Beginning Teachers Reflect on Teaching Special Needs Students

U.S.teachers are increasingly expected to teach special needs students in general ed classes but teacher preparation & district induction may not adequately provide for the training & support they need to be effective. Research shows that background, teacher training, & teaching context may shape new teachers. This study sought to discover how teachers view the influence of these factors, as well as how personal dispositions impact their practice. New teachers with special needs students in their classes were chosen as participants. Data was collected via interviews, observations and document review. Case studies were developed and analyzed for similarities & differences among teachers on their views of the influence of these key factors. Findings suggest background influenced teachers'career decisions; teacher education helped develop an anticipation of having special needs students in their classrooms, & that there was limited help from formal support, while informal support was viewed as more frequent & helpful. All teachers expressed a desire to help, but were not sure how, & identified advocacy & problem solving as important.