I majored in recreation therapy which is all about help children and adults with special needs. So, i continued on later in my life to et my masters in teaching special ed.  I like to work 1-1 or with small groups of students to help them become more successful in their gen ed classrooms. I like the challenge of trying various approaches to help students feel good about their abilities. 

# data[].attributes.body
There is never enough time in the day to work with students, prep materials, stay on top of the paperwork, and communicate with colleagues and parents. That is such a big challenge at times. And I always want to continue to learn new skills and new tools to work with students so I also have to fit that in somewhere. I just have to let go of some things and that is hard for me.

# data[].attributes.headline
The work and effort we take together for students receiving special ed services will benefit all students in our general education classes. We are a team and we are working to support each other as colleagues as well as supporting all of "our" students.      Please see all of our students' abilities rather than looking at their disabilities.

# data[].attributes.subject
The work and effort we take together for students receiving special ed services will benefit all students in our general education classes. We are a team and we are working to support each other as colleagues as well as supporting all of "our" students.      Please see all of our students' abilities rather than looking at their disabilities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Listen first!  Observe what is happening in the classroom and what all students are doing, academically, socially, and behaviorally. Be flexible and open to the changes happening in the classrooms on a daily basis. Keep parents in the loop with communication.  Let them know the good first and then the challenges.  Ask for ideas.  Try to incorporate the ideas form all members...

# data[].attributes.subject
Listen first!  Observe what is happening in the classroom and what all students are doing, academically, socially, and behaviorally. Be flexible and open to the changes happening in the classrooms on a daily basis. Keep parents in the loop with communication.  Let them know the good first and then the challenges.  Ask for ideas.  Try to incorporate the ideas form all members...

# data[].attributes.headline
Be kind to yourself.  In teaching, our job is never finished so you have to take time for yourself and your family. You have to live with IEP deadlines so don't miss these.   Get yourself organized!!  That makes your job so much better.....Everyday is a new day and you have a fresh slate. Same for all of your students!!!  When things get tough and stressful....remember the strategies you teach your students.  go take a break, a walk in the hall, a trip with a heavy backpack to the office!!!!

# data[].attributes.subject
Be kind to yourself.  In teaching, our job is never finished so you have to take time for yourself and your family. You have to live with IEP deadlines so don't miss these.   Get yourself organized!!  That makes your job so much better.....Everyday is a new day and you have a fresh slate. Same for all of your students!!!  When things get tough and stressful....remember the strategies you teach your students.  go take a break, a walk in the hall, a trip with a heavy backpack to the office!!!!

# data[].attributes.headline
My mom worked as a social worker in a school district and got me a para job when I was 21. I worked in a behavior program and all the kids hated school....which was a common characteristic of me because I hated school. I had ADHD so I could relate. I was getting paid peanuts and realized that I could do the same thing for much more money if I went and got a degree. I love working in special education because I love fighting for the underdog and proving to others how awesome all kids are regardless of their disability.

# data[].attributes.subject
My mom worked as a social worker in a school district and got me a para job when I was 21. I worked in a behavior program and all the kids hated school....which was a common characteristic of me because I hated school. I had ADHD so I could relate. I was getting paid peanuts and realized that I could do the same thing for much more money if I went and got a degree. I love working in special education because I love fighting for the underdog and proving to others how awesome all kids are regardless of their disability.

# data[].attributes.headline
Getting general education teachers to trust the process and to focus on positives when dealing with a student with an IEP. I only had to do WA-AIM one year....but that pretty much was the stupidest most obnoxious, in-efficient, and challenging thing I did as a SPED teacher! :)   

# data[].attributes.subject
Getting general education teachers to trust the process and to focus on positives when dealing with a student with an IEP. I only had to do WA-AIM one year....but that pretty much was the stupidest most obnoxious, in-efficient, and challenging thing I did as a SPED teacher! :)   

# data[].attributes.headline
The importance of Interest Based Learning and understanding the goal of a lesson. For example....if the goal is to learn about Volcanos...then the student can communicate their knowledge in many forms...which in turn...is all acceptable for a passing grade.

# data[].attributes.subject
The importance of Interest Based Learning and understanding the goal of a lesson. For example....if the goal is to learn about Volcanos...then the student can communicate their knowledge in many forms...which in turn...is all acceptable for a passing grade.

# data[].attributes.headline
Easy....get to know the child....get to know the strengths...be every students cheer leader. Colleagues will seek your guidance, and families will appreciate your compassion.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Easy....get to know the child....get to know the strengths...be every students cheer leader. Colleagues will seek your guidance, and families will appreciate your compassion.  

# data[].attributes.headline
Make sure the parents are happy and the gen ed teachers are happy. Nobody will notice the things you suck at because they wont care to check.

# data[].attributes.subject
Make sure the parents are happy and the gen ed teachers are happy. Nobody will notice the things you suck at because they wont care to check.

# data[].attributes.body
Special education is full of challenges.  What comes up for me immediately isn't the massive amounts of paperwork or overwhelming expectations.  The biggest challenge is not letting all the technical parts of special education make me forget that education is education.  Good instruction is good instruction, regardless of the kids in front of me.  And I can write the most perfect compliant document, but if I am not working to implement that IEP or BIP or supporting others to implement it, it makes so different for the student.

# data[].attributes.body
Two things.
1, a student is not their behavior, students have behaviors.  For example you don't have an aggressive student, you have a student with aggressive behaviors.  And students use their behaviors to communicate.
2, Secondary specific. Students with IEPs have a legal (and ethical) right to your classroom. They do not need to "earn" there way there.

# data[].attributes.body
Focus on strengths and be competent. If you don't know an answer or need help with coming up with an intervention, ask for it. Communicating honestly with families, students and teachers builds trust.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose to work in special education because I didn't want students to have the same experience I did in school. Public school gen ed never worked for me, I was labeled as sped at an early age and it wasn't until high school that I actually got the services I needed to save my life.

# data[].attributes.body
When two educators have difference of opinion of what services look like.

# data[].attributes.body
Simply asking how are you and how can I help you can make the differences in a student and families day. Believing what you are hearing (even if the student has a history of lying) and seeking clarification to verify if what you heard is real. and actually following through with anything you say your going to do.

# data[].attributes.body
I am currently a para with a masters degree in education and going for my sped cert, I wish teachers treated us as educators and leveraged the knowledge we bring into the space. We are not people who make copies. (My favorite part about being a para even though I am going for my cert) is that I don't need to do any paper work. I just get to do the fun stuff and build relationships with the students.

# data[].attributes.body
Never take anything personally. Students are ever changing one day they may love you the next they may want nothing to do with you. Keep showing up and being consistent and it will make all the differences. IF a student is shutting down, or not engaging, try changing the way your present the information. Wait time is GOLD!

# data[].attributes.headline
I had a friend who's child was in the program and when I mentioned going back to work, she encouraged me to apply for the job because I enjoy her child so much.

# data[].attributes.subject
I had a friend who's child was in the program and when I mentioned going back to work, she encouraged me to apply for the job because I enjoy her child so much.