What I’ve Learned After Five Years as a Special Education Teacher: The Realities No One Tells You
The Emotional and Physical Toll
If you’re considering a career in special education, let me tell you—it’s not for the faint of heart. After more than five years in the field, I’ve learned that it’s a job that demands everything. Patience, flexibility, emotional energy, physical endurance—this job is a nonstop rollercoaster. Some days feel like a sprint, others like an emotional marathon. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about managing behaviors, addressing individual needs, and navigating the complexities of an education system that doesn’t always make things easy. And while the triumphs—those moments when a student finally breaks through—make it all worth it, there’s no sugarcoating how draining it can be.
