Professional Problems and Solution Strategies Faced by Special Education Teachers Working in Public Institutions

Abstract

Special education teachers play an important role by providing educational services to the most vulnerable individuals of the society who are in need of special education, but they face various difficulties while working in public institutions and these difficulties can negatively affect their professional development, motivation and the overall educational process. This study aims to investigate the problems faced by special education teachers working in public institutions in Turkey and to suggest solutions. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in this study. The study group of the research consists of 10 special education teachers working in 10 special education schools and 15 special education teachers working in 5 special education classes in Mardin province in the 2023-2024 academic year. Maximum diversity sampling and convenience sampling methods were used in the selection of teachers. The findings of the study show that administrators should be more knowledgeable and sensitive in the field of special education and should improve their training and communication skills. In addition, it was stated that it is important to increase the competences of special education teachers, to develop their expertise and effective communication skills, to improve the physical conditions of educational environments, to provide educational materials and to provide appropriate building structures. In this context, supporting teachers and providing the necessary resources will play an important role in improving the quality of special education processes, and more comprehensive research on these issues will contribute to a better understanding of the current problems and solutions.