ERIC Number: EJ1472274
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Feb
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0888-4064
EISSN: EISSN-1944-4931
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Special Education Teacher Candidate Identity Development: A Descriptive Study
Margaret P. Weiss1; Katherine Szocik1; Nora McKenney1; Katherine Baulier2; Tashnuva Shaheen2
Teacher Education and Special Education, v48 n1 p46-64 2025
Professional identity is an area of significant research in engineering and health care but research in special education teacher identity is limited. Using the framework of Identity Theory, this study examined the evolving professional identity standard of seven preservice teacher candidates using concept maps across three points in time during their preparation program. An analysis of course syllabi provided context for the knowledge and skills learned during the program. A focus group interview with the candidates at the completion of their program targeted the factors they felt influenced their development. Findings indicate that participants' identity standard evolved throughout the program, particularly related to special education teacher role, with significant consolidation and integration occurring during the internship experience. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Descriptors: Professional Identity, Special Education Teachers, Preservice Teachers, Student Attitudes, Student Development, Influences, Teacher Role, Internship Programs
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA; 2Boston University, MA, USA