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.
The purpose of this tutorial is to acquaint readers with recent research and information regarding the state of special education and attrition and to present strategies and techniques that special education and building administrators can utilize to support beginning and experienced special education teachers.
Tutorial content was selected in response to current research and literature as well as needs assessment summaries from the field. Materials and content were developed adhering to elements identified in adult learning literature as well as the extensive experience and expertise of The Teaching Research Institute staff.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print PDF documents.
