An Oral History of First-Generation Leaders in Education of Children With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Part 3

Abstract

In this the third part of an oral history of education of students with emotional and behavioral disorders, 15 first-generation leaders were asked to forecast the future of the field and to advise persons entering the profession. Their videotaped conversations were transcribed, were analyzed, and are reported here together with some discussion of apparent themes. They forecast a mixed, and sometimes discouraging, future of the field and believe that the challenges and frustrations they encountered will continue and become even greater. Although they recognize that prevention and early intervention are the best intervention, they are not optimistic about society's willingness to invest in policies that promote prevention. Despite the challenges, they believe that the work is important, rewarding, and even fun. They encourage people to join the profession with realistic understandings of the children, conditions, roles, and challenges they will encounter and a willingness to find and cultivate professional support.