| Title: |
Pathways to Teaching: Exploring Paraeducators' Motivation to Become Special Educators |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Andrew R. Scheef (ORCID 0000-0003-3636-6875); Ozlem Oner (ORCID 0009-0009-6889-3515); Ashley Thiel (ORCID 0009-0006-8759-9096); Aleksandra Hollingshead (ORCID 0000-0002-2838-7601); Janice Carson |
| Source: |
Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas. 2025 98(4):152-160. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
9 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Paraprofessional School Personnel; Occupational Aspiration; Teaching (Occupation); Motivation; Special Education Teachers; Elementary Secondary Education; Individual Characteristics; Individual Development; Altruism; Experience; Influences |
| DOI: |
10.1080/00098655.2025.2538471 |
| ISSN: |
0009-8655; 1939-912X |
| Abstract: |
The critical shortage of special education teachers in the U.S. can be alleviated by transitioning paraeducators into certified teaching roles. This study investigates what motivates paraeducators to pursue teaching credentials. In this study, 11 paraeducators enrolled in a university-based credentialing program participated in semi-structured interviews. The results revealed five key motivational themes: personal fulfillment, professional growth, a strong desire to serve their community, purposeful career choice through life experiences, and encouragement from others. This research emphasizes the need to develop more accessible credential pathways for paraeducators. Leveraging this workforce could substantially address the shortage of special education teachers while improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1490104 |
| Database: |
ERIC |