Retention of teachers in special education schools and special education classes: The importance of social support and psychological empowerment

The current study examined what makes special education teachers remain in the profession. We will examine this, uniquely, separately among teachers in special education schools versus special education classes in general education schools. Participants were 212 special education teachers in special education schools and 257 in special education classes. Teachers completed questionnaires on social support, psychological empowerment, job satisfaction and future occupational plans. Results revealed significant associations between social support, psychological empowerment, job satisfaction and teachers' future plans. In addition, teachers in special education classes experienced lower levels of perceived social support and psychological empowerment compared to those in special education schools. A non-significant moderation effect was found for the association between social support, psychological empowerment and satisfaction, with the occupational plans of teachers in both contexts. These findings demonstrate the importance of providing support for and strengthening the sense of psychological empowerment of special education teachers, particularly those who teach in special education classes in general education schools.