Special Education Teachers' Deconstructing Praxis: The Intersection of Life Histories, School Context, and the External Political Environment

• In Event: 30.080 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 30.080-16 - Various Approaches to Reflecting on, Measuring, and Sharing Teacher Identities

Abstract

This two-year case study of two special education teachers sought to examine each teacher’s development story and their personal responses toward leadership and change in the school environment. A self-study practicum project (Samaras, 2010; Tidwell, Heston, & Fitzgerald, 2009) focused on self-improvement and service to special education students was used as a vehicle for examining participants’ responses to leadership and self-improvement. Data was examined to understand implications for teacher education and students with disabilities.

Authors

• Regina Marie Weir, Indiana University

• Gretchen D. Butera, Indiana University