Idiosyncratic Special Education Teacher's Endgame and the Rise of Amicable Minds of the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

When it comes to special education, teachers are the cornerstone of children's development. A special education teacher (SET) who possesses correct perceptions to teach students with special education needs (SENs) in inclusive education and ability to maintain balance that works best for children with physical and emotional disabilities are expected to thrive. This requires several skills that are entirely different from traditional teaching, often depicted as ‘chalk and talk’ – keeping control and making decisions about what is the right thing to do for students. This trait is just an illustration of many myopic characteristics that will no longer work well for both SENs and regular students. An effective SET in the twenty-first century must be able to adapt and respond rapidly to the changing society and is more likely to be open to learning. These character qualities are typical among millennials and Generation Z or Alpha, who are more prone to be digital native, that will future-proof them in the upcoming era of ubiquitous technology. As such, new generation SETs are significant precursor to create a new special education system that responds well to the challenges encountered by the pervasive future ahead.

Citation

Owatnupat, N. and Kunlasuth, K. (2023), "Idiosyncratic Special Education Teacher's Endgame and the Rise of Amicable Minds of the Twenty-First Century", Narot, P. and Kiettikunwong, N. (Ed.) Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Special and Inclusive Education in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous (Vuca) World (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 20), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 17-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620230000020002