Special Education 101
What is special education?
Special education is a specialized form of instruction designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It involves tailored teaching methods, tools, and services to help students with physical, cognitive, emotional, or learning challenges achieve academic and developmental success.
Special education programs often include individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline specific goals and support services, ensuring that students receive the necessary accommodations to access the general curriculum and participate in school activities to the fullest extent possible.
My top 5 lessons learned as a special education teacher
1. You Need Systems to Stay Organized
Special education requires meticulous organization, especially when preparing for IEPs. I needed a structured process to ensure all required procedural safeguards were sent out, the appropriate general education teacher and key personnel were invited, and the goals were drafted. With so many moving pieces, I had to implement systems to track every detail—there was no way I could keep it all in my brain.
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2. The Importance of Deadlines
Special education operates on strict legal timelines because parents have rights tied to specific deadlines. It was crucial for me to understand and track these deadlines to ensure that I provided the necessary documents and updates to parents and colleagues on time. This also applied to gathering data on IEP goals and other essential student progress indicators.
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3. Finding a Way to Decompress from Work
Working closely with students with disabilities and their families can be incredibly rewarding but also emotionally exhausting. To avoid burnout, I had to develop strategies to decompress after work—whether through exercise, hobbies, or setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Checking out of work allowed me to return refreshed and fully present for my students.
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4. Teaching Executive Function Skills is Key
Special education teachers can’t do everything alone. A critical lesson I learned was the importance of engaging students in their IEP goals and involving parents, instructional assistants, and general education teachers in the process. By empowering students to develop executive function skills and having a support network, I was able to avoid burnout while ensuring student success.
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5. Special Education Work is Life-Changing
The impact of special education work is profound. Seeing parents cry with relief when their child finally receives the support they need, watching students transition from high school to college or employment—these moments confirmed the incredible value of this work. The fulfillment I gained from witnessing these transformations made every challenge worthwhile.
More on special education
Special education isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about truly supporting students in ways that help them thrive.
When we prioritize executive function skills, individualized support, and meaningful engagement, we equip students with the tools they need to succeed in and beyond the classroom.
The articles below dive deeper into supporting special education students.
Looking for more articles about special education? I have a full list at the bottom of this page.
Best special education books and resources
“The Complete Guide to Special Education” by Linda Wilmshurst and Alan Brue
A comprehensive guide that covers everything from special education law to classroom strategies.
“The Special Educator’s Survival Guide” by Roger Pierangelo
Offers practical tips and strategies for teachers working with students with diverse needs.
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“Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings” by Tom Smith, Edward Polloway, and James Patton
Focuses on inclusive teaching practices that support all students.
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Wrightslaw
A website providing detailed information on special education law, advocacy, and resources for parents and educators.
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Understood.org
A resourceful site with tools and information for parents and teachers working with children with learning and attention issues.