I consider myself a pretty patient person. I think, in this particular profession, you just have to be. But being in special education means that there are a whole lotta demands and frustrations that have nothing to do with the children.

The federal and state regulations that drive our education system can appear completely overwhelming. The mounds of paperwork – particular to special education – is indescribable to someone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand. And it’s all of these unrelated-to-children demands that chip away at people’s tolerance and patience for their work.

And, unfortunately, when that gets eaten away bit by bit, you’re left with little to no patience when you’re in the classroom. Standing in front of the children. Teaching the kids who need you the most.

So, every once in a while, I have to remind myself to step back from my computer screen, press pause on all this bullshit that doesn’t matter, and just BE with my children.

I don’t need to reference an accommodation on an IEP when I can very easily look at my child, talk to them, and see what it is that they need.

I shouldn’t have to stress out about progress reports being turned in by every deadline when I am communicating constantly with our families about their kiddos’ growth this year.

And I shouldn’t be prioritizing my filing cabinet over my students.

I didn’t get into education to prioritize files.

But it is what it is for the time being.

So I call bullshit. And, today, I’ll do what every parent would want me to do: PUT THEIR CHILD FIRST.

If you need me, I’ll be with the children.