Social and Emotional Abilities of Special Education Students in Light of Social Expectations

Abstract

It is a societal expectation that public education institutions function as centers for the development of social and emotional learning. Teachers play a key role in creating a school environment that supports students’ social and emotional development; their social competence affects not only the students but also their own well-being. One of the greatest challenges today is the proper adaptation to the rapidly changing socio-economic environment. The most important condition for flexible adaptation is a high level of emotional competence. Based on the results of the presented study, we can gain insight into what resources special education teacher students (N: 251) have for this role. The results may assist teacher training programs in better supporting the process of becoming a teacher, a key part of which is the development of students’ personalities and the fostering of their social and emotional abilities.