Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs

General education teachers are professionals equipped to teach learners in general education classrooms. However, due to the insufficient number of qualified special education teachers and the rising number of students with disabilities, these teachers are compelled to handle learners with special e...

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Main Authors: Lionelle Rei Balgos, Nora Jovina Albores
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Institute of Industry and Academic Research Incorporated 2025-03-01
Series:International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://iiari.org/journal_article/within-the-classroom-doors-unveiling-the-lived-experiences-of-general-education-teachers-in-handling-learners-with-special-educational-needs/
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author Lionelle Rei Balgos
Nora Jovina Albores
author_facet Lionelle Rei Balgos
Nora Jovina Albores
author_sort Lionelle Rei Balgos
collection DOAJ
description General education teachers are professionals equipped to teach learners in general education classrooms. However, due to the insufficient number of qualified special education teachers and the rising number of students with disabilities, these teachers are compelled to handle learners with special educational needs (LSENs). This study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs. The study employed qualitative method, particularly phenomenological design. The participants were purposively selected and interviewed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes in the data. The results showed that teachers collectively experienced challenges in instructional skills, negative attitudes toward work, uncooperative parents, behavioral issues, and the responsibilities of handling learners with special educational needs. An analysis of participants' responses revealed that teachers overcame challenges by self-upskilling through internet resources, demonstrating adaptability, utilizing support systems, and maintaining strong faith in God. The participants shared insights on the belief that teaching is a noble profession and the necessity for special education training and seminars for non-special education teachers. The results suggest that teachers lacking sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience in handling learners with special educational needs may face various challenges affecting their emotional stability, spiritual well-being, and physical condition. Accordingly, the Department of Education should strengthen its frameworks to safeguard teachers from learners with alarming behavior and offer additional support that empowers teachers' commitment to quality inclusive education.
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spelling doaj-art-9f7a2f7039e64909a5dda660d43824ad2025-08-20T02:26:46ZengInstitute of Industry and Academic Research IncorporatedInternational Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies2719-06332719-06412025-03-0161275410.53378/ijemds.353145Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needsLionelle Rei Balgos0Nora Jovina Albores1Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, PhilippinesUniversity of Immaculate ConceptionGeneral education teachers are professionals equipped to teach learners in general education classrooms. However, due to the insufficient number of qualified special education teachers and the rising number of students with disabilities, these teachers are compelled to handle learners with special educational needs (LSENs). This study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs. The study employed qualitative method, particularly phenomenological design. The participants were purposively selected and interviewed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes in the data. The results showed that teachers collectively experienced challenges in instructional skills, negative attitudes toward work, uncooperative parents, behavioral issues, and the responsibilities of handling learners with special educational needs. An analysis of participants' responses revealed that teachers overcame challenges by self-upskilling through internet resources, demonstrating adaptability, utilizing support systems, and maintaining strong faith in God. The participants shared insights on the belief that teaching is a noble profession and the necessity for special education training and seminars for non-special education teachers. The results suggest that teachers lacking sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience in handling learners with special educational needs may face various challenges affecting their emotional stability, spiritual well-being, and physical condition. Accordingly, the Department of Education should strengthen its frameworks to safeguard teachers from learners with alarming behavior and offer additional support that empowers teachers' commitment to quality inclusive education.https://iiari.org/journal_article/within-the-classroom-doors-unveiling-the-lived-experiences-of-general-education-teachers-in-handling-learners-with-special-educational-needs/general education teachersspecial educationlived experiences
spellingShingle Lionelle Rei Balgos
Nora Jovina Albores
Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies
general education teachers
special education
lived experiences
title Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
title_full Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
title_fullStr Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
title_full_unstemmed Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
title_short Within the classroom doors: Unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
title_sort within the classroom doors unveiling the lived experiences of general education teachers in handling learners with special educational needs
topic general education teachers
special education
lived experiences
url https://iiari.org/journal_article/within-the-classroom-doors-unveiling-the-lived-experiences-of-general-education-teachers-in-handling-learners-with-special-educational-needs/
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