Cultivating and Keeping Committed Special Education Teachers

Dr. Bonnie S. Billingsley is faculty member in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech. She has taught a range of courses over the last fifteen years in the areas of learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and the administration and supervision of special education. Dr. Billingsley began her career in special education teaching students with disabilities in both Tallahassee and St. Augustine, Florida. She also served as district supervisor of special education in both St. Augustine, Florida and in Roanoke City, Virginia. Dr. Billingsley's research interests are in the preparation, support, and retention of special education teachers. Her interests in retention are focused on workplace conditions and the induction of new teachers. Dr. Billingsley has published numerous articles in leading journals on special education teacher retention, teacher support, and the needs of beginning special education teachers. She has served as a consultant in the area of special education teacher retention to various professional organizations, school systems, state departments of education, research groups, and universities and has been an invited speaker as various conferences.

List of Figures List of Contributors Dedication Foreword - James McLeskey Preface Acknowledgements About the Author Part I: Understanding Teacher Attrition and Retention 1. Introduction: A Leader's Framework for Teacher Retention Chapter Overview The Leadership Framework Types of Attrition: A District and School Perspective Chapter Summary 2. Why Special Educators Leave and Why It Matters Scenario: Two Perspectives on Attrition Chapter Overview Why Special Educators Leave Special Educators' Plans to Leave Why Attrition Matters Chapter Summary Selected Readings Websites Part II. Finding and Cultivating High Quality Special Educators 3. Recruiting and Hiring Highly Qualified Special Educators Scenario: "Where are the Qualified Applicants?" Chapter Overview Recruiting Special Education Teachers Effective Hiring and Assignment Practices Tips for Leaders Chapter Summary Selected Readings Websites 4. Supporting New Teachers Through Responsive Induction Scenario: How We Eat Our Young Chapter Overview Reasons New Teachers Struggle Induction Goals and Planning Key Components of Induction Programs Summary Selected Readings Websites 5. Designing Effective Professional Development Scenario: Unclear Boundaries Chapter Overview Involve Teachers in Assessing Needs and Planning Goals Use Effective Professional Development Practices Clarify Leader Roles in Professional Development Developing University-School Partnerships for Professional Development Enhancing Experienced Teachers' Professional Growth Tips for Leaders Summary Selected Readings Websites Part III. Creating Positive Work Environments 6. Creating Inclusive and Collaborative Schools Scenario: What a Difference a Principal Can Make Chapter Overview Eight Leadership Tasks for Inclusive and Collaborative Schools Tips for Leaders Summary Selected Readings Websites 7. Designing Reasonable Work Assignments Scenario: "I Wanted to Teach Kids" Chapter Overview Four Types of Role Problems Designing Reasonable Assignments for Special Education Teachers Tips for Leaders Summary Selected Readings Websites 8. Promoting Wellness by Reducing Stress Scenario: "Where's the Joy?" Chapter Overview Symptoms of Teacher Stress and Burnout Contributors to Stress and Burnout Assessing Stress and Burnout Strategies to Reduce Stress Tips for Leaders Understand Local Stressors Affecting Special Educators Summary Selected Readings Websites 9. Strategic Planning for Teacher Quality and Retention Scenario: Learning From Teachers Chapter Overview Key Questions for Understanding and Improving Retention Strategic Planning for Retention Summary Selected Readings Websites Part IV. Resources A. Principal Support Questionnaire B. Teacher Stress Inventory C.Teacher Exit Interview D. Teacher Follow-up Exit Questionnaire E. Teacher Workforce Survey F. Focus Group Interviews References Feedback Form Index