Burned Out? Broke? Ready to Bolt?

Teachers are Swapping Stress for Success!

An Emergency Call to Action

Special education teachers are at a crossroads. Across the nation, they are leaving the classroom in record numbers—not because they lack passion for their work, but because the system has stretched them beyond their limits. From overwhelming workloads to insufficient resources and lack of support, the challenges are driving these dedicated educators out of their profession. But there is hope.

The Career Shift That’s Changing Everything for Special Education Teachers!"

Many special education teachers are discovering a new and rewarding career path: becoming Special Education Advocates. This shift allows them to leverage their hard-earned expertise to empower families, support students, and create systemic change, all while reclaiming their autonomy, earning a sustainable income, and achieving work-life balance.

If you’re a special education teacher, the time to act is NOW. The U.S. Department of Education has highlighted the growing need for professional special education advocates, and systemic changes in education funding and policy mean that the support you once relied on may soon disappear. Transitioning into professional advocacy allows you to build a thriving career that aligns with your passion.

Tired of Being Overworked and Underpaid? Special Education Teachers Are Breaking Free!

This shortage leaves schools scrambling to fill positions, often relying on unqualified or underprepared educators. Meanwhile, students with disabilities—who make up 17-20% of the total student population—suffer from inadequate support. Of that 17-20%, the Department of Education estimates that 3-5% require paid professional advocates to facilitate developing supports so that the student can access their education . With a national student population of roughly 50 million, that translates to between 255,000 and 500,000 students in need of professionally cross trained advocates. Considering there are only a few thousand qualified special education advocates nationwide, the demand far outweighs the supply. This translates into a virtually limitless career opportunity for those with the right skills and training.

YOU have a Gold Mine of Expertise:

The expertise special education teachers possess is invaluable. Years of experience working with IEPs, navigating the complexities of special education law, and understanding the unique needs of diverse learners positions them perfectly for a career in advocacy. By transitioning into advocacy, these educators can leverage their knowledge to:

• Empower families: Provide parents with the information and support they need to effectively advocate for their children's rights.

• Navigate the system: Help families understand the often-confusing landscape of special education law and procedures.

• Effect real change: Advocate for systemic improvements to special education services and policies.

This Career Path Is the Best-Kept Secret for Burned-Out Special Education Teachers!

This isn't just a career change; it's a paradigm shift. Special education teachers have the power to transform the lives of countless children and families by becoming highly trained, board certified education advocates. They can fill a critical need while building a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. The potential is truly a gold mine, waiting to be tapped..."

A Crisis in Special Education: The Data

A Nationwide Shortage

The special education system is grappling with a growing teacher shortage that shows no signs of slowing down.

• According to the U.S. Department of Education, every state reported a shortage of special education teachers for the 2022-2023 school year.

• A report by the Learning Policy Institute found that special education teachers leave the profession at nearly twice the rate of general education teachers.

• A 2021 survey by the National Education Association revealed that 55% of teachers overall are considering leaving the profession, with special education teachers reporting the highest levels of burnout.

Burnout and Turnover

Burnout is one of the leading causes of the special education teacher exodus. The demands of managing individualized education programs (IEPs), coordinating with families, addressing behavioral challenges, and navigating administrative red tape are pushing teachers to their limits.

• The National Coalition on Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services reports that 50% of all special education teachers leave their jobs within the first five - seven years.

• The Frontline Research & Learning Institute found that 65% of special education teachers report burnout as their primary reason for leaving the field, often going to lower paying careers. (this doesn’t need to happen if you are a board certified special education advocate)

• Research shows that special education teachers are leaving the profession at higher rates than their general education counterparts due to a combination of factors, including excessive paperwork, large caseloads, toxic school environments, lack of administrative support, and emotional exhaustion from addressing complex student needs. A 2022 report from the National Education Association highlights that 90% of teachers cite burnout as a major concern, with special educators particularly vulnerable due to the additional stress of managing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and navigating systemic barriers. This ongoing exodus underscores the need for their expertise to extend beyond the classroom. By becoming special education advocates, former teachers can leverage their knowledge to support families, influence policy, and drive systemic changes that better serve students with disabilities—without the constraints of the traditional school environment.

These departures create a ripple effect. Schools are left scrambling to fill positions, often relying on unqualified or uncertified teachers, which further impacts the quality of education for students with disabilities.

 Special Education Teachers Are Over It—And Here’s What They’re Doing About It!

Mass Exodus to Retirement or Career Changes

An increasing number of special education teachers are retiring early or leaving the field altogether.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that special education teacher employment will grow by only 4% between 2021 and 2031, far below the need to replace retiring teachers and teachers leaving the field.

