Go or Not Go: Choices of Special Education Teachers

Abstract

Special educators play a crucial part in addressing the various needs of learners with disabilities. However, the occurrence of special education teachers’ attrition, particularly in the Philippines, posed a challenge or threat in the country’s sustainable workforce. This research existed to understand the factors that led to the choice of the special education teachers whether to go or stay in their home country. This descriptive phenomenological study focused on the lived experiences of Filipino special education teachers who went abroad and those who stayed in the Philippines to teach in the same field. A proposed policy brief was recommended by the researcher based from the findings of the study. Using thematic analysis, the researcher explored the factors that led to the special education teachers’ choice and their importance. The main themes that emerged for the entire study were I Decided to Go and I Decided to Stay. The subthemes that occurred for special education teachers’ abroad were as follows: 1. Cultural Differences 2. Student Success 3. Adaptability 4. Better Compensation and Support 5. Accessibility of Services 6. Professional Growth. Meanwhile, the subthemes that arose for special education teachers who remained in the Philippines were as follows: 1. Passion for Special Education. 2.  Building Good Relationships 3.Career Fulfillment 4. Limited Resources 5.Cultural Familiarity 6.Emotional Exhaustion. This phenomenological study concluded that the choice between teaching special education abroad and staying was profoundly personal and professional and moreover would depend on the educator’s own preference and circumstances.

Keywords: Special Education, Career Choices, Job Satisfaction, Attrition, Longevity, Phenomenological, Thematic Analysis