Unpopular Opinions

💭 5 Unpopular Opinions About Teaching Special Education

Let’s talk about the things no one wants to say out loud.

Working in special education is one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs in education. We pour our hearts into our students, juggle endless responsibilities, and advocate constantly. But there are some truths about this work that rarely get said — maybe because they’re uncomfortable, maybe because they go against the “feel good” narrative. Today, I’m sharing five unpopular opinions about teaching special education — not to be negative, but to be honest.

1. Inclusion Isn’t Always What’s Best for Every Student

Inclusion is a powerful goal — when it’s done well. But sometimes, pushing a student into a general education classroom without the right supports does more harm than good. Some students thrive in smaller, quieter settings. Some need more structure, repetition, or sensory-friendly environments than a general education classroom can realistically provide. Inclusion should be meaningful, not performative.

2. Behavior Plans Aren’t Magic Fixes

We’ve all seen it — a student is struggling behaviorally, and the team rushes to create a BIP. But the truth is, no plan works unless the adults are consistent, trained, and truly understand the “why” behind the behavior. Without that, even the best-looking BIP won’t change anything. Sometimes, strong relationships and emotional safety matter more than reinforcement charts.

3. General Education Teachers Aren’t Always on Board (or Trained)

We want to believe that all teachers are in it together — and many are. But let’s be honest: some general education teachers are overwhelmed, undertrained in special education practices, or just resistant to modifying their instruction. Special education teachers often end up carrying the bulk of differentiation, behavior management, and advocacy alone. Collaboration is ideal… but it’s not always reality. 

4. Academic Growth Isn’t Always the Most Important Goal

We’re conditioned to chase academic benchmarks, but for some students, goals like independence, communication, emotional regulation, or social interaction are far more meaningful. And that’s okay. Our students’ value isn't measured by standardized tests. It’s measured in real-world growth that helps them lead fuller lives — even if it doesn’t fit neatly into data charts.

5. Special Education Teachers Are Set Up to Burn Out

Let’s be real: the expectations placed on special education teachers are unrealistic. We’re expected to manage caseloads, write IEPs, co-teach, modify curriculum, manage behaviors, communicate with families, track endless data — and do it all with a smile. Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a sign that the system is broken and that special education teachers need more support, not more pressure.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt these things but kept quiet — you’re not alone. Speaking truth doesn’t make you negative. It makes you real. The more we acknowledge what’s actually happening in special education, the more we can push for systems that truly support students and the educators who serve them.

Have any thoughts or your own unpopular opinion to add? Let’s open up the conversation — drop it in the comments below! 👇