Writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also lead to burnout. IEP writing requires a great deal of time and energy, and the process of creating meaningful plans for each student can become draining over time. Fortunately, there are steps that educators can take to fight against IEP writing burnout and stay motivated. In this article, we’ll discuss eight tips teachers can use to combat IEP writing fatigue and continue writing quality IEPs to serve students with special needs.
Writing an entire IEP in one sitting can be overwhelming and tiring. Breaking the writing of an IEP down into small chunks over a few days can make the process much more manageable and allow you to focus on each component of the plan with clarity.
Start working on the section that’s easiest for you to write and continue filling it in daily until the document is complete. Small chunks make it manageable and much less stressful!
When you finish writing a section, it’s tempting to read over it for typos and grammar errors. However, this can be an inefficient use of time. Instead, set aside a few minutes at the end of the IEP writing process to review everything. This will give you an overall picture of what needs to be changed or improved before submitting the final document.
Keeping track of all the information that goes into an IEP can be difficult. To ensure nothing is missed, create checklists and templates for each section of the IEP so you have a clear idea of what needs to be included. This will help keep you organized throughout the process and make sure you get all the important details.
The IEP Toolkit can help with this as it contains the checklists and forms necessary to create an organized plan for IEP writing and an IEP meeting! Grab your copy here!
Check out this short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about teacher burnout:
The membership also provides guidance on Having an Organized IEP Process, which can be challenging for anyone!
By joining the membership, individuals also gain access to an extensive library of over 13,000 pre-written IEP goals, empowering them with a wealth of options to support their students’ unique needs.
Learn more and become a member of The Intentional IEP today!
Writing IEPs can be mentally exhausting, so taking regular breaks while working on documents is important. Taking a few moments away from your desk to get some fresh air or grab a snack can help clear your mind and allow you to return to the task with renewed energy.
You don’t have to complete everything all in one sitting! Not only will a quick walk around the house or school make you feel better, but it will make the IEP writing process go more smoothly.
Writing IEPs can be a solitary task, so it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through the process alone. Working with other teachers during a co-writing session can help make the experience more enjoyable and productive. During these sessions, you can brainstorm ideas for how to best support each student’s educational goals and get feedback from other educators on your plans.
Join the Intentional IEP here for all your IEP writing needs to kick that burnout!
Reflection and self-care can help you process your work and reset your mindset to tackle the next IEP writing session with renewed energy and enthusiasm. In addition to taking breaks while writing IEPs, it’s also important to set aside time for reflection and self-care after completing an IEP. This could involve writing down your thoughts about the document or engaging in activities such as yoga or meditation.
Rather than starting from scratch every time you write an IEP, using a goal or statement bank can be helpful and save you a lot of time. Writing IEPs will be faster and more efficient as you’ll have access to pre-written goals and statements tailored to each student’s needs. Membership at The Intentional IEP includes a comprehensive goal bank with over 13,000+ pre-written goals, which can help make the job of writing IEPs easier! JOIN TODAY!
Finally, it’s important to create a positive environment while writing IEPs. Listening to upbeat music or having a snack can create a more comfortable atmosphere that encourages creativity and productivity. Having an organized, comfortable workspace also helps give you the space to focus on the task at hand without distractions.
Writing IEPs can be overwhelming and time-consuming, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to confidently approach each document with ease! Remember, the most important thing is ensuring all your students receive the individualized education plans they deserve. Good luck with your next IEP writing session!
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