Teachers' Perceptions of Preparedness to Teach Students With Disabilities

• In Event: 67.068 - MTCC Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 67.068-5 - Preservice Teacher Perspectives and Practices Working With Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Providing a meaningful education to all learners is an issue of social justice and is the responsibility of all educators. This requires the preparation of both special education and general education teachers to provide equitable and accessible instruction. This mixed methods study investigates general and special education teachers’ perceptions of preparedness to teach students with disabilities and the experiences that teachers perceive as contributing to their preparedness. Results indicate special education teachers feel more prepared, even after gaining teaching experience. General education teachers were more likely to describe negative experiences in undergraduate programs and relied on working with students and professionals as contributors to their preparedness, though these experiences were not widespread. Implications for teacher preparation programs will be discussed.

Authors

• Tara Kaczorowski, Illinois State University

• Sonia Melanie Kline, Illinois State University