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What Do Employers Ask for in Advertisements for Special Education Positions?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2014

Jennifer Stephenson  and
Mark Carter
Jennifer Stephenson*
Affiliation:
Macquarie University Special Education Centre, Macquarie University, Australia
Mark Carter
Affiliation:
Macquarie University Special Education Centre, Macquarie University, Australia
*
Correspondence: Jennifer Stephenson, Macquarie University Special Education Centre, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia. Email: Jennifer.Stephenson@mq.edu.au
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Abstract

Although qualified special educators are more likely to provide effective teaching for students with disabilities and special education needs, it seems many teachers in special education and support positions are not qualified for this role. The study reported here provided analysis of 219 job advertisements for special education positions in order to ascertain what employers required of applicants for special education positions. Advertisements represented all states and sectors in Australia, although the sample does not fully reflect the relative numbers of schools in each state. Most positions were for class teachers or for teachers providing support within and across schools. Special education qualifications and experience in special education were not common criteria for employment. The concerns raised by this finding are addressed through suggestions for formal recognition for special educators and accreditation of teacher education programs preparing special educators.

Keywords

special education teachersqualificationsadvertisements
Type
Articles
Information
Australasian Journal of Special Education , Volume 38 , Issue 1 , July 2014 , pp. 51 - 62
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2014 

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