A day in the life of a sped teacher

Student’s work

Here we are at the end of the first semester as I promised.

Parents are accusing me of not being fair to their children who speak mostly Spanish. I have been accused of being mean and not helping their child succeed. I am the reason why they are getting in fights at school.

A student called me ugly and black. I am mean and a blackie. She did not attend school to take her finals. The funny thing is; I really love this student. She has the same exact name and spelling as my college friend, (we’re friends till today). This student is highly creative. She creates and strings together colorful bracelets. The scary thing is her parents, I believe are not aware of the resources to assist their child. The student unfortunately does not have a clue of her potential. Just because she struggles with academics doesn’t negate her talent. Sad, but I move on.

Frontline (data sped system) had been having technical difficulties for about two days straight. My chairperson sent me an email and cc’d my principal stating that I was out of compliance for my ARDs’

I had three ARD’s during finals week.

I could not close two of them out and I stated that to my Department Chair. He was upset with me and said both ARD’s need to be closed and locked before 12 noon on Friday. I stayed till 8 pm on Friday trying to troubleshoot and close and lock these beautiful ARD’s.

Then I decided to send an email to the North region special education boss. Oh, I forgot, we are no longer referred to as the Special Education department. We are now called the Department of Academics. I believe the main office has been vacuously downsized to just a handful.

Anyways, I sent her a screenshot of why I cannot lock and close the ARD.

Then I realized that my DeptChair sent her an email around 4:30 or even later. Viola! It appears he cannot lock the ARD either. Here is the surprise guys, she had to refer the matter to the technology department. Hence, I realized I was being asked to do something both my bosses could not complete or solve. The ARD remains unlocked and unclosed as I type.

Proud of my students’ growth this Semester.

They were able to use their test taking strategies to score high marks on their finals. Yes, I allow them to use their notes to answer the questions.

My schedule for finals week.

Three ARD’s (Admittance, review, Dismissal) meeting with student, parent, admin and teachers. Also, other stakeholders are invited to the meeting.

Administer finals

Input all final grades on Thursday and Friday

Input Frontline progress reports and progress monitoring for all 14 students. I have this process down to a science.

It’s 10–15 minutes per student. If you are a fast typer and use cut and paste as your co-defender.

It’s 20 mins or more per student when you observe due diligence.

Prepare for the end of year class celebration No donations from students or parents. This was solely myself and my teaching assistants (who by the way have spent their own money for our monthly birthday celebrations).

Clean up class

Get class ready with learning objectives for January 6th 2026

It is December 26th, 2025.

Woke up early to complete Frontline progress reports and progress monitoring before I travel to go and see family.

Yes, it’s the day after Christmas. Since I don’t celebrate it, I decided to whip out my laptop and complete some of these deadlines before the new year.

Had to pay $22 to renew my four teaching certificates which expire Dec 31st, 2025

Have a blessed, joyful and stress-free New year y’all.

N.B

My youngest got home on Friday and came into my room. She hadn’t seen any of my Christmas gifts from school littered all over the kitchen and living room.

“What happened” she says,” where are all your gifts”

Just two gifts and cards this year, darling.

Times are hard!