2 answers
Alyssa
Student
Payne, OH
2
Questions
Updated
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How strong mentally and emotionally do you need to be to be a special education teacher/autism specialist?
Is it a bad idea to pursue this is i struggle mentally and emotionally?
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2 answers
Samantha Wright
Learning and development; sales enablement
3
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hey Alyssa!
Being a former title I teacher who had special education students in my class (I know it is not the same as teaching that group only) and worked directly with many special education teachers, my advice is:
1. It is more about being prepared then being strong. You have to be clear on what you expect to experience daily, versus what actually happens. I would definitely set up some mentoring session with special education teachers and find ways to spend time in those classrooms so that you can get a true feel for what day to day life is like. If you know what type of things to expect, then you are better able to prepare yourself for them.
2. No matter what, the best person to be a teacher in those classrooms for these incredible students is someone with passion and care: if you have that, then you have a big chunk of what you need to be successful! These teachers are absolute heroes, and if you are someone who isn't fully in it for the right reasons, you will struggle.
Being a former title I teacher who had special education students in my class (I know it is not the same as teaching that group only) and worked directly with many special education teachers, my advice is:
1. It is more about being prepared then being strong. You have to be clear on what you expect to experience daily, versus what actually happens. I would definitely set up some mentoring session with special education teachers and find ways to spend time in those classrooms so that you can get a true feel for what day to day life is like. If you know what type of things to expect, then you are better able to prepare yourself for them.
2. No matter what, the best person to be a teacher in those classrooms for these incredible students is someone with passion and care: if you have that, then you have a big chunk of what you need to be successful! These teachers are absolute heroes, and if you are someone who isn't fully in it for the right reasons, you will struggle.
Atria Mier (she/her/ella)
Humanitarian worker
3
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Atria’s Answer
Hi Alyssa, I work in humanitarian aid, which is a bit different from your career. In my job, we often face secondary trauma almost every day. My advice for anyone working in social fields is to treat self-care as importantly as caring for others. If you take care of yourself, you'll be better able to help others. These jobs are also very rewarding, so enjoy your choice! :)