• According to a 2022 report by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators, nearly 40% of districts report difficulty filling special education positions, with many citing retirements and career changes as the primary reasons for shortages.

The Need for Special Education Advocates

As the number of special education teachers dwindles, the need for highly trained special education advocates is rapidly increasing. According to the U.S. Department of Education:

• 17-20% of all students receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

• Of that number, 3-5% of students require the support of paid professional advocates to help their families navigate the complex special education system.

This translates to approximately 255-500,00 students nationwide who need advocacy services. Yet, with only a few thousand professionally trained  special education advocates exist in the entire country, the demand far outweighs the supply. This means that not only is there a significant career opportunity for those entering the field, and the work itself is unlikely to ever run out.

Why Teachers Are Perfect for Advocacy

Special education teachers possess a unique set of skills that make them exceptionally well-suited to become Special Education Advocates. Their expertise in IEPs, 504 plans, behavioral interventions, and disability law is a gold mine when applied to advocacy.

Here’s why teachers are uniquely qualified for this career:

1. Deep Understanding of the System: Teachers know how schools operate and understand the challenges families face in securing services.

2. IEP Expertise: Teachers have firsthand experience creating and implementing IEPs, making them well-equipped to advocate for students’ rights.

3. Communication Skills: Teachers are skilled at collaborating with parents, administrators, and support staff, which is essential for effective advocacy.

4. Empathy and Compassion: Teachers bring a deep commitment to supporting students with disabilities and their families.

Escape the Grind: How Special Education Teachers Are Turning Their Expertise into Gold!

By transitioning into advocacy, teachers can use these skills to transform the paradigm of special education. Instead of working within a broken system, they can help families navigate it and ensure that students receive the services they deserve.

How to Transition into Advocacy

Becoming a Special Education Advocate doesn’t require starting from scratch. Through the National Special Education Advocacy Institute’s (NSEAI) National Board Certification Program, you can gain the skills and credentials needed to build a thriving advocacy practice in just 12 one-day on demand courses.

Check out just how inclusive the Courses are CLICK HERE

The Secret Escape Plan

Every Burned-Out Special Education Teacher Needs to Know!

Here’s how NSEAI can help you make the transition:

1. Board Certification: Gain professional credentials that establish you as an expert in special education advocacy.

2. Comprehensive Training: Learn everything from IDEA regulations (which most teachers are actually not well trained in) to effective written communication strategies, clinical/related service evaluations to identify student needs, research based programming that is often counter intuitive, behavioral interventions that are actually effective. This ensures you’re prepared to support families and students.

3. Business Development: If you’ve never run a business before, NSEAI offers a step-by-step program called the Business Of Advocacy, helping you build your practice and acquire the clients you want.

4. Ongoing Support: Join a network of like-minded professionals who are committed to supporting each other’s success.

Why Act Now?

The landscape of education is changing rapidly. The Department of Education is undergoing significant shifts, and the support systems many special education teachers rely on are disappearing. Families are becoming increasingly aware of their rights under IDEA and are seeking professional advocates to help them navigate the system.

The demand for trained advocates has never been higher, but it takes time to develop your practice. Waiting too long could mean missing out on this growing opportunity. By starting now, you can position yourself as a trusted advocate and build a career that provides both financial freedom and personal fulfillment.

Click here to register  

Take the First Step Today

If you’re a special education teacher feeling burned out, unsupported, or undervalued, it’s time to take control of your career. Join the growing movement of educators who are leaving the classroom to become Special Education Advocates.

The need is urgent:

Again please get these numbers in your head!  What an amazing career opportunity for the cost of a Starbuck’ coffee each day. Where else will you get that kind of opportunity! This does not even include a pastry!!

• Millions of students need professionally cross- trained special education advocates, and there are only a few thousand professionals nationwide to meet the demand.

• Families are looking for highly trained advocates who understand the educational system inside and out. They are not looking for parent buddies or lay advocates! They pay up to $250/hour for professionally cross trained education advocacy services. This is not just in Manhattan, Honolulu or Silicon Valley- that is across the county. 

Through the NSEAI National Board Certification Program, you can build a career that allows you to:

• Work independently and set your own schedule and for fewer hours.

• Earn a sustainable income while supporting your family.

• Use your expertise to create real change in the lives of children with disabilities.

Don’t wait for the system to change. Be the change.

Visit NSEAI’s website to learn more about the program and start your journey today Your expertise is invaluable. Your voice matters. And your future as a Special Education Advocate is waiting. Take the first step now.

 Click here to register  

There is a valentine gift here

if you click here

use the code: LOVEYOU  

a 50% discount  

valid through 2/28/25