Lessons, Laughs, and a Lot of Lamination

If you’re in your first year of special education, let me start with this: You’re doing better than you think. That first year? It’s a beautiful, chaotic, confusing, heart-expanding rollercoaster—and nothing fully prepares you for it.

Looking back, I wish someone had sat me down and shared a few truths about what to expect, what not to stress about, and what really matters. So here's my note to first-year-me (and maybe to you too):

1. You Don’t Have to Know Everything

When I started, I thought I had to be an expert on behavior, academics, communication devices, sensory strategies, and 47 acronyms by the end of week one. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. And neither do you.

Ask questions. Lean on your team. Use the phrase, “I’ll look into that and get back to you.” It’s professional, honest, and buys you time to learn.

2. IEPs Are Important—But So Is Connection

Yes, timelines matter. Yes, you need to write solid goals. But what I really needed to hear was this:

Get to know your students. Celebrate their strengths. Build trust with their families. No data point will ever matter more than a child knowing you believe in them.

3. Behavior is Communication

When a student is melting down, refusing work, or shredding your classroom visuals—remember this: They’re not giving you a hard time. They’re having a hard time.

Dig deeper. Ask “what is this behavior telling me?” instead of “how do I fix it?” It took me months to learn that most big behaviors come from big feelings—or unmet needs.

4. You Don’t Need a Pinterest-Worthy Classroom

During my first year, I stayed late printing matching labels for every bin. I thought an organized, cute classroom meant I was a good teacher. But honestly? Some of my most impactful moments happened during circle time on the rug, in the hallway after a hard moment, or while sitting on the floor helping a student self-regulate.

5. Progress Looks Different for Everyone

I used to think progress meant academic growth—mastering goals, leveling up in reading. But in SPED? Progress might look like:

• A student using a new word spontaneously

• Sitting for circle time for 3 minutes longer

• Asking for help instead of throwing a pencil

Celebrate the small stuff. It’s actually the big stuff.

6. Take the Break. Use the Prep. Breathe.

Burnout sneaks up fast in special ed. You carry a lot—emotionally, physically, logistically. Protect your peace:

• Take your lunch without multitasking.

• Use your prep for you sometimes, not just copying.

• Say no when your plate is full.

You can’t pour from an empty cup—and your students need you full.

7. You Are Making a Difference—Even on the Messy Days

There were so many days I went home wondering if I did enough. But here’s what I know now:

If you’re showing up with love, patience, and a willingness to keep learning? You are enough. You are already changing lives. Even on the days when the data doesn't show it or the lesson completely flops.

Final Thought:

You’re not alone. There’s a whole community of us who have been where you are—and we’re cheering for you. So take a deep breath. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. And remember: this job is hard, but it’s also full of joy.

Welcome to the world of special education. It’s messy, magical, and deeply meaningful. And you’re exactly the kind of teacher it needs.