Professional Understanding of a Special Needs Educator: Roles, Expectations, and Implications

The current social context presents understandings of professions as vaguer rather than distinct in the everchanging education environment. While and medium (Teachers) present a vastly researched sphere, parallel profession Special-needs Educator lacked equal attention despite challenges that faces its more complex provisos. project seeks to determine professional understanding SnE varied implied association identity using qualitative approach, with adaptation from Collie Mansfield’s proposed model (2022) an additional paradigm Social Identity Theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 10 participants at different levels involvement before analysis was Thematic Analysis by Clark, Braun Hayfield (2015). Presenting themes (1) Big Environment, (2) Professional Identity, (3) Expectations (Formal roles), (4) Additional Roles (Hidden Roles) and, (5) Burnout observed data. Key finding notes dissonance within resultant low clarity responsibilities factors identified earlier studies (heavy workload, emotional burnout, lack resources etc); ‘Parents’ ‘Organization’ noted be direct contributors role, that; ‘Ambiguous’ represent hidden curriculum any findings. research maturity developmental Singapore provides recommendations for profiles-levels reflect