By Jen Johnson | Brainerd Public Schools director of Special Education

Every day in our schools, there are quiet stories of perseverance, growth, and success. These stories often go untold, but they shine a light on the incredible work happening between students and the teachers who walk alongside them.

Special education teachers know that their work is not only about academics, it’s about helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive as contributing members of their communities. This means helping students build relationships, practice independence, and discover their strengths. And when these moments of progress happen, they ripple out far beyond the walls of the classroom.

Just this past week, three stories came forward that reflect this truth.

One teacher shared about a student who, after struggling with behavior regulation in one setting, found new footing in a different learning environment. With consistent support, encouragement, and high expectations, that student is now thriving, so much so that they have returned to taking classes in the general high school setting. The determination to grow and succeed was always there; it simply took the right support and the right opportunities to unlock it.

Another story came from an elementary classroom, where a student who once needed a center-based program now spends most of the day learning alongside their general education peers. With guidance from special education staff and encouragement from the classroom teacher, they participate fully, learn side-by-side with classmates, and keep pace academically. What once seemed like a distant goal—being fully included in a mainstream classroom—is now their reality.

And a third story came in the form of a message from a former student to their teacher. This student reflected proudly on their accomplishments, including becoming a member of the middle school football team. They also asked about friends still in the program, checking in on them with genuine care. Their journey illustrates that the work of special education isn’t just about preparing students for school; it’s about preparing them for life, relationships, and active roles in the community.

These stories are not isolated; they are happening across our district every day. They show how, when students are supported by skilled and caring educators, they don’t just overcome obstacles, they redefine what success looks like.

Transition skills are a key part of this work. From an early age, students with disabilities are learning the building blocks of independence. By high school, those skills expand to include work experiences, job readiness, and community participation. At programs like ATLAS, students practice a range of skills, from cooking meals to applying for jobs and navigating public spaces. The goal is not simply to “get by” but to contribute meaningfully to society.

This work matters, because too often, public perception focuses on what individuals with disabilities cannot do rather than what they can do. There is a misconception that these students drain resources or cannot pull their own weight. In reality, our students demonstrate every day that they possess talents, determination, and the ability to give back when given the chance.

When a student learns how to manage frustration and rejoin his classmates, that’s success. When a young person practices interviewing skills and gets their first job, that’s success. When a student moves from needing highly structured support to independently navigating their day, that’s success. And when former students look back with pride on their growth and reach out to stay connected, that’s perhaps the greatest success of all.

Special education teachers don’t just teach academics; they help students find their place in the world. They walk beside them during the hard days, celebrate the victories, and prepare them for a future where they can contribute, participate, and belong.

These are the stories worth telling. They remind us that every child has potential, every effort makes a difference, and every step forward is significant. No matter how small, it moves us closer to a community where all members are valued and included.