Date of Award

August 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Renae Bjorg

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore leadership preparation among practicing special education teachers. Special education teachers frequently assume leadership roles within schools, including coordinating services, facilitating Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes, collaborating with stakeholders, and supervising paraprofessionals. Despite these responsibilities, leadership preparation is not consistently emphasized within teacher preparation programs. This study addressed the following research questions: How prepared do practicing special education teachers feel to meet the primary leadership responsibilities associated with special education practice? How can teacher preparation programs better prepare future special educators to develop leadership skills?

This qualitative study used a qualitative approach with thematic analysis to examine the perceptions and experiences of practicing special education teachers who held a Special Education Strategist endorsement and completed the same university-based teacher preparation program. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews designed to explore participants’ perceptions of leadership preparation and leadership responsibilities in practice. Interview data were analyzed to identify common themes and were examined in relation to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards.

Findings indicated that special education teachers frequently function as informal leaders within their schools but reported limited formal leadership preparation during teacher training. Participants expressed confidence in instructional responsibilities but described uncertainty related to leadership tasks such as coordinating programs, supervising paraprofessionals, and managing the emotional demands of the role. These findings informed the development of a Leadership Skills Assessment Tool for Pre-Service Special Education Teachers designed to strengthen leadership preparation within teacher education programs.

Keywords: teacher leadership, special education teachers, leadership preparation, CEC standards, preservice teacher education, qualitative research

Download

Share

COinS