"NAVIGATING FEDERAL PAPERWORK: CHALLENGES FACED BY SPECIAL EDUCATORS"

Abstract

Special education is a crucial facet of educational programs, catering to the diverse needs of students with mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Recent statistics indicate that over 7.5 million students in the United States benefited from special education services in the academic year 2020-2021 (Riser-Kositsky, 2022). Despite the significance of these services, there has been a persistent decline in teacher retention rates within the special education sector, spanning several decades. This paper delves into the critical question: Is the escalating turnover of special education teachers linked to the mounting workload resulting from successive legislative acts that impact the field of special education? To explore this issue, we analyze the historical context and implications of these legislative acts, seeking to identify their influence on the work environment and job satisfaction of special education professionals. By shedding light on this complex relationship, we aim to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on teacher retention and the provision of quality special education services.