How Do I Know Which Part of Special Needs Education is Right for Me?

A pathway leading forward for footsteps
This is a question I get from teachers all the time.
 
And honestly, it’s a really important one. 

Because it’s not just about picking a subject or a class—it’s about finding where you’ll be happiest and most useful.

The thing is: the answer isn’t hiding somewhere out there. It’s already inside you. You just need to pay attention.


To begin, what do you enjoy most when you’re with children? 

Is it helping them find their voice? 

Is it guiding them to calm down and focus? Or 

maybe it’s helping them finally “get” that lesson they’ve been struggling with? 

Notice the moments that make you smile, the ones that give you energy. Those are clues.



Then think about how you naturally like to work. 

Do you prefer sitting one-on-one with a child, helping them step by step? 

Or do you like shaping the bigger picture—things like school programs, classroom systems, or teacher support? 

Both are important. But one will feel more natural for you.



Also, listen to your own words. 

We give ourselves away without realizing it. 

If you often say, “I love it when a child finally speaks up,” then maybe speech and communication is your lane. 

If you say, “I want to help kids behave better in class,” then behavior support could be your space. 

If it’s, “I just want them to succeed in their learning,” that sounds like academics is calling you.



Picture yourself five years from now. 

You’ve picked your path, and you’re doing work you love. 

Who are you working with? 

What does your day look like? 

Most importantly—how does it feel? 

If it feels exciting and full, you’re on the right track. If it feels heavy and draining, that’s your mind telling you, “This isn’t it.”


☘️


So, when you ask, “Which aspect of special needs education is right for me?”—don’t look for someone else to hand you the answer. The answer shows up when you pay attention to yourself—what you enjoy, how you work best, and what truly matters to you.


That’s how you find your fit!


A Quick Reflection Guide

  1. What moments with children give me the most joy and energy?

  2. Do I prefer working closely with individuals, or shaping things on a bigger scale?

  3. When I imagine myself five years from now, what kind of work makes me feel alive and satisfied?


Write down your answers. Sit with them. They’ll start pointing you toward the part of special needs education that’s truly yours.



If you found this article helpful, could you share it with someone too?😊



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Comments

  1. Julia AluSeptember 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM

    This article spoke to me in a very personal way.
    It felt like a light shining in my direction.
    I have read it more than once, and each time i felt something new awakened in me.
    To some extent, it has brought clarity to some conflicting interests I have been battling with regarding my career and the path that truly resonates with me. I am deeply grateful for this piece.
    Thank you Ms Vicky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Empowering Educators with VickySeptember 25, 2025 at 5:51 PM

      I'm excited to read this, Ms. Julia- this article blessed YOU, and that means a lot to me.

      Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate you 😊.

      Delete

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