Secondary Special Educators: Perspectives of Preservice Preparation and Satisfaction

Abstract

This study addressed special education teachers' perspectives of secondary special education for students with mild mental impairment and learning disabilities. Secondary special education teachers responded to a survey regarding teacher preparation and teacher satisfaction. Results from the study suggested that changes need to be made to preservice preparation, as a low percentage of teachers had experience working with secondary special education students prior to their first position. Changes in preservice preparation are also necessary to resolve the lower levels of satisfaction teachers reported for programs serving students with mild mental impairment than those serving students with learning disabilities. Overall issues of secondary special education preparation need to continue to be examined.