Perspectives of Special Education Teachers on the Push-In Model: Challenges and Opportunities for Advancing Inclusive Education

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study examined the perspectives of teachers with direct experience implementing the push-in model in general education classrooms in selected schools in Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, United States. It explored perceived educational value, implementation challenges, collaborative practices, professional roles, and opportunities for growth, and used the findings to formulate the Collaborative Push-In Enhancement Program (C-PEP). Participants were purposively selected from teachers experienced in push-in delivery or collaboration; the methodology described 11 co-participants, although another part of the dissertation reports a different sample count. Semi-structured interview accounts were examined using the six-phase thematic-analysis approach described in the dissertation. Five overarching themes were developed: push-in as inclusive and collaborative support for diverse learners; navigation of instructional, structural, and relational challenges; collaboration as the foundation of effective implementation; evolving instructional roles and complementary push-in/pull-out functions; and professional growth with holistic student development. Participants described greater classroom participation, confidence, access to grade-level teaching, and belonging, while emphasizing constrained planning time, scheduling, resources, and ambiguous teacher roles. The proposed C-PEP integrates differentiated instruction, problem-solving, co-planning, role clarification, mentoring, learner monitoring, and sustainability measures. Findings concern teachers’ reported experiences rather than independently measured student outcomes. The study highlights how inclusive practice depends on both responsive instruction and organizational support.