DR Ann-Katrin Svärd -The Transformative Role of Special Needs Teachers and Special Pedagogues in Sweden’s Journey Toward Inclusion

   

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

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Ann-Katrin Swärd — a former classroom teacher, university educator, and researcher with extensive expertise in higher education.

As segregation continues to grow in Swedish schools, we’re faced with a critical question: What do we mean by inclusion today? And more importantly: What does it take to make it real?

In this episode, Dr. Swärd explores the evolving roles of Special Needs Teachers (speciallärare) and Special Pedagogues (specialpedagoger)—professionals who are central to building inclusive and equitable learning environments. She shares the path to becoming qualified in these roles 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?

Together, we delve into some of the most pressing challenges:

• 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 speaks about the book “Positive Special Education”—a powerful invitation to reframe special education not as a reaction to deficits, but as a space for possibility, participation, and peace.

This is a must-hear—and must-share—episode for anyone passionate about inclusive education.

Join us as we explore 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.

Dr. Ann-Katrin’s Swärd's Profile

linkedin.com/in/dr-ann-katrin-swärd-65ba9637

 

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