10 Game-Changing Tips for Special Education Teachers to Take Back Their Power

Introduction: Own Your Role, Change the Game

Special education teachers, it’s time to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. For too long, SPED educators have been undervalued, underestimated, and overworked. No more. This guide is here to arm you with the mindset, strategies, and unapologetic energy to reclaim your power and transform your practice. Let’s disrupt the status quo and remind the world who we are and what we’re capable of.

1. Advocate Loudly and Proudly

Stop waiting for someone else to fight your battles. Speak up at IEP meetings, push back on outdated policies, and demand the resources your students deserve. Your voice is your weapon—use it unapologetically.

Power Move: Start every meeting with a clear agenda that puts students’ needs front and center.

2. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your mental health by saying "no" to extra duties that don’t serve your students or your well-being. Boundaries are a form of self-respect.

Power Move: Schedule your "non-negotiables" (self-care, planning time) into your calendar and stick to them.

3. Master the Art of Collaboration

Co-teaching doesn’t mean being a glorified assistant. Take charge by actively contributing to lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional delivery.

Power Move: Bring data and specific strategies to every planning session. Show your expertise.

4. Redefine Success for Your Students

Forget the one-size-fits-all approach. Focus on progress over perfection and celebrate every small win.

Power Move: Use visual charts or trackers to show growth. Share these with students and families to build momentum.

5. Simplify, Then Amplify

Complex doesn’t mean better. Break down tasks into manageable steps for students and yourself. Streamline your processes to focus on what truly matters.

Power Move: Create "power routines" for transitions and common tasks to save time and reduce chaos.

6. Cultivate a Ride-or-Die Support Network

Find your tribe—whether it’s other SPED teachers, mentors, or an online community. Surround yourself with people who inspire, support, and challenge you.

Power Move: Join online forums or professional organizations dedicated to SPED advocacy and teaching.

7. Stay Data-Driven but Human-Focused

Data is a tool, not a dictator. Use it to identify patterns, highlight needs, and advocate for your students, but never forget the human behind the numbers.

Power Move: Regularly update parents with progress reports that include both data and a personal anecdote about their child’s growth.

8. Embrace the Chaos with Confidence

Some days will be messy, and that’s okay. The key is to stay flexible and roll with the punches while keeping your eyes on the bigger picture.

Power Move: Have a "reset ritual" for chaotic moments—a deep breath, a motivational playlist, or a quick pep talk.

9. Teach the Way They Learn

Adapt your instruction to meet your students where they are. Use visuals, technology, hands-on activities—whatever it takes to make the learning stick.

Power Move: Develop a "toolbox" of go-to strategies and materials tailored to your students’ unique needs.

10. Be Unapologetically You

Bring your full self to the classroom—your quirks, your humor, your passion. Students need authentic role models who show them that being different is a strength.

Power Move: Share your own learning journey with students to inspire and connect with them.

Conclusion: The Time is Now

You didn’t choose this profession to play small. You chose it to make an impact. These 10 tips are your starting point, but the real power lies within you. Be bold, be brave, and be unapologetically special. Let’s rewrite the narrative and show the world what SPED teachers are made of.

Want more SPED real talk?

Get my books, Unapologetically Special: A Manifesto for SPED Teachers to Disrupt, Demand, and Deliver, here, The Co-teaching Playbook here and The Special Ed. Rookie Blueprint here