Web-Based Certification Courses: The Future of Teacher Preparation in Special Education?

Abstract

The continuing shortage of special education teachers, the problems they typically encounter, and high levels of stress, burnout, and attrition among these teachers are all well documented conditions. In light of this situation, and notwithstanding the need to change many aspecs of teachers' work environments, we developed and implemented the Western Carolina University Teacher Support Program. This multi-component program offers different forms of assistance with the purpose of reducing stress and burnout, improving retention, developing problem-solving strategies, and improving the effectiveness of teachers. In this paper we descibe the program and provide participation and evaluation results for the first year of the project.

The Use of Remote Monitoring to Increase Staff Fidelity of Protocol Implementation When Working with Adults with Autism

“…There is strong evidence that both goals can be met using technology remotely. The field of special education has a long history of using technology in various ways to promote enhanced performance of teachers (e.g., Mercer, 2004;Sun, Bender, & Fore, 2003). For example, Hilty, Luo, Morache, Marcelo, and Nesbitt (2002) noted that distance support was rated as highly satisfactory by the consumers, and that the time saved in traveling was significant and better spent in service delivery.…”

Timely and Compelling Research for the Field of Learning Disabilities: Implications for the Future

“…It appears from other recent literature that the challenge of retaining the growing numbers of teachers who enter the job through lateral entry or similar means is even greater than for teachers who are trained through traditional university-based programs. To that end, Sun, Bender, and Fore (2003) describe a web-based licensure (not degree) program in Georgia. This is a very thoughtful piece indeed, with suggestions (e.g., focus initially on highly sought courses in critical shortage areas v. core courses; build in a solid evaluation component) that I can relate to as one who X Wiener, J.…”

“…Teacher educators and professional development providers who have not yet been involved in online courses and professional development venues will likely find themselves exposed soon. Sun et al (2003) provide insights and information that prompt critical examination of the responsiveness and quality of web-based programs. My last "must read" addresses issues of bringing practices to "scale."…”

An Evaluation of Videoconferencing as a Supportive Technology for Practicum Supervision

“…Another set of barriers to supervision relates to the changing face of university preservice teacher education programs. More and more courses and entire pre-service programs are being offered through distance education (see Caywood & Duckett, 2003;Mercer, 2004;Sun, Bender, & Fore, 2003). These programs meet the needs of (a) nontraditional students who do not have the luxury of returning to college full-time, (b) students from rural areas who do not have access to a nearby college, and (c) professionals who need coursework in low-incidence disabilities (e.g., severe intellectual disabilities, vision impairment, hearing impairment).…”