Addressing the Special Education Teacher Shortage: A Plan of Action

The shortage of special education teachers in the United States is a growing concern, affecting the education of over 7.5 million students with disabilities. At the start of the 2023-2024 school year, 70% of schools reported vacancies in special education positions, putting immense pressure on existing teachers and administrators. Special education teachers like Maryellen Robinson in Massachusetts report being overwhelmed by balancing the diverse needs of their students with limited resources.¹ “It makes me feel so sad knowing that there’s such a shortage of people who want to go into this field and working with students like my own,” said Robinson. 

Kimber Wilkerson, a professor of special education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, points to several factors behind this shortage in a recent PBS News interview.² “I think the job of being a special educator is a meaningful job that provides a lot of satisfaction. But the stresses and the pressures on teachers in schools right now, they are real. So it definitely contributes to people leaving their jobs faster than they might have in the past,” said Wilkerson. Burnout is significant, driven by high workloads and stress. 

Wilkerson shared that the public perception of teaching as a desirable profession has eroded over the past decade, coupled with diminishing benefits and autonomy for teachers, deterring individuals from pursuing careers in special education. 

This shortage impacts the quality of education for students with disabilities. Schools often consolidate caseloads, reducing individual attention. Some resort to hiring less qualified individuals, exacerbating the problem by increasing burnout and lowering service quality. A report by NPR highlighted the situation in Del Norte County, California, where staff shortages forced students like Emma Lenover to miss school and regress in vital skills.³ 

Challenges and Solutions 

Addressing this crisis requires creative solutions. “Grow your own” programs can help. This infographic dives deeper into grow your own programs and how you can get started.  

Efforts to increase teacher pay and provide more professional development and support are crucial. Initiatives like improving working conditions, offering competitive salaries, and establishing mentorship programs can help attract new talent and retain existing educators.  

There are many steps districts can take to mitigate these issues: 

1. Improve Working Conditions: Enhance the school environment to be more inclusive and supportive, including accessible buildings and a culture that values special education. 

2. Increase Compensation: Offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified special education teachers. 

3. Professional Development: Provide continuous training and professional growth opportunities to help teachers manage their workload and stay updated with best practices. 

4. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where experienced special education teachers can guide and support new hires. 

5. Reduce Administrative Burden: Simplify paperwork and administrative tasks to allow teachers to focus more on their students. 

Action Plan for Districts 

Despite the challenges, the role of special education teachers remains vital. These educators support students with disabilities and help them achieve their potential. Encouraging more individuals to enter and stay in this field is essential for ensuring that all students receive the education and support they need. 

1. Conduct Needs Assessment: Evaluate the specific needs of your district to understand the extent of the staffing shortage and its impact. 

2. Lobby for Funding: Advocate for increased state and federal funding to support higher salaries and better resources for special education. 

3. Collaborate with Universities: Partner with local colleges and universities to create pipelines for future special education teachers. 

4. Community Engagement: Engage with the community to raise awareness about the importance of special education and the challenges faced by teachers and students. 

By addressing these issues comprehensively, districts can begin to resolve the special education teacher shortage and ensure that students with disabilities receive the quality education they deserve. 

Dr. Taylor Plumblee

Dr. Taylor Plumblee is an experienced education executive with demonstrated success in education management and marketing. She joined Frontline Education in 2021 and is the Manager of Product and Solution Marketing with a focus on Student & Business Solutions including School Health Management, Special Program Management, Student Information Systems, and Data & Analytics.