Before the Flame Burns Out: Understanding the Stressors That Drive Out Special Educators

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: Exceptional Need: Special Education Teachers and Contextual Challenges

Abstract

The U.S. faces a teacher shortage and this problem is especially acute in high-need areas like special education. This study examined teacher belief variables, job characteristics, and teacher characteristics to predict levels of burnout experienced by special educators. We found that 43% of the variability in burnout could be attributed to only four factors—outcome efficacy, years of teaching, self-efficacy, and perceived level of agreement about job responsibilities with families with 32% of the total variability in level of burnout explained by outcome efficacy alone. To effect reduction of burnout among special education teachers, we suggest that school and district administrators pay particular attention to the outcomes required of teachers and ensure that achievement of those outcomes is actually feasible.

Author

• Tracy Thorndike, Western Washington University