The purpose of this study was to describe the occupational socialization of beginning special
education teachers who were served in elementary schools. In order to pursue the study purpose, a
review of literature and an ethnographical interview were made with 15 teachers who had served in
chonnam elementary schools.
The findings of the study were as follows;
First, beginning special teachers who were served in elementary schools experienced conflicts
between the idealistic view and the realistic view of teaching profession. Teachers' view of idealistic
teaching profession was transformed with their service area.
Second, when beginning special teachers who were served in elementary schools got into school,
they attempted to draw a sharp line between general education and special education. Their attempts
were understood as strategies for getting their identities of special education teachers.
Third, beginning special teachers who were served in elementary schools considered their
specialties should be strengthened in order to wipe out general teachers' skeptical view on the
educability for the disabled.
Fourth, in the process of formation of their specialties, beginning special teachers who were served
in elementary schools were favorably influenced by the outside special education teachers.
Fifth, beginning special teachers who were served in elementary schools made used of the strategy
of concession in order to adapt themselves to mainstream school culture.
In conclusion, the occupation socialization of beginning special education teachers who were served
in elementary schools could be understood as a process of special teachers' struggles against the
general teachers centered teaching profession culture.