Why Special Ed Teachers Leave—and What Great Leaders Do Differently with Dr. Natasha Veale

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Natasha Veale—special education leadership consultant, dean, and author of How to Retain Special Education Teachers: A Transformational Leadership Guide for School Administrators—about what it really takes to create schools where special educators can thrive and stay. If you have ever said, “We can’t keep our special ed teachers,” this conversation is your call to lead differently.​Drawing from decades in classrooms and leadership and her transformational leadership framework, Dr. Veale explains why emotional support matters as much as instructional resources, how daily leadership habits move the needle, and how trust is built through presence, follow-through, and genuine care. Together, they outline a practical blueprint for rethinking how principals value, support, and partner with the educators serving students with the most complex needs.​Key takeaways:Why transformational leadership is a game-changer for special education teacher retention—and how it differs from quick-fix solutions.​The biggest mistakes principals make when supporting special education teachers and how to avoid them.A simple daily habit every leader can start tomorrow to strengthen relationships and emotional safety.Concrete strategies for building inclusive school cultures that go beyond buzzwords and center real support for educators and students.​Connect with Dr. Natasha Veale:Website: https://vealeleadershipconsulting.com​Book: How to Retain Special Education Teachers: A Transformational Leadership Guide for School Administrators – publisher page: https://myersedpress.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781975507077/How-to-Retain-Special-Education-Teachers