The TM Technique as an Essential Tool for Special Educators: An Interview with Lindsey Creegan
Lindsey Creegan is a Special Educator in the Syosset, New York Central School District. A special education teacher provides support to students with disabilities in accessing the general education curriculum. They collaborate with a team to develop Individualized Education Programs, implement these plans with individualized instruction, and monitor student progress. They work with students who have a range of disabilities, including learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical. We are grateful that Lindsey was able to spare some of her precious time to answer our questions.
Please let us know how you heard about the Transcendental Meditation technique.
I first learned about the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique through a colleague in my current school district. We work closely as part of the special education team and often rely on one another for emotional and professional support. After a particularly challenging and emotionally charged situation with a student and her family, she candidly shared how TM had helped her manage the stress that naturally comes with our roles. That conversation was a turning point for me and sparked my journey into TM.
Please describe what your experience was of teaching special needs children before and after you learned the TM technique.
Teaching students with special needs is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges—many of which are high-stakes and emotionally demanding. These challenges can sometimes involve contentious meetings, intense advocacy work, and the pressure of ensuring that every student receives the services and support they deserve. I am deeply passionate about my students and my work, but over time, the constant pressure began to affect my well-being. I experienced anxiety, occasional panic attacks, and disrupted sleep, among other stress-related symptoms.
After learning TM, I began practicing it twice daily—once in the morning before school, and once in the evening after work. The results were profound. TM gave me the ability to reset and let go of stress in a healthy, consistent way. The intrusive thoughts, overthinking, and mental exhaustion that used to linger after work began to quiet down. I now navigate my day with greater clarity, patience, and emotional resilience. I no longer feel as reactive; instead, I feel grounded and present—qualities that are essential when working with children who need you to show up at your best every day.
Please explain how your personal life outside of work has changed since starting the TM technique.
Outside of work, I’ve noticed a remarkable shift in my personal relationships. I’m more present—with my family, friends, and even in day-to-day experiences. I used to carry the weight of work-related stress with me everywhere, which made it difficult to truly unwind or engage deeply in my personal life. TM has helped me create a healthy boundary between work and home. I now approach life with more ease and joy, allowing me to experience more meaningful connections with the people I love. My overall quality of life has improved significantly.
Importantly, the benefits of TM aren’t limited to the moments right after meditation—I’ve found that they carry through the entire day. I feel more emotionally regulated, focused, and better equipped to enjoy my time outside of work.
Were you practicing any meditation technique before TM? If so, how does the experience of TM compare, during and outside of meditation?
Before TM, I occasionally listened to frequency music or guided meditations to help calm my mind. While those tools offered some momentary relief, they never fully helped me access the kind of deep rest and mental clarity that TM provides. TM is unique in that it’s completely effortless, yet profoundly effective. The simplicity of the practice—just 20 minutes twice a day—creates such powerful benefits. From the moment I began practicing TM, I felt a noticeable shift. The health benefits are well-documented, and I personally experienced more consistent energy, better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a much healthier overall outlook. Years later, I can confidently say that TM has become a lifelong tool for balance and well-being.
Interacting with the parents of special needs children is another big part of your career. How has TM helped in this regard?
Communication with parents is a core aspect of my role, and these conversations can often be emotionally charged or delicate, especially when discussing a child’s challenges or services. Since practicing TM, I’ve noticed that I am more composed and compassionate in these interactions. I’m able to listen more deeply, respond with empathy, and stay calm even in tense or emotional meetings. TM has strengthened my ability to advocate effectively while maintaining grace and understanding—a balance that is crucial when supporting families of children with special needs.
We would love to collaborate with anyone who wants to let other special needs teachers know about the TM program on social media. Do you have any ideas for us?
Yes, absolutely. There are many active online communities where special education professionals connect and share resources—Facebook groups, Reddit threads, teacher forums like “Teachers Pay Teachers” and “The Mighty,” and Instagram pages dedicated to SPED advocacy and wellness. These platforms could be excellent avenues to introduce the benefits of TM to educators, especially given the high stress levels often associated with our field. As someone who has personally benefited from TM, I would be happy to help get the word out within these spaces and share how this practice has positively impacted my life and career.
Connect with a local certified TM teacher for more information.
About the Author
Jean Tobin is a certified Transcendental Meditation teacher on Long Island who has taught the TM technique to 1,000 individuals. You can watch her introductory presentation on the technique here.
