Keyword: secondary teachers

ABSTRACT: The effectiveness of inclusive education depends on the specific characteristics of the implementation context. Therefore, studying the role of teachers’ characteristics on inclusion remains a significant concern worldwide. This research investigated the difference between the attitudes of secondary school teachers in Bangladesh regarding including students with intellectual disabilities based on their characteristics. Following a quantitative approach, an adapted survey questionnaire was used. The study purposively determined the participation of 55 general and special education teachers from 8 schools. Positive attitudes toward inclusion are more prevalent among female teachers, special education teachers, those who have previously completed a course in special education, and those who have had fewer students with intellectual disabilities in their classrooms, according to the findings. No statistically significant difference was observed in the teachers’ attitudes according to their level of teaching experience and the subject matter they taught. Explanations of the findings are provided, along with recommendations.

ABSTRACT: This study examines the experiences of nine secondary content teachers who report high self-efficacy in working with English learners (ELs) in mainstream classrooms. As the number of ELs in US schools grows, many content area teachers feel unprepared to support these students effectively. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of culturally responsive pedagogy and teacher self-efficacy, this phenomenological study focuses on mathematics, science, and social studies teachers in Florida public schools. The research employs in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore teachers’ perceptions and lived experiences. Significant themes that emerged from the analysis include (a) undercover advocacy, (b) ethic of care, and (c) leveraging student achievement data. A common thread woven through all narratives was the integration of students’ native languages through translation and translanguaging practices while leading with empathy. Participants created more equitable learning environments for ELs in mainstream classrooms through multifaceted, often covert, advocacy efforts. Implications for teacher preparation programs and school districts are discussed, including professional development initiatives to cultivate teachers’ asset-based ideologies toward ELs and improve their pedagogical practices. Recommendations for state and national policymakers include modifications to ESOL certification requirements. This research informs efforts to foster mainstream teacher preparedness and efficacy in working with linguistically diverse student populations.