By Maria Jordan, Regional School Recruiter at Epic Special Education Staffing
A successful career in Special Education starts with the right traits. Whether you’re a teacher, therapist, or paraeducator, these core qualities can set you apart in a competitive job market and help you thrive in your career. If you’re ready to land your next role in Special Education and make a meaningful difference every day, it starts with building the right foundation.
Strong Communication: Building Trust and Support
In Special Education, strong communication is essential. It’s about fostering collaboration with educators, parents, and support staff to build trust and mutual respect. Clear, consistent communication ensures everyone is aligned in supporting student success, preventing misunderstandings and promoting a more cohesive and supportive learning environment.
At Epic Special Education Staffing, our Special Education professionals model and support effective communication strategies every day – whether it’s through IEP meetings, team check-ins, or proactive family outreach. We believe that strong communication is the foundation for positive relationships and student achievement.
Behavior Management: Creating a Safe and Structured Environment
A strong understanding of positive reinforcement strategies and individualized behavior plans can transform classroom dynamics. By proactively addressing student needs and promoting desired behaviors, you help create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where all learners can thrive.
This expertise allows for effective collaboration with teams to implement consistent, student-centered interventions. At Epic Special Education Staffing, our professionals bring extensive experience in behavior management, working closely with school teams to apply evidence-based practices tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Flexibility: Meeting the Moment with Adaptability
Adaptability and flexibility are crucial in Special Education. The ability to adjust teaching approaches based on students’ diverse needs ensures every learner feels supported. Whether it’s modifying a lesson plan on the fly, helping a student through a behavioral challenge, or personalizing instruction to meet IEP goals, adaptability is key.
Our educators at Epic Special Education Staffing are known for their responsiveness and creativity in meeting the moment. They work closely with teams to provide inclusive, student-centered solutions across various learning environments.
Know Your Field: Staying Confident and Compliant
A strong understanding of IEPs, compliance, and related documentation (such as IDEA and 504 plans) is essential to ensure students receive the services and support they deserve. Familiarity with the legal and procedural aspects of Special Education enables educators to advocate effectively, contribute meaningfully to IEP meetings, and maintain accurate, compliant records.
At Epic Special Education Staffing, we provide ongoing support and training to help professionals stay confident and compliant – ensuring students’ rights are upheld and schools meet federal and state requirements.
Empathy and Patience: Connecting with Students
Empathy and patience are fundamental in Special Education. The ability to understand and support students with diverse challenges helps educators connect with them on a deeper level. Empathy fosters trust, while patience creates the space for growth, progress, and meaningful outcomes.
At Epic Special Education Staffing, we understand the emotional demands of this work. We ensure our professionals are equipped with the support and resources needed to stay grounded, compassionate, and student-focused every day. Because when we give our students the patience and empathy they deserve, we give them the opportunity to thrive – not just in school, but in life.
The Heart of Special Education: A Personal Anecdote on Compassion in the Classroom
In my 20 years of teaching across a wide range of classroom support settings in the Chicagoland area, I had the privilege of working with students who not only had disabilities but also faced significant life challenges. Many came from families experiencing poverty and temporary housing – and for some, English was a second or even third language.
Each day, I was reminded of how much patience and empathy were required to support these students. They didn’t just need academic help – they needed a safe space where they could feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether it was helping a student find calm in a chaotic day or explaining a lesson in a way that resonated, empathy built the trust they needed to succeed.
I’ll never forget one student who struggled both academically and emotionally. After a long day, he came to me and simply said, “I don’t feel like I’m good enough.” In that moment, I realized how deeply students can internalize the challenges they face, beyond academics.
I took a step back and reminded him, “You are enough, just as you are. We’re going to work through this together.” With time, patience, and consistent encouragement, he began to make academic progress – and more importantly, he started to believe in his own potential. That breakthrough, though small to some, was monumental for both of us.
Take the Next Step with Epic Special Education Staffing
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in your role, building these core skills can make all the difference in your career. Just as empathy and patience helped one student believe in his potential, these qualities can help you make a lasting impact in your own classroom.
Which of these do you think is most important for success in Special Education? Let us know – and remember, at Epic Special Education Staffing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step in your Special Education career? Connect with our team today.
About the Author
Maria Jordan is the Illinois Schools Regional Recruiting Specialist at Epic Special Education Staffing. With over five years of recruiting experience and 20 years of teaching in Special Education, Maria is responsible for staffing school-based clinicians across Illinois. She is deeply passionate about recruiting professionals who understand the needs of Autistic students, ensuring that individuals across all age groups and levels of support receive the expertise they deserve.
Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She currently resides in Illinois with her twin boys. In her free time, Maria performs in a band and hosts open mic nights at local coffee shops in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.
