Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

Retaining special education teachers in a rural Southern United States school district

Eric R. Gotte, Ed.D., Jessie S. King, Ed.D., Karen Farley, Ed.S., Paula Rose-Greer, Ed.D., Annette R. Hux, Ed.D.
  • Eric R. Gotte, Ed.D. (Author) Department of Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University image/svg+xml
  • Jessie S. King, Ed.D. (Author) Department of Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University image/svg+xml
  • Karen Farley, Ed.S. (Author) Department of Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University image/svg+xml
  • Paula Rose-Greer, Ed.D. (Author) Department of Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University image/svg+xml
  • Annette R. Hux, Ed.D. (Author) Department of Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University image/svg+xml
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.588
Abstract
Rural school districts across the United States need help to recruit and retain special education teachers. This study presents findings based on special education teachers’ experiences teaching within one rural Southern United States school district. This instrumental single case study investigates the factors that encourage special education teachers to remain in their current position within a rural Southern United States school district. Qualitative data is analyzed from 11 participants: nine current special educators, one special education director, and one retired special education teacher. All participants are from one rural Southern United States school district to gain insight from their experiences and perspectives. Significant findings include factors that positively influence the retention of special education teachers within one rural Southern United States school district: the small scale of the district, administration support, student rapport, positive school culture, extended family living in the local area, and the supportive culture of the rural community.
Keywords
special education teacher retention, rural school district teacher recruitment
References

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There are 25 references in total.
How to Cite
Gotte, E. R., King, J. S., Farley, K., Rose-Greer, P., & Hux, A. R. (2025). Retaining special education teachers in a rural Southern United States school district. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 20(3), 37-56. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.588
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  • Published June 15, 2025
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