I teach the severely disabled, students that have advanced Autism. Even as I try to write this, I am not sure I can even fully explain what makes a good worker in this intense environment. It is a unique combination of traits and not everyone who tries can do it. It may be unquantifiable, but I believe it takes a lot of empathy and unconditional love, the ability to work in gray areas.

Special Education tends to pay much better than general ed. I am fortunate to live in a high demand area for this job and make a much higher salary than most jobs I see in exactly the same field. There are intern programs that have the district t bear a portion of the educational cost because demand is so high. I was fortunate to be a part of one of these.

The teachers are just supporting the classified staff strike. These are cafeteria workers, the workers that change the diapers of special needs students, feed ad administer medicine, help with extreme behaviors, etc.

My district is having the same issue. The drivers are leaving to work at the high school because the pay and benefits are better.

I teach special Ed and those children are just a delight. I have had very few jobs where I leave feeling so loved. I learn so much from them.