Tara, a seasoned special needs teacher with 15 years of experience, offers an unparalleled insight into the daily triumphs, challenges, and raw moments of this profession. From the intricacies of teaching methods to the dynamics of parent-teacher relationships, Tara's journey reveals the dedication, empathy, and resilience required in this field. Whether you're considering a career in special education or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of NYC's educational system, this episode promises a heartwarming, enlightening, and at times, heartbreaking journey.Newsletter sign up (new and exciting developments)https://learningwithlowell.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=08ed8a56013d8b3a3c01e27fc&id=6ecaa9189bJoin this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzri06unR-lMXbl6sqWP_-Q/joinOver 321 books from 170 plus interviews over 5 yearshttps://www.learningwithlowell.com/over-321-books-from-170-interviews-over-5-years-for-autodidacts/https://youtu.be/uD0oGuRDBscPODCAST INFO:The Learning With Lowell show is a series for the everyday mammal. In this show we’ll learn about leadership, science, and people building their change into the world. The goal is to dig deeply into people who most of us wouldn’t normally ever get to hear. The Host of the show – Lowell Thompson- is a lifelong autodidact, serial problem solver, and founder of startups.LINKSSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/66eFLHQclKe5p3bMXsCTRHRSS: https://www.learningwithlowell.com/feed/podcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzri06unR-lMXbl6sqWP_-QYoutube clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-B5x371AzTGgK-_q3U_KfAWebsite: https://www.learningwithlowell.com/timestamps00:00 Introducing / Teaser01:30 Life as a special ed teacher02:35 Love of the work and stress04:00 Different ways to learn /teach05:45 Attention spans10:15 Focus and improving learning environment 13:20 Phases vs mile markers for teaching16:40 Scaling her techniques, working with other teachers19:55 Parent teacher relationships24:50 Ways to stay in touch with your kids26:30 Empathy to parents / story27:45 Paying for things out of pocket29:40 Taxes and funding for schools / specialized schools or classes31:55 Socializing and benefit of mixed school classrooms 37:45 Benefit of socialization on learning39:00 Teaching at other schools / training others41:25 Observations / transferring knowledge with control issues45:20 Special education and chopping block cuts 53:30 Supporting Tara’s work / Empathy for others55:55 Collaborating with others58:55 Parents changing over time / Millennial changes01:02:10 Corporal punishment01:05:15 Generational problems01:06:30 Gender and specialization of kid rearing 01:09:55 Helping kids find their path01:13:40 Pay for teachers and stress / burnout01:16:55 Self care / mental health01:19:45 Love your work / meditation01:23:00 Book /  recommendations01:25:00 Advice for potential teachers