Retaining Special Educators with Autism Expertise in Schools
autside.substack.com
The Winter 2023 edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP), the article, “Retaining Special Educators with Autism Expertise in Schools,” examines the problem of teacher retention from the standpoint of retaining the small minority of teachers (like me) with experience in working with autistic students.
Abstract: “At a time when there is an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), creating a high demand for professionals who have knowledge and skills in the use of evidence-based practices identified for students with ASD, there is also a severe shortage of special educators in our schools. Teacher attrition is a significant contributor to this shortage. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors that support the retention of special educators with a specialization in autism who have a choice of employment options. This study surveyed graduates of an M.A. Degree/Autism specialization program who identified the factors they sought in a position. Results from this study indicate that providing professional development opportunities and support for leadership positions may impact the retention of highly skilled personnel.”
Although I do have a few issues with the study, some of which are noted in the Limitations section and some of which are not, the authors do provide helpful advice on factors within the control of district and school administration that can lead to retention of their most talented and skilled teachers. Let me know what you think of this small-scale study.
Retaining Special Educators with Autism Expertise in Schools
Retaining Special Educators with Autism Expertise in Schools
Retaining Special Educators with Autism Expertise in Schools
The Winter 2023 edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP), the article, “Retaining Special Educators with Autism Expertise in Schools,” examines the problem of teacher retention from the standpoint of retaining the small minority of teachers (like me) with experience in working with autistic students.
Abstract: “At a time when there is an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), creating a high demand for professionals who have knowledge and skills in the use of evidence-based practices identified for students with ASD, there is also a severe shortage of special educators in our schools. Teacher attrition is a significant contributor to this shortage. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors that support the retention of special educators with a specialization in autism who have a choice of employment options. This study surveyed graduates of an M.A. Degree/Autism specialization program who identified the factors they sought in a position. Results from this study indicate that providing professional development opportunities and support for leadership positions may impact the retention of highly skilled personnel.”
Although I do have a few issues with the study, some of which are noted in the Limitations section and some of which are not, the authors do provide helpful advice on factors within the control of district and school administration that can lead to retention of their most talented and skilled teachers. Let me know what you think of this small-scale study.