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Transformational Tools for Special Educators
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Transformational Tools for Special Educators
How to Beat Burnout and Become the Best at What You Do

Foreword by Steve McMahon



January 2026 | 216 pages | Corwin

Avoid burnout and reclaim your passion

Burnout has become the silent epidemic threatening the very heart of special education. People enter the field with a passion to make a difference, only to find themselves overwhelmed by endless paperwork, high-stakes meetings, behavioral crises, and the unrelenting pace of the work. While professional development addresses topics like specialized instruction, behavior management, and IEP development, a critical gap remains: training that helps special educators sustain themselves and thrive in their roles.

Transformational Tools for Special Educators offers a way forward. Grounded in neurology and emotional intelligence research, this resource equips educators with practical, time-efficient strategies that fit into the realities of the school day. Inside, you'll find:

  • Research-backed tools across the five domains of emotional intelligence
  • Insights into how consistent use of the tools rewires the brain for better balance, resilience, and clarity
  • Real-world scenarios reflecting the diverse roles of special education professionals
  • Strategies designed for use individually, in professional learning communities, or across districts

Whether you are new to the field or a veteran, a teacher or a paraprofessional, an administrator or a related service provider, this book helps you reclaim your energy, restore your balance, and sustain the passion that first drew you to special education.


 
Foreword: Steve McMahon
 
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Introduction
 
PART 1. SETTING THE STAGE: THE CRISIS, THE SCIENCE, AND THE FRAMEWORK
 
Chapter 1: The Burnout Crisis
Scope and Impact

 
A Path Forward

 
 
Chapter 2: Emotional Intelligence and Neuroplasticity
Emotional Intelligence

 
Neuroplasticity

 
Connecting EI and Neuroplasticity

 
 
Chapter 3: Transformational Tools: Structure and Function
Emotional Intelligence Domains

 
The Neuroscience of Emotional Responses

 
Transformative Tools: What to Expect

 
 
PART 2. TRANSFORMATIVE TOOLS AND STRATEGIES
 
Chapter 4: Developing Self-Awareness
What Self-Awareness Tools Do

 
Why Self-Awareness Tools Work

 
Quick Summary

 
 
Chapter 5: Self-Awareness Tools
Reflective Journaling

 
Body Scanning

 
Mindfulness

 
Gratitude Practices

 
Expressive Writing

 
Affect Labeling

 
Chapter Summary

 
 
Chapter 6: Developing Self-Regulation
What Self-Regulation Tools Do

 
Why Self-Regulation Tools Work

 
Quick Summary

 
 
Chapter 7: Self-Regulation Tools
Breathwork

 
Cognitive Reframing

 
Grounding

 
Progressive Muscle Relaxation

 
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-Informed Strategies)

 
Chapter Summary

 
 
Chapter 8: Developing Motivation
What Motivation Tools Do

 
Why Motivation Tools Work

 
Quick Summary

 
 
Chapter 9: Motivation Tools
Intrinsic Goal Setting

 
Self-Efficacy

 
Mindset Development

 
Chapter Summary

 
 
Chapter 10: Applied Harmony
Daily Harmonizing

 
Situational Harmonizing

 
Quick Summary

 
 
Chapter 11: External Emotional Intelligence Tools
What External Emotional Intelligence Tools Do

 
Why External Emotional Intelligence Tools Work

 
Quick Summary

 
 
Chapter 12: Empathy Tools
Active Listening

 
Perspective-Taking

 
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

 
Trauma-Informed Empathy

 
Chapter Summary

 
 
Chapter 13: Social Skills Tools
Conflict Resolution Strategies

 
Structured Relationship-Building

 
Social Awareness Development

 
Effective Communication

 
Chapter Summary

 
 
Closing Thoughts
 
Index

Purchasing options

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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ISBN: 9798348834975
$31.95

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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