Alone, isolated, left out: This is the way most special needs students feel in school. But what about special education teachers—do they feel equally isolated?

Quite often, yes. I taught special education for 30 years, and at times it was difficult for me to feel accepted as part of the teacher team when my role in the classroom was so different from my colleagues’.

This is the reality for many special education teachers. Most work with a small group of students, concentrating on specific learning goals determined by their students’ IEPs (individualized education programs). Special education teachers implement teaching strategies to meet the many differentiated objectives their students have. In many instances, the special education teacher is focused on social and emotional skills, as opposed to more academic skills. The special educator’s colleagues, peers, and even administrators often perceive this difference as meaning the special educator has an easier job.

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