As the number of English learners (ELs) in the U.S. continues to rise, and the push for inclusion models grows, so too does the need to prepare mainstream teachers to educate this diverse population of learners. However, most mainstream teachers lack the specific theoretical background and skillset necessary to provide optimal instruction for ELs.…

This dissertation explored the unique experiences of general education teachers teaching in an inclusive classroom (which will also be referred to as a "mainstream classroom") with a combination of students with and without autism (which will also be referred to as "autism spectrum disorder" and "ASD"). This was a…