‘My success as a teacher amazes me each and every day’ – perspectives of teachers with learning disabilities

Abstract

The employment of teachers with learning disabilities has been an issue debated in many countries as well as within the Israeli educational establishment. Structured interviews were conducted with 12 Israeli teachers with learning disabilities in order to understand how these teachers perceive their disability and its impact on them as children, as students in higher education settings and as teachers. The data were analysed utilising primarily qualitative methodology. Findings were similar to those of studies conducted in England and the USA. The participants viewed themselves as successful teachers, despite objective difficulties and painful memories of past experiences that still lead to a fragile self‐image. They viewed their own learning disabilities as having a positive impact on their professional work. Schools that provide a supportive and accepting atmosphere for teachers with learning disabilities will be a model for a truly inclusive society.

Keywords:

• teachers with learning disabilities
• adults
• teachers’ perspectives