Glory
Just picture this: You have that one student who has had a particularly difficult and frustrating time understanding a complex subject. That student's parents are frustrated, the other teachers are getting frustrated, and you, you are starting to feel like nothing you're doing is helping. You're ready to throw your hands up (and not in a "hey, this is a great party" kind of way).
Now imagine that suddenly the student looks at you one day, and gets it. That is what keeps you coming to work every day. How's that for glory?
As a special education teacher, you help students with varying disabilities get a shot at the same education that everyone else has. Although the rewards often seem few and far between, the effects are lasting and all of your hard work will make an impression on your students for the rest of their lives. Every class is like your family, and every time a student experiences any kind of success, you'll feel like you've won the World Series.
But things don't end in the classroom. As a special education teacher, you often become the support system for frustrated parents. You encourage their child not only to feel more confident in their academic careers, but in themselves—regardless of their physical or mental disabilities. You're helping their children get a fair shot at education, and when things work out, the love you will receive in return will be more than you can write on a paycheck.
You're pretty much a superhero—and while your face may never be plastered on billboards, the prestige you may earn in the eyes of parents, students, and other educators will make you feel like you have the strength to lift cars (please don't try to lift cars).