What special education teachers really do during the summer!

Ah, the elusive summer break of 2023. By mid summer, last year's school is a distant memory and next school seems like a million mile away. This is the time when teachers everywhere kick up their feet, sip fruity drinks by the pool, and bask in the glorious absence of students. But what about special education teachers? What do they really do during this supposed "break" from the chaos of the classroom? Well, hold onto your IEPs, folks, because I'm about to let you in on the best-kept secret in education!

Contrary to popular belief, special education teachers don't spend their entire summer diving into a sea of relaxation. No, no, my friends. They have a whole other set of superpowers that they unleash during these precious months off.

First and foremost, special education teachers use their summer break to recharge their energy levels. You see, dealing with a classroom full of unique learners can be like herding cats on a rollercoaster. So, they take this time to hibernate, rejuvenate, and prepare themselves for another wild ride come fall. They stock up on copious amounts of caffeine, indulge in plenty of afternoon naps, and practice their deep-breathing techniques for those particularly challenging IEP meetings.

But wait, there's more! Special education teachers are undercover superheroes when it comes to creating materials. While the rest of the world is lounging on the beach, they are busy crafting adaptive resources and individualized plans that would make MacGyver proud. Armed with glue sticks, laminators, and an endless supply of colored paper, they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Need a tactile alphabet for a student with sensory needs? No problem! How about a communication board for a non-verbal student? Piece of cake! These teachers have a knack for turning nothing into something, all while jamming out to their favorite '80s hits.

Now, let's not forget about professional development. While most people cringe at the thought of conferences and workshops, special education teachers relish in the opportunity to expand their knowledge. They attend seminars on the latest teaching strategies, engage in collaborative planning with their colleagues, and even sneak in a few webinars from the comfort of their hammocks. They are forever on the quest for new techniques and approaches to best serve their students. It's like a never-ending treasure hunt, except the treasure is a breakthrough in student progress.

And finally, special education teachers truly take advantage of this time to connect with their students and families. Summer break provides an opportunity for home visits, coffee dates, and impromptu meet-ups at the local ice cream parlor. They use this precious time to build relationships, better understand their students' needs, and provide support beyond the classroom walls. Because, let's face it, special education teachers have hearts as big as the Grand Canyon and will go to great lengths to ensure their students and families feel heard and valued.

So, the next time you see a special education teacher lounging by the pool, sipping a fruity drink, just remember that beneath that cool exterior lies a superhero in disguise. They may have their summer break, but they are far from being "off-duty." These educators are constantly honing their craft, adapting their strategies, and investing in the lives of their students. And that, my friends, is what makes them truly extraordinary and my hero.