**<h2>Educator's Life Changed in an Instant</h2>**

Sophie Cole, a dedicated special education teacher, woke up like any other day on that fateful November 2022 morning. Little did she know that her life was about to take a dramatic turn. An unprovoked attack in her classroom left her with a life-altering injury and constant, unbearable pain.

**"I don't sleep," Cole shares with The Indo Daily. "I have huge financial stress. I lost all my hobbies, my social life, my independence, my ability to drive."**

**<h3>A Unique Calling with Unseen Challenges</h3>**

Teaching special needs students is a rewarding but incredibly challenging vocation. It requires immense compassion, understanding, and constant alertness. The risk of physical harm is an unspoken part of the job, something that Cole and her colleagues understand and accept.

**"I went to counselling, and I learned to grieve the loss of my life," Cole reflects. "It sounds bizarre, but when you're in that situation, it makes sense."**

**<h3>The Fight for Improvement</h3>**

Cole is now working with the Labour Party to improve conditions for teachers and special needs assistants in Ireland. On this episode of The Indo Daily, she joins host Fionnán Sheahan to share her story and discuss her campaign.

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**<h2>Listen Here</h2>**

**<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-big-tech-show/id1325667441">Listen on Apple Podcasts</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZXvz7II5SHeDjDpGvTugj">Listen on Spotify</a>**