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Home > Journals & Proceedings > JCLEL > Special Issues > Navigating Challenges in Teacher Preparation: Case Studies in Practice and Innovation

 

Abstract

Evolving special educator preparation programs face distinct challenges that impact faculty and influence the quality of the programs for preservice teachers. This unique challenge case study is designed to describe the experiences of two special educator preparation faculty members serving at Historically Black Universities with small, evolving special educator preparation programs. This paper discusses challenges such as mentorship, course loads, resources, service to the community, and collaboration that these faculty members face and the methods that have been developed to moderate these challenges. This case also highlights the value of acknowledging challenges that exist in small special educator preparation programs at HBCUs and discusses creative solutions to resolve those challenges with the ultimate goal of advancing the special educator preparation programs at these institutions and to increase teacher diversity in the workforce.

Author Bios

Dr. Priscilla Spencer

Dr. Spencer is an accomplished education professional with nearly 30 years of diverse experience. Currently an Assistant Professor in Norfolk State University's School of Education, her work focuses on cultivating compassionate, informed educators in exceptional education, special education, and early intervention. Dr. Spencer’s career spans teaching early learners, secondary students, and pre-service and in-service educators, emphasizing inclusive instructional planning, teacher preparation, leadership, and mentorship. During her 14 years working in public schools, Dr. Spencer held roles including classroom teacher, PBIS team member, department chair, lead mentor, and instructional leadership team facilitator. She also served as an adjunct instructor for 12 years at a local community college in the Child Development department. Dr. Spencer is dedicated to professional engagement, holding memberships in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), The Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators (VAABSE), and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Dr. Rachel Juergensen

Dr. Rachel Juergensen, is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Delaware State University. With 20 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, administrator, and statewide coach for Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support, Dr. Juergensen has expertise in the areas of inclusive education, equitable opportunities for students with disabilities and students experiencing difficulty in the classroom, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Universal Design for Learning, special education teacher preparation, and mixed-methods research. Her research focuses on equitable opportunities for students with disabilities and students experiencing difficulty in the K-12 classroom. Her current $1.06 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, Project DE-SPEC (Delaware Special Educator Certification), aims to provide full tuition support and mentoring to current practicing teachers who want to pursue a certificate in special education and better support and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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