Date of Award
Spring 5-16-2025
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Special Education
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Keri DeSutter
Keywords
attrition, retention, induction, mentor
Abstract
A Strong Start: Crafting an Onboarding Experience for Early Childhood Special Education Teachers
Dael Babb
Minnesota State University Moorhead
SPED 696: Capstone Project in Special Education
Dr. Keri DeSutter
May 16, 2025
Abstract
Special education teachers face challenges in their early careers, such as burnout, heavy workloads, and lack of support. Previous research shows that well-structured induction programs, including mentorship, professional development, and administrative support, are critical in improving teacher satisfaction and retention rates. Findings from previous research also suggest that teachers who receive strong mentorship and structured onboarding are more likely to stay in the profession long-term. With the growing teacher shortage in our country, proper induction programs would benefit school districts in lowering teacher stress and retaining teachers. The purpose of this project was to create such an onboarding program. This project provides the resources necessary to implement an induction program tailored to the needs of special education teachers within one school district. The onboarding program, catered specifically to preschool and elementary special education teachers, provides a wealth of resources that new teachers can use as a foundation for building confidence as they enter the special education field. The pre-service slideshow includes items such as an explanation of the job expectations, due process timelines, and samples of para schedules and caseload breakdowns. The induction program overviews detail the mentorship program as well as the coaching sessions that are suggested for administrators to implement with their new teachers. Professional development suggestions are outlined and linked as well. This project was created in the hopes that it will assist the school district in developing a program that gives teachers the support they so greatly need.
Recommended Citation
Babb, Dael E., "A Strong Start: Crafting an Onboarding Experience for Early Childhood Special Education Teachers" (2025). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1035.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1035