Recharge & Reset: Self-Care Strategies for SPED Teachers & Admins

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, the pressure can feel relentless—progress reports, transition planning, compliance deadlines, and emotional goodbyes. For special education teachers, who often carry the weight of teaching and case management, it’s easy to place your well-being at the bottom of the list. But you can’t pour from an empty cup.

This week’s IEP Insider is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and take care of you.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Optional Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s survival—and sustainability. When you take care of yourself, you model healthy coping strategies for your students, preserve your energy for the long haul, and come back with clarity and compassion.

Summer Self-Care Strategies to Recharge Fully

1. Unplug and Rest Intentionally

• Set a vacation auto-responder—even if you're not traveling. Allow yourself to truly unplug.
• Commit to one full week with no school-related tasks. Use the time to sleep in, rest your mind, and enjoy hobbies.

2. Prioritize Health and Movement

• Schedule doctor’s appointments and health check-ups you've been putting off.
• Try a new fitness activity like yoga, walking trails, or dance classes—something joyful, not just practical.

3. Invest in What Fills You Up

• Read for pleasure, take a solo day trip, or explore a creative project.
• Start or continue journaling about the past school year—what you’ve learned, what you want to leave behind, and what you’re taking with you.

4. Reflect and Reset Your Vision

• Revisit your "why." Reflect on the moments that reaffirmed your purpose.
• Set intentions or goals for next year rooted in balance, boundaries, and impact.

5. Plan Soft Re-Entry

• Don’t let back-to-school sneak up on you. Start prepping gently two weeks before school resumes—outline key systems, sketch your classroom vision, or update your calendar.

Strategies to Continue Self-Care During the School Year

For SPED Teachers:

• Keep a gratitude or win journal visible on your desk.
• Block 10 minutes weekly for YOU—meditate, sit in silence, stretch.
• Build in "buffer blocks" in your schedule to catch up and breathe.
• Schedule your joy! Give yourself something to look forward to daily or weekly.

For Administrators:

• Implement monthly wellness check-ins.
• Include wellness topics in PD calendars.
• Offer access to mental health resources, coaching, or comp days after heavy caseload periods.
• Don't forget to schedule your joy!

Let’s Make Self-Care a System, Not a Slogan Intentional wellness creates sustainable impact. As you support your students and finish strong this year, don’t forget to care for the person behind the paperwork—you.

Need Support? Want to build a school culture that prioritizes staff wellness year-round? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: Click Here

Take care of yourself—your future self will thank you.

The IEP Insider is your weekly guide to strengthening SPED practice, supporting teachers, and building inclusive schools with confidence and clarity.