A NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHERS IN EDUCATING LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES

SNED teachers face complex challenges in educating learners with disabilities, requiring careful consideration of diverse factors affecting both student learning and teacher well-being. This study explored public school elementary and secondary SNED teachers' experiences educating LSEND in Cagayan de Oro City (SY 2024-2025). This qualitative study employed Polkinghorne's narrative inquiry that explored six public school SNED teachers with 10 years and above experience in the profession. Data were collected ethically through semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Findings revealed that SNED teachers' motivations by nurturing the passion for LSENDs, resonating with the family of LSEND, giving into family influence, having a desire to provide for family needs, and capitalizing on career opportunities. Its rewarding element steamed from emotional support, continuous innovative teaching strategies, a wider scope of collaboration, and adaptability and resilience. The challenges come from mental-physical fatigue and the complexity of IEP design. Then, navigating it through practicing self-care, mustering the courage to ask for help, establishing stronger partnerships with stakeholders, and implementing practical interventions. Teachers' aspirations are more authentic inclusive practices for LSEND education, stronger advocacy of independent learning for the LSENDs, and placement of more trained and proficient SNED teachers. It was concluded that experienced SNED teachers, driven by personal and professional motivations, find fulfillment in supporting learners despite challenges and remain committed to promoting inclusion, independence, and improved placement and teacher training. It was recommended that all stakeholders be encouraged to collaboratively strengthen special needs education (SNED), address teacher challenges, enhance training and resources, promote inclusion, and support continued research and advocacy.