Education Week asked special educators on Twitter to describe what鈥檚 keeping them in the profession鈥攁nd what鈥檚 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鈥檓 excited to tap into the how for each one.
鈥� R. Simmons, MAT, NBCT (@AwesomeRavenEC)
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.
鈥� Michelle (@mschroder326)
鈥� I feel like few people value or know what I do. It hurts most when they pull adults from my program to cover 鈥渕ore important鈥� needs. 馃様
鈥� Beth Dedrick Davis (@Radbetch)
being an educator for 20+ yrs I can assure you it鈥檚 not the paperwork It鈥檚 how SPED is funded that frustrates me the MOST-in addition there is also the belief that we really don鈥檛 teach! A lack of respect for what we do. I wish they would walk a day in our shoes 馃憼
鈥� Dr.MatiSarmiento (@DrMatiSarmiento)
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鈥� kimberly daniels (@kdblessed00)
What鈥檚 keeping me in: SUPPORT. From instructional coaches, administrators (through feedback and observations). Prep time. Being valued. All so important.
鈥� Molly Palzkill (@majesticmolly)
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鈥檓 helping these students.
鈥� Ms. Silva (@reachliz83)
I鈥檝e 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.
鈥� Lisa Boyd (@SandburgBoyd)
1/2 the kids keep me doing what I do. And I love that no two days are never the same! What鈥檚 hard is the lack of time, resources and support
鈥� Rachel Crawford (@MsCrawford101)
2/2 and understanding of what we do. It鈥檚 frustrating and isolating at times to be a sped teacher!
鈥� Rachel Crawford (@MsCrawford101)
Pressure to have students perform on grade level when that鈥檚 not what鈥檚 right or best for them.
鈥� Lola Bakes (@AngryBabe72)
The kids are never my problem. It鈥檚 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鈥檛. No support from parents. We are ALL on the same team!!
鈥� Ms. Allison K-Sofia (@WPUSDtransition)
