Generation Gaps in Special Education: A Literature Review

Abstract

This review is meant to understand the generational gaps of special education teachers. As the field changes, so must the educators, but the field of special education encompasses four different generations of people as of 2024, so the amount of change per educator is vast. Identifying the gaps within these generations of educators will enlighten administrators as to what the strengths and weaknesses are in the groups of teachers that they employ. Districts can use this information to encourage their teachers in varying generations to teach to their strengths and collaborate with others to build upon the skills they need to strengthen.  To acquire the literature, several education-based journals were searched, as well as a university’s library. The key terms listed below were used, and themes were found in the results. Only literature that was peer-reviewed and published within the last ten years was considered. The results of the research were limited; there is not as much research done on this topic as there is for other topics surrounding special education. As a result of the findings, there should be more efforts from public schools to close the generational gaps that are described in the review to create a more cohesive education setting for students who receive special education services.

Keywords: generation gaps, age, special education, teachers, assistive technology, teaching methods, experience, mental health

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-2-09

Publication date: February 28^th 2025