You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed: A photovoice study on the lived experiences of special education teachers following the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye

Abstract

In this study, the aim was to examine the lived experiences of special education teachers working in the zone after the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras,, in the southeast part of T & uuml;rkiye, on February 6, 2023. Five special education teachers participated in the study conducted through Photovoice, a participatory qualitative research method. During the research process, the participants were asked to take photos reflecting their experiences, and the data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions regarding the photos taken by the participants. A phase-by-phase approach was employed for data analysis, including visual analysis of the photos, content analysis of interviews, cross-comparison of visual and content analyses, and theorization. The findings are presented in four themes, namely, professional experiences, life after the earthquake, personal experiences, and suggestions. The results indicate that the experiences of special education teachers in the earthquake zone turned out to be positive despite all the challenges. By highlighting the instrumental role of teachers in disaster situations, this study contributes to the literature on the continuity of education for individuals with special needs during disasters. The findings are discussed, and the strengths and limitations of the study are presented.