Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

The sun was beginning to dip behind the jacarandas in Pretoria, casting long, purple shadows across Thandi’s classroom. It was 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, and the silence in the room was a stark contrast to the morning’s sensory-rich chaos. Thandi, a veteran Kindergarten Special Education teacher, sat at her small desk, surrounded by laminated PECS cards, half-finished Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs), and a stray sensory beanbag. She stared at her laptop, the screen reflecting a salary notification of R31,279—the monthly reminder of a career she loved, but one that often demanded every ounce of her spirit.

In South Africa’s current educational landscape, being an LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) teacher for the little ones is a calling of immense weight. With market data showing zero active job openings in some regions, those like Thandi who hold these positions feel a profound sense of responsibility. They are the gatekeepers of progress for children who see the world differently, but that dedication often comes at the cost of their own equilibrium.

“I realised early on that if I didn’t learn to organise my heart as well as I organised my classroom, I would burn out before the first term ended,” Thandi recalls. Her journey toward work-life balance wasn't a sudden epiphany; it was born out of a Friday evening three years ago when she found herself weeping over a grocery list because she was too emotionally exhausted to decide between white or brown bread.

The Weight of the 'Hidden' Work

The challenges Thandi faces are common across South African schools. Beyond the teaching hours, there is the administrative mountain: documenting every milestone, liaising with occupational therapists, and navigating the emotional complexities of parents coming to terms with their child’s diagnosis. In the South African context, where resources can be stretched thin, a teacher often becomes the de facto social worker and therapist as well.

“The norm in our industry is to give until you are empty,” Thandi explains. “We see the R31,279 on the payslip and we think, ‘I must earn this by working until 8:00 PM.’ But a tired teacher cannot effectively co-regulate a child having a sensory meltdown.”

Strategies for the Soul

Thandi’s turning point came when she implemented the 'School Gate Rule.' She decided that once she drove through the school gates at the end of the day, she would no longer check her emails or WhatsApp groups. In a world of 'parent-teacher' chat groups that buzz at midnight, this was a radical act of self-preservation.

She also began to lean into the community. She started a monthly coffee meet-up with other Grade R special educators in her district. They don’t just talk about lesson plans; they talk about the physical toll of lifting children or the heartache of a student regressing. This peer support became her most effective coping strategy, proving that while the job market is tight and competitive, the community within it must be collaborative.

A Triumph in Small Moments

The balance Thandi sought finally bore fruit during a particularly difficult week. One of her students, Leo, who is non-verbal and struggled with transitions, managed to follow the morning routine without a single outburst. Because Thandi had prioritised her own rest that weekend, she had the patience and the presence of mind to celebrate that win with him, rather than just ticking a box on a form.

“When you aren’t exhausted, you see the magic,” she says. “If I was still stuck in that cycle of overworking, I would have missed the look of pride in Leo’s eyes. That is the real currency of this job.”

Practical Advice for the LSEN Educator

For those navigating this niche career path in South Africa, Thandi offers these hard-won lessons:

• Audit Your Energy: Identify which tasks drain you most. If it's the IEP paperwork, dedicate a specific ‘admin hour’ during the week rather than chipping away at it every night at home.
• Set Digital Boundaries: Communicate clearly with parents about your availability. A polite "I respond to messages between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM" sets a professional tone that protects your peace.
• Physical Restoration: Special education is physically demanding. Invest in comfortable shoes and ensure you are moving your body in ways that aren't just chasing toddlers—yoga or a simple walk in the park can reset your nervous system.
• Financial Mindfulness: With a steady average salary of R31,279, create a budget that allows for small 'joy' expenses—a hobby or a meal out—that has nothing to do with work.

As Thandi finally closed her laptop and switched off the classroom lights, she didn't feel the familiar pang of guilt. She knew that by going home now, she was ensuring she could show up as her best self tomorrow. The job market may be static, and the challenges may be many, but the balance is found in the quiet realisation that you are more than just your profession.