Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of school officials working with children with emotional and behavioral disorders within the school setting. Past research further explains the burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion that comes with working with students who have EBD. This study is unique because the personal narratives of school officials are often overlooked, ignoring their experiences, and leaving their voices unheard. This study answered the following research question: "What are the lived experiences of school officials who work with students with emotional and behavioral disorders in the school setting?" Diversity purposive sampling was used to gather research; five participants were recruited from numerous rural and urban school districts across the East Coast, representing varied demographics and job titles. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews exploring behavioral, emotional, and social factors, analyzed through phenomenological coding. Validation strategies for this study included peer review and member checking, which were used to uphold the integrity of this research. The contents and information gathered from the analysis yielded 36 codes, which were then characterized into three major themes: Challenges in the classroom, Systematic needs, and Systematic Challenges. The findings revealed that school officials who work with students who have EBD experience numerous unified challenges, including emotional outbursts within the classroom, behavioral disruptions, lack of support, and more. The study's implications for future studies include having more knowledge of specific classroom dynamics, which would provide much-needed emotional and professional support systems for school officials. This research helps initiate positive change for school officials by providing them a platform to share their experiences, ultimately leading them to better assist their students who struggle with EBD.
Keywords: emotional behavioral challenges, school officials, experience