u/Impressive-City-3115

I’m looking for advice from anyone with experience in high school special education—especially if you’ve made the jump from elementary.

This past year was my first year teaching, and honestly, it was really rough. I was at an elementary site where I dealt with a lot—gossip among paras, unsupportive/admin that felt targeting at times, and a pretty hostile work environment overall. On top of that, I had multiple medical leaves, and despite advocating for myself as a neurodivergent teacher, things didn’t improve. It got to the point where I was having panic attacks every morning on the drive to work, and the stress was seriously flaring up my chronic pain/illnesses. I ended up transferring out just weeks before the end of the year for my health.

The good news: I just accepted a position as a high school resource teacher (which is what I originally wanted!), and starting in August, my role will be fully virtual. I’m really excited—but also want to be as prepared as possible so I can rebuild my confidence and actually enjoy teaching again.

So I’d love any advice you’re willing to share:

• What motivates high school students in special education?
• How do you build strong relationships with them—especially in a virtual setting?
• What systems/tools help you stay organized and on top of caseloads?
• Any strategies or incentives that actually work (I’ve been looking into things like ClassBank)?
• If you transitioned from elementary to high school, what was that shift like for you? What surprised you? What worked—and what didn’t?

I truly love working with my students, and that was the one thing that kept me going this year. I just want to make sure I’m stepping into this new role in a way that supports both my students and my own well-being.

Any insight, advice, or even just reassurance would mean a lot. Thank you in advance 💛

I’m looking for advice from anyone with experience in high school special education—especially if you’ve made the jump from elementary.

This past year was my first year teaching, and honestly, it was really rough. I was at an elementary site where I dealt with a lot—gossip among paras, unsupportive/admin that felt targeting at times, and a pretty hostile work environment overall. On top of that, I had multiple medical leaves, and despite advocating for myself as a neurodivergent teacher, things didn’t improve. It got to the point where I was having panic attacks every morning on the drive to work, and the stress was seriously flaring up my chronic pain/illnesses. I ended up transferring out just weeks before the end of the year for my health.

The good news: I just accepted a position as a high school resource teacher (which is what I originally wanted!), and starting in August, my role will be fully virtual. I’m really excited—but also want to be as prepared as possible so I can rebuild my confidence and actually enjoy teaching again.

So I’d love any advice you’re willing to share:

• What motivates high school students in special education?
• How do you build strong relationships with them—especially in a virtual setting?
• What systems/tools help you stay organized and on top of caseloads?
• Any strategies or incentives that actually work (I’ve been looking into things like ClassBank)?
• If you transitioned from elementary to high school, what was that shift like for you? What surprised you? What worked—and what didn’t?

I truly love working with my students, and that was the one thing that kept me going this year. I just want to make sure I’m stepping into this new role in a way that supports both my students and my own well-being.

Any insight, advice, or even just reassurance would mean a lot. Thank you in advance 💛