Ep. 75: Special Education Burnout, Post-COVID Behavior Changes & Classroom Realities

The past few years have reshaped classrooms in ways many educators are still trying to make sense of. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin react to real conversations from teachers and parents about burnout, behavior changes, staffing shortages, placement decisions, and the growing gap between expectations and reality in special education. They share honest reflections, practical perspective, and reassurance for educators wondering if it’s just them… or if things really have changed.🔑 Key Takeaways• Post-COVID behavior shifts are still impacting classrooms — many educators report lasting changes in student readiness and regulation.• Burnout often comes from systems, not students — paperwork, staffing shortages, and unrealistic expectations wear people down.• No two schools are the same — a difficult placement doesn’t mean the entire field is broken.• It’s okay to leave a setting that isn’t sustainable — protecting your mental health helps students too.• Placement decisions must be individualized — least restrictive environment looks different for every student.• Social media advice has limits — meaningful strategies require knowing the actual child.• Independence skills matter more than academics at school entry — self-care and routines set the foundation for learning.• If you’re still in this field, your commitment matters — staying doesn’t mean it’s easy; it means it’s meaningful.📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Share your experiences with post-COVID classroom changes • Submit future episode topics in the group🙌 Join Us & Share• Are you seeing lasting behavior or readiness changes in students?• What’s been the biggest contributor to burnout in your role?• What has helped you stay in the field — or decide to leave?• Share your perspective in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group • Know an educator who feels exhausted or discouraged? Send them this episode Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!