Special education teacher’ selection, education and appointment policy: Türkiye case

Abstract

Special education is the general name of the education of exceptional children. The critical role in special education belongs to special education teachers. In this respect, it can be said that the special education teacher training programs and system are related to the quality of the special education provided. The aim of this research is to analyze the special education teacher training policy in Turkey. The research is in the case study design, one of the qualitative research designs. In the research, the importance given to special education teachers in Turkey, legal regulations, universities, entry coefficients (ranking) for university programs, curriculum contents of special education teacher training program, income of special education teachers were examined. In order to obtain these data, the relevant documents in 2020 were analyzed. As a result of the research, special education teacher training in Turkey is carried out within the body of state and foundation (private) universities. Programs continue to be opened in these institutions. Course content includes practical lessons. The income of special education teachers is slightly above the minimum wage. It is recommended to increase the number of studies on further development of education policies on special education teacher training.