CONTINUING EDUCATION OF TEACHERS IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: MOTIVATION IN QUESTION

Since 1990, in Brazil, the paradigm of inclusive education has influenced public policies and educational systems. Continuing education courses for teachers are spreading with the intention of preparing them to face the challenge of working with students with disabilities. But what factor has motivated teachers to participate in these courses? This study sought to answer this question by identifying and mapping the aspects that led to 105 regular education teachers from municipal schools in Sao Paulo to participate during the year 2010/2011, the third edition of the specialization course called "Teacher Education in Special Education." Data was collected through a questionnaire applied to teachers who attend the course. The results revealed that motivation is intrinsically related to the characteristics of the teachers' age and where they stand in the cycle of teaching career, as well as aspects related to professional activities. Moreover, from this research were pointed reflections on the importance of training teachers for the improvement of the educational system in order to effectively meet the principles of inclusive education, as suggested by the legislation in our country.