DR Ann-Katrin Svärd - INCLUSION & the Role of Special Needs Teachers and Special Pedagogues in Sweden

Welcome to Sånt är livet i Sverige – or That’s Life in Sweden!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ann-Katrin Swärd — a former classroom teacher, university educator, and researcher with extensive expertise in special needs education.

A critical question that is explored is inclusion and the roles of Special Needs Teachers (speciallärare) and Special Pedagogues (specialpedagoger)—professionals who are central to building inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Ann-Katrin shares the path to becoming qualified in these roles in Sweden and clarifies the differences between them.

She also reflects on key questions:

• What knowledge, skills, and values do future special educators need to meet the realities of today’s classrooms?

• And are our teacher education programs truly preparing them for the task?

• The complexity of identifying and supporting children with special needs in increasingly diverse classroom settings.

• The impact of unqualified teachers—and the pressure this places on both students and colleagues.

• The persistent gap between theory and practice, especially in the collaboration between universities and schools supporting preservice teachers.

We also take a comparative look beyond Sweden’s borders: How do other countries support students with special needs? And what can we learn from international practices that prioritize inclusion, collaboration, and systemic support?

Finally, Dr. Svärd share about an excelletn book titled “Positive Special Education”—a powerful invitation to reframe special education not as a reaction to deficits, but as a space for possibility, participation. Do join as Ann-Katrin reflects on what it truly means to build a Learning Community for Peace—where inclusion is not just a concept, but a lived, daily reality for all children and students and peace.

This is a must-hear episode for all teachers and educators everywhere, please share widely, comment, discuss and ENJOY.

Dr. Ann-Katrin’s Swärd's Profile linkedin.com/in/dr-ann-katrin-swärd-65ba9637

The book: Positive Special Education: Theories, Applications and Inspiration. Routledge

Ann-Katrin Swärd (2024) Challenge students to read and write in a creative way without fixed material. (Editors Monica Reichenberg, Ann-Katrin Swärd and Chathrine Shiptone) Positive Special Education . Theories, Applications and Inspiration. Routledge