Abstract:
A mixed-methods study was conducted to determine if professional paperwork affected
the morale of beginning special education teachers. A nationwide sample of 177 special
education teachers with five or less years experience completed an online survey
regarding their experiences, opinions, and attitudes towards special education paperwork.
Morale of respondents was measured through reported amounts of first year paperwork
help, first year job satisfaction, first year job stress, and current level of commitment to
the profession. Respondents were also asked if they were assigned a reduced caseload
during their first year in the classroom, and to estimate to what extent this practice may
have helped them to complete instructional duties. No statistically significant correlation
was found between amount of paperwork and any of the morale subscales. Although few
respondents reported being assigned a reduced caseload during their first year, the sample
estimated that such a practice could increase the amount of time devoted to instructional
duties by more than three hours per week. Furthermore, it was found that those with a
reduced caseload reported a statistically significant greater amount of first year
paperwork help and job satisfaction compared to their peers. No other variable such as
being highly qualified, a career switcher, or possessing multiple certifications greatly
contributed to the morale of a respondent. However, a statistically significant negative
correlation was found between the number of years of teaching experience and both first
year paperwork help and first year job satisfaction. Follow up telephone interviews with
eighteen members of the sample revealed specific instances of the special education
paperwork challenges, as well as recommendations for those new to the field.
Recommendations to support new teachers with paperwork responsibilities included a
reduced caseload and quality mentors. Findings are discussed in regards to best practices
for new special educators, as well as suggested topics for future research.
