ABSTRACT
In this chapter, school administrators and leaders will get an overview of how special education teacher preparation provides them with unique skills to be exceptional teacher leaders. Readers will learn how administrators can provide induction supports and professional development opportunities to novice special educators to enhance their ability to utilize their strengths in leadership roles. Furthermore, this chapter will identify ways to support special educators by considering the needs of their students when implementing schoolwide initiatives and developing school culture and climate. This chapter concludes by identifying ways that administrators can use professional special education organizations and ongoing supports to enhance leadership roles for special educators. After reading this chapter, school administrators and leaders will be able to identify ways they can empower special educators to utilize their unique skill set to improve staff and student outcomes through schoolwide leadership opportunities.
