A recent article profiles several autistic teachers working in the Northwest United States who feel they connect brilliantly with autistic and learning-disabled students yet struggle greatly in unsupported school environments. Teachers like Alex Newson, Wynne Hurly, and Bianca Cohen share how their being autistic allows them to empathise with and meet the needs of their neurodivergent pupils.
However, a concerning pattern emerges in these teachers’ experiences. Nearly all have left full-time teaching positions, many citing burnout or intolerable working conditions. Cohen emotionally resigned over continual violations of her disability accommodations. Others found the profession entirely unsustainable for their mental health in unaccommodating schools. As an autistic educator in the country’s second largest school district, I can see much of my own experience in their stories.
Distressingly, it seems extraordinarily difficult for autistic teachers to remain in American classrooms long-term even as their unique talents are deeply needed. As most featured autistic educators now substitute-teach or have left education altogether, one worries greatly about the future prospects of autistic people pursuing this invaluable yet challenging career. Clearly much work remains towards making teaching an accessible, sustainable profession for neurodivergent individuals. The stakes could not be higher for both autistic teachers and the students we uniquely connect with. Here's hoping American schools act quickly to retain their talented autistic staff … like me.
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That educators in America don't get the kind of support they need is becoming more evident, daily. At issue is what is "allowed" to be taught with regard to history, literature and science, and who is allowed to teach. The political has infected our schools and the message seems to be "we don't trust our teachers." So I can only imagine that the lack of support for autistic teachers and students is even worse. It used to be (I hate to sound like an old lady here) that teachers were the final word, that politics were not considered -- just the benefit and well being of the students. Today, that's no longer true. What do talented, creative, autistic teachers like yourself need to stay in education? What is one thing that an individual can do to help? It's always easier to see the problem than to see a solution, so I ask in earnest... is there something that an average citizen can do in addition to voting that will make a difference for the teachers like you that we need so very much?
It starts at school boards - and electing board members who understand the issues. Sadly, many are politicians now, backed by powerful, moneyed interests, rather than concerned parents or stakeholders.
That educators in America don't get the kind of support they need is becoming more evident, daily. At issue is what is "allowed" to be taught with regard to history, literature and science, and who is allowed to teach. The political has infected our schools and the message seems to be "we don't trust our teachers." So I can only imagine that the lack of support for autistic teachers and students is even worse. It used to be (I hate to sound like an old lady here) that teachers were the final word, that politics were not considered -- just the benefit and well being of the students. Today, that's no longer true. What do talented, creative, autistic teachers like yourself need to stay in education? What is one thing that an individual can do to help? It's always easier to see the problem than to see a solution, so I ask in earnest... is there something that an average citizen can do in addition to voting that will make a difference for the teachers like you that we need so very much?
It starts at school boards - and electing board members who understand the issues. Sadly, many are politicians now, backed by powerful, moneyed interests, rather than concerned parents or stakeholders.