Educators in Career and Technical Education: Annotated Bibliography

Overview & Synopsis

The term educator is defined as, "one skilled in teaching (Merriam-Webster)". In this annotated bibliography, the term educators includes special education teachers, general education teachers, career and technical educators, and any other educators that would be involved in teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) skills to students with disabilities. The topic of educators is important in transition planning because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) suggests that teachers involved in the education of individuals with disabilities should be involved in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process. Once a student reaches 16, the IEP process also includes transition planning. If a student is participating in CTE classes then CTE educators should be involved in the IEP process to help ensure that they are aware of the accommodations, modifications, and supports and services the student is entitled to, as well as to provide some insight on the transition planning process. The literature summarized in this annotated bibliography states there is often a disconnect between special education teachers and CTE teachers. The literature also states that it is imperative that CTE educators be involved in the IEP process and should receive training and/or professional development regarding evidence-based practices for teaching CTE skills to individuals with disabilities and how best to involve them into the CTE curriculum.