Mentors Increasing Special Education Retention

Michael J. Humphrey, Boise State University
Evelyn S. Johnson, Boise State University
Keith W. Allred, Boise State University
Jack J. Hourcade, Boise State University

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This document was originally published by Academic Exchange Quarterly in Academic Exchange Quarterly 13(2). Copyright restrictions may apply. http://www.rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/

Abstract

Lack of effective professional mentoring and minimal ongoing support programs have been suggested as two primary contributors to the chronic shortages of special education teachers. Few programs have been designed to address these specific causes. In this article we describe TATERS, a partnership between a university special educator preparation program, a state Department of Education, and district level administrations designed to (a) develop effective mentoring systems, and (b) strengthen training and recruitment of preservice and new special education teachers, especially in rural areas.