“Comfortability Comes From Seeing People Like You in Positions of Power”: Experiences of Special Education Teachers of Color

Abstract

Recruiting and retaining special education teachers, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities, is essential for addressing the ongoing lack of representation in the field and the issues related to the disproportionate representation of students. This qualitative study builds on Scott and Alexander’s prior research investigating motivating factors for pre-service and in-service teachers joining special education, valued aspects of teacher preparation programs, and recruitment and retention influences. Using a constructivist framework, we conducted a thematic analysis of 15 participant interviews. Thirty-one themes were identified, highlighting personal connections, practicality, representation, and financial aid as key considerations for attracting and keeping teachers of color in special education. The findings emphasize the importance of these factors for teacher-preparation programs and districts aiming to enhance the presence and longevity of diverse special education teachers. Implications and future directions are also discussed.