The Pandemic Experiences of Special Education Teachers in Georgia: A Mixed Methods Study

A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted to determine special education teachers’ (SETs) pandemic experiences in the U.S. state of Georgia. We distributed a survey, held focus groups, and analyzed both data for complementarity. We found that SETs experienced challenges, benefits, and concerns when they returned to their classrooms. Although they reported feeling professionally supported during remote learning, they described difficulties and worries about meeting the individualized needs of students with disabilities. Special educators’ increased workload and stress likely impacted attrition and student learning outcomes. Based on these pandemic-related experiences, we provided five recommendations for researchers, administrators, and policymakers to address the SET shortage and prepare for future school closures.