Professional problems of visual arts teachers employed on special education institutions

This study aims to identify views of visual arts teachers employed in Special Education Institutions by the Ministry of National Education about their professional problems and offer solutions. In this respect, in order to identify the professional problems of visual arts teachers employed in Special Education Institutions (Schools for Visually, Hearing, Orthopedically Handicapped and Autistic, Trainable and Educable Mentally Retarded persons) in Ankara Province and central districts in 2010 ? 2011 Academic Year, a total of 18 visual arts teachers employed in aforementioned schools were interviewed. Qualitative research method used in this research design was used scientific facts. A qualitative data collection method, the semi-structured interview technique, was used to collect data for the study. This technique was also supported by two other data collection techniques; observation and document analysis. A semi-structured interview form consisting 25 questions, developed by the researcher and the specialist, was used to interview the visual arts teachers involved the research. In this research, 6 themes and 30 sub-themes are defined. NVivo 8 data analysis software was used for assessing collected data. As result of this study, the professional problems that visual arts teachers confront were divided in 6 themes. Findings of the research show that visual art teachers encounter various problems in subjects of (a) characteristics of school and the profession, (b) classroom management, (c) learning and teaching process, (d) participation to contests and year end exhibitions, (e) administrative inspection and controls and, (f) families. Suggestions towards solution of these problems are stated under following titles; (a) Suggestions to Ministry of National Education, decision ? makers and practitioners, (b) suggestions to administration of schools, (c) suggestions to teachers, (d) suggestions to families and (e) suggestions for further studies. This study is supposed to be an important data source for researchers, executives and politicians and make a contribution to the field. Key Words: Special Education, Visual Arts Teaching, Individualized Training Programs (ITP), Individualized Teaching Plan (ITP), Trainable Mentally Retarded, Educable Mentally Retarded, Visually Impaired, Orthopedically Impaired, Autistic, Hearing Impaired.