Date

8-20-2026

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (EdD)

Chair

Hailey Manicone

Keywords

coping, job satisfaction, burnout, special education teacher, motivational factors, hygienic factors, Herzberg, Two-factor theory

Disciplines

Education | Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide recommendations to solve the problem of high levels of burnout among special education teachers at Waite High School in Ohio. The problem was that 45% of special education teachers at Waite High School reported feeling burned by their current jobs. The rationale for this study was that it was critical to reduce feelings of burnout among special education teachers since improving feelings of burnout may lead to better performance in the classroom teachers and fewer staffing shortages. The central research question was as follows: How can the problem of high levels of teacher burnout among special education teachers be solved at Waite High School in Ohio? The three forms of data collection for this applied research report included interviews, a quantitative survey, and observations. Data was analyzed by categorization and coding, as well as calculation of average raw scores retrieved from a closed-end Likert scale. Following data collection, each data method’s results were analyzed to identify themes. Following an analysis of the themes, two recommendations were made to help solve the problem of high levels of special education teacher burnout. The recommendations made were to provide an additional 275 minutes of planning time per week for special education teachers and provide quarterly check-in meetings between special education teachers and all building administrators to communicate questions, comments, needs, or concerns.

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