What Real Self-Care Looks Like for Special Education Teachers

When you hear “self-care,” you might picture bubble baths, spa days, or scented candles. But for special education teachers, real self-care looks a little different—and a lot more practical.

In a recent episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, I got honest about what self-care truly means in the classroom. Spoiler: it’s all about setting boundaries, creating systems, and giving yourself permission to say “no” without guilt.

If you’re starting the school year feeling drained or overwhelmed, it might be time to rethink your approach to self-care. This doesn’t mean adding more to your plate—it means simplifying what’s already there.

From building solid routines to knowing when to protect your time, self care is about supporting your future you—the one who still has energy left in May. Tune in for real-life strategies that actually work in a special ed classroom.

Because when you take care of yourself, you show up stronger for your students, too.

Episode Highlights:

1. Why self-care isn’t just a cute Pinterest quote—what it actually looks like for SPED teachers
2. How to make a “Stop Doing” list that guards your time, energy, and sanity
3. Setting healthy boundaries—with your team, admin, and even yourself—minus the guilt
4. Why connection (not isolation) is the real secret to avoiding teacher burnout

Resources Mentioned:

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

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @chalkboard_superhero
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• Join my email list
• Shop my TPT store
• Join the Teach, Taskbox, Inspire Membership

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.