The Role of HR in Supporting Neurodiverse Educators: Policies for Inclusion and Success in Schools

Abstract

Neurodiversity has garnered increasing attention in workplace inclusion efforts, yet its implications in educational institutions remain underexplored. This study investigates the role of human resource (HR) practices in supporting neurodiverse educators by developing inclusive policies that foster equity and professional growth. Using a Delphi method, 20 experts, including HR professionals, educational administrators, and neurodiverse educators, participated in iterative rounds of surveys to identify challenges, effective strategies, and policy recommendations. Thematic analysis of Round 1 data revealed key challenges such as workplace stigma, insufficient accommodation, and limited professional development opportunities. In subsequent rounds, participants reached consensus on critical strategies, including neurodiversity awareness training programs, flexible work policies, and comprehensive mental health support systems. The findings underscore the importance of tailored HR initiatives and collaborative efforts between HR practitioners and school leaders to create inclusive educational environments. Practical recommendations include implementing individualized accommodation, interactive training sessions, and robust wellness programs. While the study focuses on a single cultural context, its insights provide a foundation for future cross-cultural research and the integration of technological solutions to enhance inclusivity. This research contributes to the broader discourse on diversity and inclusion in education, offering actionable strategies to support neurodiverse educators.

Keywords

• Neurodiversity
• Human Resource Management
• Inclusion
• Educators
• Delphi Method
• Educational Institutions

The Role of HR in Supporting Neurodiverse Educators: Policies for Inclusion and Success in Schools

Abstract

Nöroçeşitlilik, iş yerlerinde kapsayıcılığı artırmaya yönelik çabalarda giderek daha fazla ilgi görmektedir; ancak eğitim kurumlarındaki yansımaları hâlâ yeterince araştırılmamıştır. Bu çalışma, insan kaynakları (İK) uygulamalarının nöroçeşitli eğitimcileri destekleme rolünü inceleyerek, eşitlik ve mesleki gelişimi teşvik eden kapsayıcı politikaların geliştirilmesini amaçlamaktadır. Delphi yöntemi kullanılarak, İK uzmanları, eğitim yöneticileri ve nöroçeşitli eğitimcilerden oluşan 20 uzman, zorlukların, etkili stratejilerin ve politika önerilerinin belirlenmesine yönelik anket turlarına katılmıştır. Birinci tur verilerinin tematik analizi; iş yerinde damgalanma, yetersiz uyum düzenlemeleri ve sınırlı mesleki gelişim fırsatları gibi temel zorlukları ortaya koymuştur. Takip eden turlarda, katılımcılar nöroçeşitlilik farkındalık eğitim programları, esnek çalışma politikaları ve kapsamlı ruh sağlığı destek sistemleri gibi kritik stratejiler üzerinde fikir birliğine varmıştır. Bulgular, kapsayıcı eğitim ortamları oluşturmak için özelleştirilmiş İK girişimlerinin ve İK uzmanlarıyla okul liderleri arasındaki iş birliğinin önemini vurgulamaktadır. Uygulamalı öneriler arasında bireyselleştirilmiş uyum düzenlemeleri, etkileşimli eğitim oturumları ve güçlü sağlık programlarının hayata geçirilmesi yer almaktadır. Çalışma tek bir kültürel bağlamda gerçekleştirilmiş olsa da, elde edilen bulgular gelecekteki kültürlerarası araştırmalar ve kapsayıcılığı artırmaya yönelik teknolojik çözümlerin entegrasyonu için bir temel sunmaktadır. Bu araştırma, eğitimde çeşitlilik ve kapsayıcılık konusundaki genel tartışmalara katkı sağlamakta ve nöroçeşitli eğitimcileri desteklemek için uygulanabilir stratejiler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Nöroçeşitlilik
• İnsan Kaynakları Yönetimi
• Kapsayıcılık
• Eğitimciler
• Delphi Yöntemi
• Eğitim Kurumları

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