The field of special education is in flux, with high shortages and attrition and increasing requirements around quality teachers and teaching contexts. In this study, we explore how preservice teachers develop identities as special education-certified teachers within this context. Data include focus groups, admissions essays, and class assignments…

This qualitative study explored the experiences of general education secondary preservice teachers while immersed in self-contained special education classrooms. While secondary education teachers have expertise in content areas, little is known about their understanding of students with disabilities and their knowledge of specific strategies for…

Preparing teachers to meet the needs of children with disabilities remains a complex challenge. General education teachers feel unprepared, and attrition and teacher shortages in special education remain high. Despite a trend toward inclusive education, many children continue to be educated in segregated settings. This study explores the potential…