Education Week asked special educators on Twitter to describe what’s keeping them in the profession—and what’s driving them out. Among the responses:
My love for the children keeps me in. Seeing progress and growth in a child that others may disregard is powerful for the child and family. Every child can learn and I’m excited to tap into the how for each one.
— R. Simmons, MAT, NBCT (@AwesomeRavenEC) December 13, 2017
I have many battles with Gen Ed Teachers. Trying to get some to do interventions in the classroom or provide proof of what they have tried is difficult. We have some great administrators and we have some that think of us as a nuisance.
— Michelle (@mschroder326) December 14, 2017
— I feel like few people value or know what I do. It hurts most when they pull adults from my program to cover “more important” needs. 😔
— Beth Dedrick Davis (@Radbetch) December 13, 2017
being an educator for 20+ yrs I can assure you it’s not the paperwork It’s how SPED is funded that frustrates me the MOST-in addition there is also the belief that we really don’t teach! A lack of respect for what we do. I wish they would walk a day in our shoes 👠
— Dr.MatiSarmiento (@DrMatiSarmiento) December 15, 2017
Not enough space, expectations for magic formula and disrespect for my time and planning,expectations to continue class work on my time, no plantime,
Reason to stay-kids— kimberly daniels (@kdblessed00) December 13, 2017
What’s keeping me in: SUPPORT. From instructional coaches, administrators (through feedback and observations). Prep time. Being valued. All so important.
— Molly Palzkill (@majesticmolly) December 13, 2017
Lack of knowledge on special education from other teachers and the Stigma, lots of paperwork, lack of support from admin, lack of PD and updated resources for students with disabilities. The only thing that gets me through the day is knowing I’m helping these students.
— Ms. Silva (@reachliz83) December 13, 2017
I’ve been teaching special education for 25 years. One of the big reasons I have made it this long is working in a positive school climate with teachers who pull together to make our building a great place.
— Lisa Boyd (@SandburgBoyd) December 13, 2017
1/2 the kids keep me doing what I do. And I love that no two days are never the same! What’s hard is the lack of time, resources and support
— Rachel Crawford (@MsCrawford101) December 13, 2017
2/2 and understanding of what we do. It’s frustrating and isolating at times to be a sped teacher!
— Rachel Crawford (@MsCrawford101) December 13, 2017
Pressure to have students perform on grade level when that’s not what’s right or best for them.
— Lola Bakes (@AngryBabe72) December 13, 2017
The kids are never my problem. It’s lack of respect, lack of knowledge about sped, lack of district support, lack of knowledgeable district staff. Accountability is not there. Teachers are held accountable but others aren’t. No support from parents. We are ALL on the same team!!
— Ms. Allison K-Sofia (@WPUSDtransition) December 13, 2017
