Teachers discuss the challenges they face in a Title I school, including trauma, crime, and lack of support. The podcast explores the struggles of queer and transgender teachers, lack of work-life balance, and judgment of struggling teachers. Special education teachers reflect on their journey, teaching life skills, and the importance of affirmation. The concept of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) is discussed, along with the challenges faced by special education teachers. A teacher shares their experience with severe behaviors and physical dangers, leading to a career change. Special education teachers discuss the lack of resources and support, struggles with mental and physical health, and emotional connections with students.
Teachers in special education face challenges due to lack of support and resources.
High levels of stress and burnout plague teachers in the education system.
Emotional connections and gratitude from students make teaching rewarding despite the difficulties.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Being a Special Education Teacher
Kristen, a special education teacher, reflects on her experiences in the classroom. She highlights the difficulties faced by teachers in addressing the individual needs of students with disabilities. Kristen describes the lack of resources and support, and the impact this has on the well-being of both teachers and students. She shares personal stories of working with students who have severe behaviors and medical conditions, as well as the struggles of managing paperwork and administrative responsibilities. Kristen emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal time for self-care, but ultimately decides to leave the profession due to the overwhelming challenges and lack of support.
Overwhelming Stress and Burnout in Education
Kristen discusses the high levels of stress and burnout experienced by teachers in the education system. She highlights the intense workload, long hours, and emotional demands placed on educators. Kristen shares her own journey of dealing with depression and the difficulty of trying to balance her personal life with the demands of her job. She explains the impacts of stress on her mental and physical health, leading her to reconsider her career choice. Kristen also criticizes the lack of support and understanding from school administrators and the education system as a whole.
The Impact of Limited Resources on Special Education
Kristen sheds light on the struggles faced by special education teachers due to limited resources. She describes the challenges of working with students with disabilities while dealing with a lack of furniture, para-educators, and proper classroom equipment. Kristen recounts unsafe situations, such as barricading students and managing medically fragile students without adequate support. She expresses frustration with the administration's lack of response and assistance in addressing these issues. Despite her dedication to her students, the overwhelming lack of resources ultimately contributes to her decision to leave the profession.
The Emotional Connection and Farewell
Kristen reflects on the emotional connection she developed with her students throughout her teaching career. She recounts heartwarming memories of the bonds created with her students and their expressions of gratitude. Kristen shares her tears and emotions during her final day at the school, overwhelmed with appreciation for the students' farewell messages and the meaningful impact she had on their lives. Despite the challenges and frustrations, she cherishes the connections she formed with the kids and acknowledges the importance of teachers in their lives.
Advocacy and Support for Teachers
Kristen highlights the need for advocacy and support for teachers in the education system. She encourages communities to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for better resources and pay for teachers. Kristen acknowledges the importance of voting in school board elections and standing up for public education. She calls for a collective effort to alleviate the burden on educators and create a more supportive and fulfilling environment within the education system.
Like many teachers, when Kristen started her career at 22, she was hopeful and excited. She loved working with students with special needs, and loved learning how their brains worked. But over the years, the job became harder and harder because of the lack of support she received. Eventually, all of the small moments of feeling left out to dry led to a falling out with the career she loved.
__
Listener support makes our independent podcast possible.
Consider joining our Patreon to get bonus episodes, ad-free episodes, and join a community of Terribles.
Our Substack is a great way to connect with us and other listeners (and get more Terrible in your inbox). Join us here.