Preparing Future Education Teachers: A Reflection of Three Years of Developing Future Special Educators Grant

This presentation explores the impact of mentorship and transition planning experiences on pre-service teachers’ interest in special education. Findings highlight increased knowledge of transition services and the value of in-service mentorship. This research offers insight into effective strategies for enhancing teacher preparation and strengthening the special education workforce pipeline.Participants will be able to: 1. Analyze the impact of mentorship and transition planning experiences on pre-service teachers’ interest and confidence in pursuing special education careers, using data-driven findings from the research study. 2. Implement practical mentorship strategies that foster meaningful connections between in-service and pre-service special education teachers, promoting professional growth and increasing recruitment into the field. 3. Integrate transition planning content into teacher preparation programs by designing experiential learning activities that enhance pre-service teachers’ understanding of postsecondary accommodations and employment supports for students with disabilities.