Teacher competencies in special educator recruitment in Finland

Special educators are required to possess a wide range of competencies to meet the demands of their profession. This study examined the competencies expected of special educators in Finland by analysing 291 job advertisements, which are a valuable source for understanding employer expectations in the field. The data were initially analysed using a qualitative content analysis to construct a competency framework, which was subsequently applied in a quantitative content analysis. The results revealed five primary categories of competencies emphasised in the job advertisements: 1) collaboration skills, 2) attitudes towards work, 3) teaching practices, 4) previous experience, and 5) other requirements. Among these, collaboration skills were the most commonly sought after. The results highlighted how special educators are expected not only to teach but also to actively contribute to school development. This study contributes to the broader discussion on the competencies and responsibilities of special educators and offers insights for the development of teacher competency frameworks. The findings can be used in the design of special education teacher training.