The Impact of Adaptive Leadership on Burnout in Special Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Occupational burnout among special education teachers results in increased attrition, and lower student and teacher outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to establish a framework of occupational burnout within special education and adaptive leadership theory. The quantitative correlational study surveyed K-12 special education teachers who taught during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-seven eligible respondents completed the online survey including demographics, Maslach Burnout Inventory Educators Survey, Adaptive Leadership with Authority Scale, and sections of Pandemic Experiences and Perceptions Survey. A statistical correlation between teacher occupational burnout and adaptive leadership indicated supervisors using adaptive leadership strategies had less teacher attrition.

Keywords

instructional leadership international programs leadership and learning leadership effects leadership for school improvement

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