Special Ed. Teacher Summer Self-Care and Strategies for Success
Hey Ya’ll!
As we approach this well-deserved summer break, it is a crucial time for both rejuvenation and reflection of this past school year. Being in the trenches of special education has unique demands on our skill, knowledge, and expertise as well as a significant part of our emotional and physical energy. Here’s how you can take care of yourself this summer while gearing up for another fulfilling year ahead.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Take time to reflect on your challenges and successes of the past school year. Please consider maintaining a journal where you can jot down what strategies worked best, what didn’t, and how you adapted to various situations. Reflection is not just about accountability; it’s about recognizing your growth and preparing for future success in the classroom. Just like we progress monitor our students, likewise we must monitor our own progress or lack thereof so we can fill in those gaps with effective coaching or professional development. This journey in special education is all about growth and learning from experience because we are not taught these things in college; it is mostly "on-the-job training."
2. Set Realistic Goals
As you look towards the upcoming school year, set achievable goals. Whether it’s improving your classroom management plan, incorporating new inclusive instructional practices, or improving communication with parents, setting clear objectives can provide a focused path forward. Remember that, “Rome wasn’t built in a day!” Becoming a special education ninja takes time and experience because of all the nuances in special education. Don’t put yourself under pressure to know everything in one, two, or even three years. The proficiency will come if you use every situation as a learning experience, no matter the outcome. Endeavor to be better than you were previously should be your ultimate goal.
By setting a manageable goal during my summer break, I was able to implement change effectively without feeling overwhelmed. My students responded positively by showing increased participation and motivation in class. This made for a much more effective school year than the previous one.
3. Engage in Professional Development
Use some of your summer break to engage in targeted professional development. Whether it’s online workshops, webinars, or reading up on the latest research in special education, staying updated can rejuvenate your teaching methods and inspire new ideas. Check Out my guide for new special education teachers here which will provide you with a comprehensive overview to get you started on your journey to greatness. I often took advantage of professional development workshops focused on the latest assistive technologies, behavioral intervention, and learning strategies to refresh my skill set and bring new energy and ideas into my teaching methodology.
4. Prioritize Your Wellbeing
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential. This summer, make sure to take time for activities that make you feel refreshed and happy. Whether it’s your favorite hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, your well-being is crucial to your effectiveness and satisfaction as an educator. Literally stop and smell the roses and enjoy the wonders of nature. Practice mindfulness through meditation, visualization, or making affirmations. Find what works for you!
5. Prepare Early
Avoid the rush and stress of last-minute preparations by starting early. Organize your resources, plan your curriculum, and set up your classroom at a comfortable pace. Early preparation can help mitigate anxiety and make the transition back to school smoother. I revisit my curriculum and student IEPs in July which allows me to tailor my lesson plans to meet specific student needs more effectively. I would take a few hours per week to develop a variety of differentiated materials and activities to cater to the diverse learning styles of my students. I also set up a proactive communication plan with my parents before the school year even starts. I would reach out to my parents, introduce myself, and gather valuable insights about their child. This helped me to build trust and a supportive community around each of my students.
6. Build Your Community
Connect with other special education teachers. You can find our Facebook community, "Special Ed Teacher SLAY," here which is a great online space I created to share experiences, seek advice, and find support from peers who understand the unique challenges and joys in our field of special education. One thing I know for sure is excellence in special education can not happen in a vacuum, a supportive community of like-minded professionals can make this journey more enlightening and fun!
7. Celebrate Your Successes
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Each breakthrough, each moment of connection with a student, and each successful adaptation of your teaching strategy is a testament to your dedication and impact on teaching students with diverse learning needs. CELEBRATE everything!
Because of the early preparation and taking time to self care over my summer break, when the school year began, I noticed an immediate difference from what my colleagues were experiencing. My students adapted to the structured environment more quickly, their engagement in lessons increased, and behavioral issues decreased. The parents were more cooperative and appreciative of the efforts I had put into understanding their children’s needs. Moreover, I felt more in control and less stressed, which allowed me to focus more on teaching and less on managing crises.
Wishing you a fun, restful, enriching summer break. Here’s to coming back recharged and ready to SLAY!
xoxo,
Valentina
