Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the professional and systemic difficulties
encountered by special education teachers in their educational settings. The study employed a
descriptive research method to gather information and provide an in-depth analysis of the
challenges faced by special education teachers. The primary objective was to identify and
describe the specific difficulties experienced by these teachers, including meeting individualized
student needs, administrative tasks, collaboration with colleagues and parents, resource
adequacy, professional development opportunities, and overburdened caseloads.
Data collection involved surveys, interviews, and document analysis. The participants
included 34 special education teachers. The findings revealed that special education teachers
face numerous professional challenges, such as securing resources for individualized
instruction, adapting to diverse student needs, accessing professional development, and
managing administrative tasks. Collaboration with colleagues and parents also posed challenges
related to communication, attitudes, and time allocation. Systemic challenges included resource
adequacy, professional development opportunities, and overburdened caseloads.
The study findings emphasized the high degree of challenges related to resource
adequacy, including the availability of mental health services, inadequate staffing levels, and
classroom space for special education instruction. Professional development opportunities
were rated as moderately challenging, with difficulties in accessing training, funding, and
support. Overburdened caseloads presented challenges in providing individualized attention
and managing time effectively.
No significant relationships were found between participant profiles and the
encountered difficulties. The study highlights the need for educational institutions to address
these challenges and provide support to special education teachers in meeting individual
student needs, managing administrative tasks, and fostering collaboration. Furthermore,
addressing systemic challenges related to resource adequacy, professional development, and
caseloads is crucial to enhance the quality of special education programs.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by special
education teachers and emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, resource
allocation, and support systems to ensure their well-being and effectiveness in providing quality
education to students with special needs.
Keywords: special education teachers, professional challenges, systemic challenges, resource
adequacy.