ERIC Number: EJ1212174
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-May
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0888-4064
EISSN: N/A
"Developing That Balance": Preparing and Supporting Special Education Teachers to Work with Paraprofessionals
Biggs, Elizabeth E.; Gilson, Carly B.; Carter, Erik W.
Teacher Education and Special Education, v42 n2 p117-131 May 2019
The prominence of paraprofessionals in the education of students with severe disabilities highlights the importance of ensuring special education teachers provide effective supervision and support. The authors conducted in-depth individual interviews with members of nine educational teams--a total of 22 teachers and paraprofessionals--to identify (a) the competencies they consider important for special education teachers to work effectively with paraprofessionals and (b) their recommendations for equipping teachers to develop these competencies. Participants identified 10 competencies addressing three areas contributing to balanced leadership: knowledge, skills, and dispositions. They also recommended eight avenues for leadership development spanning three broad pathways: university-based preparation, school/district support, and personal development. The authors' findings suggest the need to embed development of these competencies within existing training and support programs for teachers. The authors offer recommendations for future research and practice targeting teacher development in these areas.
Descriptors: Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessional School Personnel, Students with Disabilities, Severe Disabilities, Teacher Competencies, Skill Development, Teacher Leadership, Cooperating Teachers, Faculty Development, Training
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: H325D100010