In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re continuing our focus on teacher burnout—and today’s topic might be the most practical yet.

As special educators, we often pour from an empty cup. We overcommit, stay late, skip lunch, and carry the emotional weight of the work home with us. But burnout doesn’t just happen because of how much we’re doing—it happens when we don’t have boundaries in place to protect our time, energy, and mental health.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 realistic boundaries you can start using right now to prevent burnout and bring more balance back into your school year.

🔑 Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Limiting communication outside of work hours (and what to say in an auto-responder)
• How to protect your planning time so it doesn’t disappear every day
• My simple, non-negotiable end-of-day routine that brings mental closure
• Why working with your energy—not just your time—can change everything
• How to say “no” or “not yet” without feeling like you’re letting people down

💌 FREE RESOURCE
If you’re on my email list, I’ve created a one-page visual guide for you with all 5 boundaries plus quick, actionable tips to help you protect your time and your well-being.

Not on the list yet? Head over to spedprepacademy.com/podcast and join for access to weekly freebies and support.

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT

Hey there, special educators! This week on Special Education for Beginners, we’re continuing our month-long series on teacher burnout with a powerful, honest, and deeply important conversation.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Werner, founder of Northshore Learning and a passionate advocate for teacher wellness. Dr. Werner works with schools across the globe to help retain great educators by addressing the real causes of burnout—especially those tied to student needs and behavior—and by providing sustainable support that goes beyond one-off professional development.

Together, we unpack:

• What burnout really looks like in today’s schools
• Why special education teachers are particularly vulnerable
• How administrators often don’t realize the depth of burnout until it’s too late
• Practical, everyday strategies teachers can use to reset, reconnect, and feel seen
• Why self-advocacy, support systems, and subtraction (yes, subtraction!) matter more than ever

Whether you're feeling slightly overwhelmed or on the edge of walking away, this episode is here to remind you: burnout is not your fault, and you’re not alone.

🎧 Listen in to feel supported, validated, and empowered to take your next right step forward.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dr. Jessica Werner: JessicaWernerWellbeing.com
• Learn more about Northshore Learning: Northshore Learning Website
• Download Jessica’s Micro Wellbeing Tips – perfect for quick, daily resets

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT

Burnout isn’t just being tired—it’s about feeling empty. And most likely, it's something we all face at some point in our career.

In this episode, we discuss the emotional, physical, and mental weight of teacher burnout—especially in the world of special education. From the never-ending paperwork to the emotional energy required just to make it through the day, it’s no wonder so many educators are running on empty.

In this episode, Jennifer shares 5 key “buckets” of real, restorative strategies to help you lighten the load, reconnect with your purpose, and feel like yourself again.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why surface-level self-care doesn’t cut it
• The difference between reactive and restorative self-care
• How to build in daily habits that protect your peace
• What mindset shifts can help reduce stress and perfectionism
• How to establish healthy professional boundaries (and stick to them!)
• Ways to build meaningful community and support with other educators
• Small but powerful forms of self-care you can start today
• A personal challenge to help you put these tips into action

🎧 Listen now

📝 Resources Mentioned:

• Free Burnout Strategy Tracker PDF
• Report templates for Woodcock Johnson, Y-CAT, and Bracken

I'd love to hear from you!

• Email Jennifer directly to share what self-care strategy you’re committing to this week!

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT