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.
Table of Contents:
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
About the Author :
Katrina Huels is an educational consultant who has more than twenty years of experience in special education, with expertise spanning instructional design, program leadership, and national accreditation. She has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to senior executive, and her robust background in psychology and education informs a career grounded in evidence-based practice and systemic reform. Throughout her career, Katrina experienced firsthand both the profound rewards and the ongoing stress and fatigue that lead to burnout among educators. As she sought strategies to build internal balance, resilience, and motivation in herself and her staff members, she encountered a persistent gap in resources and a lack of systemic solutions.
Drawing on the framework of emotional intelligence and the science of neuroplasticity, Katrina translates research into actionable tools tailored to high-stakes environments. This work reflects her conviction that all educators deserve strategies that allow them to thrive in their roles throughout their careers. You can find more information and contact Katrina at huelsappliedharmony.com.
Review :
"Having led special education teams for many years, I′ve witnessed the deep dedication and the equally deep exhaustion that so often accompany this work. This book is a compassionate and practical resource that speaks directly to the heart of educators. With clarity, empathy, and wisdom, the author offers meaningful strategies and tools to help teachers care for themselves while continuing to care for others. It is a timely reminder that our well-being is not optional—it is essential to the work we do. Keep this book close. You will return to it again and again!"
"Transformational Tools for Special Educators is a practical and informative resource. Katrina combines her 20+ years of leadership, experience, and insight to share effective evidence-based strategies that all special educators should add to their toolkit. The strategies resonate with anyone at any level in education, notwithstanding position, experience level, or school setting. This book is applicable, motivating, and meaningful and a game-changer for special educators at all levels."
"Transformational Tools for Special Educators is nothing short of revolutionary for our field. Katrina Huels has masterfully addressed the elephant in the room—while we extensively train special educators in legal compliance and instructional strategies, we have left them emotionally unprepared for the intense daily realities of supporting neurodivergent students. This book fills that critical gap with research-backed, practical tools that do not just help educators survive but truly thrive. By combining emotional intelligence with neuroplasticity science, the author provides a clear roadmap for building the internal resilience and external social skills that transform both educator well-being and student outcomes. Every special education professional—from first-year teachers to seasoned administrators—will find invaluable strategies that seamlessly integrate into their existing routines. This is not just another professional development resource; it is the missing foundation that will help retain passionate educators and elevate the entire profession.
"I have spent over two decades teaching self-regulation strategies to students and never thought about how to support my teachers and staff with using them for their own benefit. Transformational Tools for Special Educators provides practitioners with real insight, practical applications, strategies, and resources to encourage them to prioritize their well-being so that they can better serve our most vulnerable populations."
"Transformational Tools for Special Educators spotlights practical ways to foster longevity within the field of special education. Emphasizing the link between one′s well-being and the ability to thrive as a career educator, Katrina Huels outlines practical ways to address challenges educators experience that may lead to burnout and ultimately leaving the field. This book is an outstanding resource for all educators and is absolutely essential for anyone who has a passion for teaching and a desire to balance personal and communal care."
"Transformational Tools for Special Educators helps educators utilize emotional and behavioral intervention skills they may already possess with greater confidence, intention, and capacity. It can also help them develop skills and insights to enhance their teaching, leading, and relationships. This book is written in language that is easy to understand and includes concrete examples and scenarios. It is a practical guide to self-awareness and self-improvement for new and veteran educators alike."
