An open letter to people who say, "Those who can't do, teach, and those who can't teach, teach special ed."

An open letter from special ed teachers to people who say “Those who can’t do, teach; and those who can’t teach, teach special ed.”<br><br>***Dear Haters,***<br><br>You know who you are. Every time I tell someone that I’m a special education teacher, you stifle a smirk and say, “Those who can’t do, teach; and those who can’t teach, teach special ed.” I want you to know that you have broken my heart, but not my spirit.<br><br>You have broken my heart because I know that you wouldn’t say that if you knew how rewarding this job is. You would never say that if you knew how difficult, yet rewarding teaching is. I would have thought that you understood the value of education. I didn’t know you thought that education was a joke. It’s not.<br><br>You have also broken my heart because I know how important special education is. Without this field, millions of people around the world would suffer. They would live in darkness; in isolation from society. Some would live in institutions with minimal care. I would have thought that you valued the human spirit. I thought that you cared about humanity, about making the world a better place. I didn’t know how selfish you were.<br><br>We are not just teachers; we are agents of change. We are in the business of making the impossible possible. We are the bringers of light in a dark world. We are the voice for the voiceless, and the arm that holds those who need it. We are doctors, lawyers, parents, dieticians, therapists, and friends. We are the jack of all trades, the masters of patience and understanding. Above all, we are the hope of humanity.<br><br>You have not broken my spirit, though. Every time you say those words, I am reminded of why I do what I do. I teach special ed because I know that everyone deserves to learn. Everyone deserves a chance to grow, to develop their own personality, to contribute to society. I teach because I am a humanitarian. I don’t do it for the money. I don’t do it for recognition, accolades, or a big house and fancy car. I don’t do it because I can’t do anything. I do it because I can.<br><br>I can inspire a child who has never spoken before to say their first word. I can do it! I can hold a child who has never been held before because they were too scared. I can do it! I can take a child to their first dentist appointment because they were in too much pain to go beforehand. I can do it! I can help a child learn to tie their shoe, or write, or read, and talked about it for years afterwards. I can do it! I can help a child learn to be fully potty trained. I can do it! I can have a conversation with an adult with a disability about politics, or the news, or fashion, or sports. I can do it! I can help a student learn life skills, so that they can live and function on their own. I can do it! I can take a student to their first restaurant, movie, bowling alley, mall, and show them what it means to be a part of society. I can do it!<br><br>I can. I can. I can. I can. I can. I can. I can do anything. I can, and I will. Not for me; not for recognition; not for accolades; not for money. I can, and I will, because I am a humanitarian. I am a special education teacher.<br><br>Sincerely, <br>A special education teacher.<br><br>***P.S. If you’re in special education, don’t listen to the haters. You’re doing humanity a service. Keep on doing it. :)***