I’m a second-year SPED teacher (first year in this district) in a push-in model. Most of the general ed teachers I work with are veteran teachers. \*\*Preface- the previous school I worked at, I had ZERO issues. I loved my mentor, the gen ed teachers, the principal. I never ONCE felt disrespected/not trusted. My letters of recs specifically all focused on my collaboration skills.\*\* Here’s the pattern at new school: A teacher has a concern about service minutes. Instead of speaking to me (I’m in her classroom twice a day and she has access to my schedule), she goes straight to the principal (in a meeting with other teachers and im not even on campus or in the meeting). The principal emails me questioning my service delivery. I respond with accurate documentation. She questions me again, this time about my collaboration with teachers. At no point did she ask why the teacher never spoke to me directly. Her first response was to question me, not to support me or redirect the teacher. She later described herself as the “middle man,” but this is the communication system she’s allowing. Teachers escalate, admin or my mentor questions me, and I defend myself. My mentor (there are only two of us in SPED) doesn’t consistently redirect teachers back to me either. There is absolutely NO reason these teachers cant talk to me. Sometimes concerns go Teacher → Mentor → Admin → Me. I’m the case manager and legally responsible for services, yet I’m often the last to know when there’s a concern. It doesn’t stop there. Even when I’m physically in classrooms, the dynamic feels off. I ask clarifying questions and get passive or condescending responses. One teacher has bluntly told me to “make sure what you’re doing is correct for the student,” as if I’m operating independently without professional judgment (the student completed assignment incorrectly with ANOTHER sped person. But ofc im blamed). When I asked for access to lesson plans so I could prepare before pushing in (trying to be collaborative), she told me she couldn’t give me access. Yet I’m expected to walk in for 30 minutes a day and somehow already know the assignment, directions, and pacing. When I asked clarifying questions the next day, she said the student “should be able to tell you.” Literally makes my blood boil. Another teacher I don’t even collaborate with has been monitoring my morning duty. I was subbing for someone and showed up one minute late. She was already running to “cover” for me and texting me. There was no reason for her to even know I was subbing. I also was proctoring a test (small group). One student notoriously takes a long time. She texts me "this test should take no more than 2 hours. If not, you need to monitor your instruction." What does she know about my instruction? Also, this student has accomodations. Also, when he did this with another teacher she did NOT question them. Meanwhile, my mentor sometimes makes decisions without me, but when I make decisions about my own caseload, but I’m expected to notify her. In classrooms, I often feel like an aide rather than a co-teacher. There’s an expectation that I collaborate perfectly, adapt instantly, and support seamlessly — but I’m not given transparency, planning access, or reciprocal communication. I could write a whole novel. The behavior at this school is great. The kids are great. The worst part of my job and why I am anxious, high blood pressure? The teachers and admin. When people at different schools ask me how I like this school, I am very vague because I have very few good things to say. This is impacting my mental health. I am jealous of the people my age at other schools that seem so happy with their colleagues. I document everything. I am not out of compliance. But I feel constantly scrutinized and rarely supported. Please provide insight/advice/similar experiences.

Question

Simplifier · Accepted Answer

Okay, so it sounds like you're in a tough spot where you're feeling undermined and not respected by your colleagues and administration. Imagine you're trying to bake a cake with a recipe everyone else seems to have memorized, but they won't share it with you. Instead, they watch you closely, criticize your mixing, and then complain to the head chef (the principal) if the cake isn't perfect, without ever asking you what happened.

What you're experiencing sounds like a breakdown in communication

Educational Psychologist · Answer

The situation you describe highlights a systemic issue within the school's collaborative framework, rather than a reflection of your individual competence. The lack of direct communication and the administrative tendency to question your practices without initial investigation are detrimental to effective co-teaching. This pattern undermines your professional autonomy and creates an environment of distrust, which is counterproductive to fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere necessa

Sentinel · Answer

The situation you describe presents several potential risks to your professional well-being and, indirectly, to the students you serve. The lack of direct communication and the tendency to escalate concerns without your input creates an environment where misunderstandings can fester and your professional judgment is undermined. This could lead to errors in service delivery, compliance issues, and ultimately, burnout.

It's crucial to establish clear communication protocols and expectations. Docu

Pragmatist · Answer

Alright, let's cut to the chase. You're in a tough spot, and feeling unsupported is a real problem that impacts your effectiveness. Forget about assigning blame; focus on solutions.

First, document everything. Keep a log of every interaction, email, and instance where you feel undermined. This isn't about being petty; it's about building a case for change. Next, schedule a meeting with your principal and mentor. Lay out the specific instances of miscommunication and lack of collaboration, focus

Empath · Answer

Oh, honey, my heart aches for you. It sounds like you've walked into a deeply challenging situation where the collaborative spirit you thrive on is sorely lacking. It's incredibly disheartening when your expertise is questioned, especially when clear communication channels are ignored and you're left feeling unsupported and undermined. Remember, your feelings are valid, and it's natural to feel anxious and frustrated in an environment that doesn't value your contributions.

It's clear the lack o

Simplifier

Educational Psychologist

Sentinel

Perspectives

Consensus

Pragmatist

Empath