One of the biggest challenges in special education is ensuring an adequate supply of high quality teaching personnel. Historically, 40% of special educators leave the profession before their fifth year of teaching (CEC’s Bright Futures for Exceptional Learners, 2000). Factors cited for leaving the profession include: Perceived lack of support from administrators. Unavailability of mentoring and induction programs. Dissatisfaction with professional growth opportunities.

Project AIM proposes to develop and validate an induction model for early career educators and specialists working in Special Education. The model combines supervisor and mentor support with an individualized professional development program.