Working with Challenging Adults: How to Protect Your Peace as a Special Education Teacher

If you’ve been in education for any length of time, you know working with challenging adults is sometimes harder than working with students. In Episode 78 of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, we’re diving into what no one really prepares you for—navigating tough relationships with administrators, coworkers, and even parents.

Working with challenging adults can leave you feeling drained, frustrated, and doubting yourself. I’m sharing real stories from my own journey (because let’s be honest, we’ve all been there!) and the strategies I’ve learned to protect my energy. From staying calm during tough conversations to setting clear boundaries and steering clear of the gossip trap, we’ll cover how to focus on what you can control when working with challenging adults.

If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling wiped out or spent your drive home replaying a frustrating conversation in your head, you’re not alone. Working with challenging adults is part of the job—but it doesn’t have to steal your joy.

This episode is packed with real talk, simple mindset shifts, and strategies you can start using today. You deserve to feel calm, confident, and in control—no matter who’s sitting across the table.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 78 and let's tackle working with challenging adults together.

Episode Highlights:

• Learn how to reframe your mindset when dealing with “difficult” adults to reduce stress and increase understanding.
• Discover five practical strategies to stay calm, professional, and focused—even in emotionally charged situations.
• Understand the importance of controlling your own reactions and not reinforcing negative adult behavior.
• Get actionable tips for handling passive-aggressive comments, setting boundaries, and keeping conversations private and productive.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
  

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More About Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast:

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.

In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.

Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.

Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.

If you’re looking for more special education resources and support to increase student independence, check out Lisa's FREE training.