Summer Self-Care Ideas for Special Education Teachers
Summer Self-Care Ideas for Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers—you made it!
After months of juggling IEPs, differentiating lessons, managing behaviors, collaborating with teams, and supporting your students in a hundred different ways… summer is finally here.
But here’s the thing: just because school is out doesn’t mean the stress magically disappears. A lot of us carry the emotional weight of the year into our summers. That’s why this time is more than just a vacation—it’s a time to reset so that you can be your best self come the new school year.
Here are realistic, meaningful summer self-care ideas specifically for special education teachers (because bubble baths and green smoothies don’t cut it when you’re running on teacher burnout):
Rest Without Guilt
Yes, you’re allowed to nap at 2 p.m. You’re allowed to do nothing and not feel bad about it. After a school year of constant problem-solving and emotional labor, rest is not laziness—it’s healing. If you want to binge that TV show…go for it. If you want to veg out and read a whole book, now’s the time. As long as you are taking care of yourself and your family (don’t let the kids go hungry) take the time you need to relax. You’ve earned it!
Set Boundaries With Work Stuff
If you’re prepping resources or planning ahead, set a time limit. For example: “I’ll work on TPT or classroom ideas only on Tuesdays from 10–12.” Boundaries help you enjoy summer and still feel productive without falling into burnout 2.0.
I like to take the time over the summer to start prepping my caseload for next year. I am lucky enough to have a rough idea of my caseload when I walk out the door in June. But I have to limit the amount of time I spend on this. I don’t want to start getting overwhelmed during the summer. I take small chunks of time and start reading IEPs and prepping data sheets. But I do it on my terms.
Reconnect With You
You are more than a teacher. Try a hobby you’ve been putting off. Paint, bake, garden, go on a solo trip—even if it’s just to Target with a latte in hand. Do the things that make you feel human again.
Connect With Other SpEd Teachers
Let’s be honest, not everyone “gets” what you do. Find your people—online teacher friends, Instagram communities, support groups—and talk, vent, laugh. You’re not alone. I do this on Instagram. I find people who are in similar roles to me on Instagram and I follow them.
Take a Social Media Detox (Even Briefly)
Give yourself permission to mute the comparison. That “perfect classroom” content can wait. Real rest starts when we stop performing and start decompressing. Especially in the current political climate, whatever you believe, it is overwhelming to get on social media and see all of the rage bait that is posted. Take a break, go outside and read a book, do something that relaxes you.
Reflect, But Don’t Spiral
If you find yourself replaying difficult moments from the year (we’ve all been there), try journaling or voice noting your thoughts. Then, end it with this question:
“What do I need to feel more supported next year?”
This makes reflection feel empowering—not overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Remember: taking care of you this summer isn’t selfish—it’s a strategy. You cannot pour from an empty cup, especially when you’re pouring so much into others during the school year.
So rest. Restore. Recharge.
Future You—and your students—will be so grateful.
What’s one thing you’re doing just for you this summer?
Drop it in the comments or DM me—I’d love to cheer you on. 💬
