This article compares the burnout process among helping professionals and teachers of exceptional children. Literature relating to burnout among the helping professions is reviewed. Causes and symptoms of burnout are applied to the field of special education. The author points out how special education teachers are subjected to varying degrees of occupational stress that can result in burnout. Some suggestions are given for preventing burnout. It is concluded that burnout among teachers of exceptional children exists and that it is a deterrent to effective education.
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