Exploring the impact of job stressors on special education teacher burnout: A qualitative study
Holst, Heather Special education teachers have been feeling the factors that lead to burnout for at least the last 3 decades. These factors may include depression, anxiety, low morale, physical exhaustion, insomnia, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and familial problems. These factors may make it difficult for special education teachers to concentrate on educating their students. Their students in turn may not achieve their full potential. This phenomenological study sought to determine what are the main factors that cause burnout in special education teachers who are in their first five years in the field of education. Data collection included a survey guided by open ended questions and interviews. The survey was posted on social media to gain the attention of prospective respondents. The results of the study determined that the main factors that cause burnout are stress related symptoms, support, supporting special education teachers in their first 5 years, workload, teacher preparation programs, contributions to the loss of special education teachers, and what can be done to retain teachers. A theme that emerged specifically from the participant interviews was an explanation of why teachers would stay in the field of education instead of pursuing another career. The implications of this research study stated that teacher preparation programs need to increase hands-on learning for teacher candidates. The research also indicated school districts need to implement mentorship programs, add professional learning for general education teachers and administrators, and increase pay to prevent teacher attrition. The future of education can be improved by implementing disruptive ideas as indicated in this paper.
Special education teachers, Burn out (Psychology)
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