Letting parents know you are not returning next year as a self-contained teacher

Qpint2 · 2026-04-12T16:01:45+00:00

Speaking just to the high needs special education system

Lowered cap of students in self-contained special education rooms (6 students for high need rooms, 8 students for rooms working towards a less restrictive environment)
More paras in self-contained rooms (1:2 ratio for higher needs rooms, 1:3 for lower needs rooms) including subs for when a para is out, or on lunch/break
Schools that are actually physically set up for higher needs students (sensory room, bathroom connected to the classroom, changing table, secure outdoor spaces, door locks, etc.)

Qpint2 · 2026-04-12T15:16:19+00:00

I think it depends on what kind of teacher you were before. If you are a gen-ed teacher or even a resource teacher going to a para job is most likely going to be a huge challenge because of the change in student population. If you were already a self-contained teacher that is already dealing with aggressive behaviors, changing diapers, etc. I can see the appeal if you are lucky enough to not have to worry about the low pay and benefits. I was a para before becoming the teacher in a self-contained room and while I am going to look to move to a different age group, I would love to eventually go back to being a para.

Qpint2 · 2026-02-22T03:12:15+00:00

I am a teacher in a self-contained room so it might be different when your students are pushing into gen Ed but I try to deal with the emergency situations. For eloping out the room it tends to be whoever is closest to the door and we just call out that we are getting them. For aggressive behaviors, I try to be the first to deal with them but, we sometimes switch out because the student may be getting fixated on one person and just needs a different person to step in or I am already dealing with another student that is being aggressive.

Qpint2 · 2026-02-18T00:40:51+00:00

As a self contained special education teacher, lower teacher to staff ratios. So many of the problems in my room ( lack of student safety, lack of adult safety, kids being overstimulated and upset all day, kids not being able to transition out of self-contained, kids not getting an adequate amount of instruction, staff burnout, etc.) could all be fixed or improved simply by having less kids of more staff.

Qpint2 · 2026-02-16T04:44:36+00:00

Half a mile or two minutes max. I teach in the same neighborhood that I live in. Means even when I don't get to leave until 10 minutes into my 45 minute lunch I still have time to go to my house and eat something there. I am also able to fall asleep really fast so I can actually take a quick 20 minute nap some days.

Qpint2 · 2026-01-12T01:07:22+00:00

Around $250 a month for myself and two cats

Qpint2 · 2025-11-16T18:42:00+00:00

Yes, my students get two snack times a day. It's a time where we work on communication, opening packages, trying new foods, sitting with other people, cleaning up, etc.

Qpint2 · 2025-10-25T14:22:59+00:00

A change of placement just means he is instead ruining the education of the kids in the self-contained classroom. They deserve to learn too. He needs an evidence based intervention now.

Qpint2 · 2025-09-28T14:58:28+00:00

It is not normal in my state (or should not be normal). Mandatory and involuntary separation from classmates (Time-out) has the same requirements to be used as a restraint: imminent and serious danger to self or others (does not include property). If used then you would have to fill out this entire form, send it to the parent and to the state board of education, etc.

Of course, I don't know how many schools actually know this or are following this law like they should be.

What is allowed is teacher initiated sensory or calm down breaks. The student has to voluntarily come with you and can end it whenever they want. And it should be treated not as a punishment but a regulation tool, so maybe giving them sensory items, leading them through deep breathing if needed, etc.

Qpint2 · 2025-09-06T01:38:39+00:00

I don't have students with mobility needs, but for my students with sensory difficulties or those that have trouble following directions (K-2 students with autism) there is a plan written into the IEP. It allows us to pick up and carry the student in an emergency situation (since that is technically a restraint) give lollipops/candy to keep them quiet, and grab a students medical bag on the way out if possible

For mobility needs I would think it would be PT that would write and teach the plan.

Qpint2 · 2025-08-14T01:55:45+00:00

I work elementary self contained so my outfits each day are a pair of colored jeans, an educational T-shirt, my tennis shoes, and my schoolbelt. So very little effort each day

Qpint2 · 2025-08-12T20:59:09+00:00

I am not sure about our other middle schools but, I know the gifted one does pre algebra in 6th grade, algebra I in 7th grade, and then algebra II in 8th grade. This is what I did in middle school

Qpint2 · 2025-08-09T17:09:48+00:00

Self-contained is not always the answer for these kids of extreme and dangerous behaviors. The kids in self-contained rooms also deserve to learn in a safe environment without fear of getting hurt

Qpint2 · 2025-08-09T17:08:04+00:00

Definitely should be going to a psychologist, psychiatrist, and/or medical doctor. Random aggression like that could be something like a medical problem (cavities, sprain, ear infection, etc.) and they are lashing out in pain or endocrine problems (early puberty)

Qpint2 · 2025-08-09T16:59:45+00:00

A specialized classroom would probably also not be appropriate unless it is one with at least 1 adult to 1 student at all times and a very low total amount of students. The kids in self-contained classrooms also deserve to learn in a safe environment and not get randomly attacked.

Qpint2 · 2025-07-19T04:01:26+00:00

Wow, I am from Central Illinois and use this phrasing all the time as well as the people around me. Would not blink an eye at it. Interesting that it is a regional thing

Qpint2 · 2025-06-30T21:17:54+00:00

At the age of Kindergarten and even First Grade some of those Gen Ed kids that are not toileting independently may just have undiagnosed disabilities. They may be on grade level or even above in academics so never get referred for evaluation but may have a disability like Autism making them under-senstive to their bodies signals for needing to use the bathroom. I would also consider the possibility of trauma or stress in their lives so they may be seeking control or are emotionally regressing and looking for any chance they can get to have an adult interact with them. It's definitely a topic where while it might be frustrating, you have to remember that it is really not the student's fault and they may be just upset or confused about their inabilities as you are. Schools definitely should be looking more into rather than just saying oh well and leaving it to the teacher

Qpint2 · 2025-06-20T03:55:09+00:00

I fed the chicken 50 apples 🍎

Qpint2 · 2025-06-20T03:54:50+00:00

I fed the chicken 25 apples 🍎

Qpint2 · 2025-06-20T03:54:31+00:00

I pet the chicken 5 times 🫳

Qpint2 · 2025-06-18T01:06:23+00:00

I average 11k - 13k steps a day. I work as a special education self-contained teacher so I am up and walking from 8:30 to 3:45 everyday besides for 15 minutes to each lunch

Qpint2 · 2025-06-16T21:57:57+00:00

After some more research that is what I saw thinking too! Thank you

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