Should special needs teachers take a break after 3 years before burn out or continue?

Question

I have been teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders for going on 3 years now. My class this year is a real challenge. My aid and I cannot leave our eyes off them for 5 minutes without something happening and there are only 7 of them. School has just started and I have never been so tired and exhausted as I have been this week. It has been suggested that after 3 years special needs teachers, especially ED teachers, should go do something else or go to another type of classroom for a couple of years and then return so they do not get 'burned out'. So I am trying to decide if next year I am going to change schools, just go do something else for a couple of years, or change careers.

I do enjoy my job and love teaching these students because there is never a dull moment. I am full of energy myself and fit in vry well inmy own classroom.

Answer 1

This is such a personal question. I have been teaching special ed since 1974 and am dreading retiring. However, everyone's situation is different. It may be that, in your situation, a break might be wise. Working in regular ed classrooms is a great way to see the kids in a different environment. Since this year has already started for you, it is unlikely that you would transfer at this moment. However, you can get energizing breaks by attending professional conferences and classes. Check with your district or state professional development departments to see if there are any projects with which you might help.
If you have any personal or sick days, use them judiciously as mental health days, when you are overwhelmed. If you can't find a local support group, create one. For example, find a regular time for all of the special ed staff in your building/grade level, district etc. to get together and brainstorm challenging situations or share resurces and ideas. Join a professional organization , read professional magazines, become the "expert" in your community. If nothing else, you and your aide may want to go out to lunch or after school for some relaxation and sharing time. A walk around the block provides a quick break.Try having an hour conversation without mentioning your school or class.
If you are serious about trying a break from the special ed classroom, consider going back to school to get qualified in another area, or to raise yourself on the pay scale. Think about what age or subject area you might want to try next year and arrange to speak to and observe teachers who are doing that assignment now. Check out your district requirements for transferring to a different position. Check out upcoming retirements, school openings, and special needs in other districts as well as your current one. I once got a big energizing boost by simply transferring from middle school to elementary level, but remaining in special ed area.
If there are specific things which burden you about your current position, analyze these and decide if you, your administration, or your teacher's association can do anything about the issues. If so, get going on making the situation better. If not, try to make the best of the situation. Finally,if you get to the point that you just hate going to work in the morning, consider outside counseling. Talk to someone , vent , and brainstorm. People who have a cognitive coaching background are great resources at this stage of frustration. They allow you to work through the issues and solutions and do not drown you in unwanted advice.
Is there another, totally differnt career you would like to try? Some districts will allow a sabbatical. Our district has a business education alliance which allows us to shadow or trade places with people in the business community. Or check out related careers such as becoming the disability coordinator at a college, making sure students get appropriate accomodations and modifications.

When all is said and done, you may not choose to make any change this year but isn't it nice to have some options?

Answer 2

Yeah, you do start to get burned out. Kids with ED are especially taxing on your own emotions. I work with preschoolers with disabilities, and no matter how much you love what you do- you need a break every once in a while. This is a TOUGH job! It is hard enough dealing with "typically developing" kids, but those with ED (as you know!) can really wear you out! What seems to recharge me is learning something new... take a class about either something related to what you do, or something completely unrelated but interesting and relaxing. Either take some courses on a specific topic in special ed, or do something like an art class. I always feel energized after getting some new ideas on teaching or going to a seminar. Everyone needs a mental break- even the teachers! Have something that is just for you... It is hard taking care of other's needs all day long!

Answer 3

It depends on the individual. Some (justifiably) find the paperwork load, behavioral difficulties, etc. to be very stressful. Others are able to focus on the positive impact that they are having on these kids who really need them and find the rewards outweigh the stress. I think this outlook is more a matter of personality type than anything.

If you are the stressed-out type, then, yes, I recommend a break now and then. Don't just let yourself hit the wall and give it up for life. You might take a sabbatical to do more study or possibly just take a year or two in the "regular" classroom, so as not to interrupt your career and income.

Answer 4

I know a few teachers who have been through your kind of situation.
If you are heading for 'burn out', there will be a reason. You may need time out to learn what that reason is.
Noone is driving you to do what you do. You may have unsupportive managers or you may have difficulty in earning a living in any other way, but fundamentally, you are making your own choices.
I am pleased you have become aware. This is the first step.
Clearly you are an amazing, loving person.
If you allow yourself to burn out, the loss will not just be your own, but all the people you could help by simply by being true to who you are. The real good that comes from your heart is effortless. Discover the love inside, and it will manifest itself outside.

Answer 5

I think a break is a great idea for 2 reasons:
1-yes, it would help burn out.
2. As a sp ed teacher who had taught regular classes, I found that I had a better understanding of the problems regular ed teachers face--especially when interfacing with special ed. requirements.
So, it's a good idea all around to take a break.