ABSTRACT:
The qualified performance of the Special Education teacher is a fundamental condition for supporting the school inclusion of the target population in different school contexts. Tis study aimed to analyze the role of the Special Education teacher in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using the online focus group technique with the participation of six teachers. From the experiences shared in the meetings, it was possible to elaborate three themes: Te challenges experienced by the Special Education teachers; Contexts experienced by the Special Education teachers at school; and Strengths, perspectives and positive points of school inclusion. School inclusion is a collective project that presupposes coordinated actions and requires adherence from all segments of civil society, not just the school. Special Education teachers perceive themselves to be involved in the inclusive process, even though there is no full involvement of the educational teams, which makes them feel isolated and helpless in the face of some challenging situations. Understanding the gaze of Special Education teachers offers subsidies for the planning of Special Education, from the perspective of inclusion.
KEYWORDS:
Special Education; Inclusive Education; Support for people with disabilities; Focus Group; Pandemic