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Critical Need:
Teachers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds remain severely underrepresented in the workforce. Research shows CLD teachers foster stronger cultural responsiveness and higher expectations for diverse students. However, they often encounter systemic barriers such as racialized work environments, professional isolation, and limited institutional support. For CLD special education teachers, these challenges are compounded by high caseloads and limited resources, contributing to retention problems.
How the Need Will Be Addressed:
IMPACT: Inclusive Methods Promoting Agency and Retention of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Teachers will partner with CLD special education teachers to better understand their experiences and identify strategies that strengthen their professional agency and retention. Findings will inform the creation of a professional learning curriculum and resource library designed for CLD teachers and school administrators.
Project Purpose:
IMPACT aims to:
Understand how CLD special education teachers navigate systemic barriers and the intersection of their identities with the demands of special education
Identify strategies that support teacher agency and retention
Develop a professional development curriculum and resource library to support CLD teachers and school leaders.
Project Impact:
IMPACT will generate new knowledge about the experiences of CLD special education teachers while producing practical tools to support their retention. The project will contribute to a more diverse, sustainable teaching workforce and improved student outcomes.
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