As public policies advance in the direction of mass producing inclusion of special educational needs students in regular schools, discussions have emerged about changes that are required in teacher preparation to meet this new demand. The aim of this study was to discuss Brazilian and Italian models of teacher preparation for those working in special education. To this end, we conducted a documentary study, analyzing legal texts related to the topic from both countries. Italy was the first country in Europe to promote the end of special schools and the inclusion of all students with disabilities in regular schools. Furthermore, in this country there are clear government guidelines regarding teacher preparation to work with students with special educational needs. On the other hand in Brazil, despite the great advances regarding public policies that support teacher preparation, specific parameters on the minimum content necessary for providing teachers with the subsidies they need to promote quality inclusion are still lacking.
Special Education; Teacher Preparation; Inclusion