How to transition out of special education teaching
The primary barrier to switching to subjects like art or social studies is a lack of general education classroom experience, particularly for those who have only taught in self-contained settings. This missing experience, combined with the industry saying that 'when you’re in SPED you stay in SPED,' leaves burned-out teachers worried they are trapped in special education for the rest of their careers.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Getting certified in high-demand or core academic subjects like math or English Language Arts (ELA) instead of elective subjects like art
- 2Relying on district-dependent hiring practices where subject availability varies
- 3changing school districts
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I’m currently in SPED. I’m lucky to have a great co teacher. But I’m currently on my 8th year. And I’m just getting burnt.”source ↗
“I heard the saying when you’re in sped you stay in sped. Is it remotely possible to be an art teacher with the certification😭 idk if I can do this for the rest of my career”source ↗
“I am interested in making a transition to teaching middle/high school social studies next year. I have many years of experience working after school and summers with general ed kids of all ages, but have never taught in a general ed classroom and have only taught self contained elementary. How much of a barrier would this be to me finding a job?”source ↗
“I suppose what I’m asking if anyone who’s been in sped - was able to get out”source ↗
“I don’t think I can take it anymore”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 10Moved to a new school and subject with no notice
- 3How to transition from teaching older students to elementary school
- 11How to switch careers out of academia
- 5How to switch schools in the middle of the school year
- 2How do you teach a combined grade elective without losing control?
- 4How do teachers move to another state without losing pay and benefits?