Experience a day in the life of a special education teacher. Fresh out of graduate school, Julia Novak Smith hoped to make a difference as an elementary school special education teacher. And after thirty-five years of teaching, she is ready to reflect on her career to impart her knowledge to future generations of special education teachers. In Dear Mrs. Smith , Smith describes her experiences in and out of the classroom. Recalling both small victories and significant triumphs as well as challenges and obstacles, she relates how each loss and gain came with invaluable lessons. And through it all, her passion for teaching shines through. While the subject matter is serious, Smith's narrative is imbued with humor, offering readers a unique perspective of a day in the life of a special education teacher. It's a must read for anyone considering education as a career.