Understanding the Relationship Between Race and Career Intent of Teachers Serving Students With Emotional and Behavior Disorders

We used structure equation models to examine the career intent of special education teachers serving students with emotional and behavior disorders (EBD). Known factors of special educator attrition, including race and characteristic of students served, were considered in analyzing career intent. A total of 841 special education teachers across the United States completed the survey. Results showed that, although nuanced, teachers serving students with EBD had lower intent to stay in the profession over teachers serving students in other disability categories. Intent was higher for special education teachers of color serving students with EBD, particularly when certain supports (e.g., administrator support, time support, mentor support) were prominent. Implications for specialized supports and practices to retain teachers serving students with EBD are discussed.