Many states struggle with shortages of special education teachers (SET). To address the shortage problem in the long term, policymakers, preparation providers, and state and district administrators must ensure that any short-term strategies are combined with a comprehensive plan that includes long-term systemic strategies to strengthen the supply, preparation, and retention of special education teachers.

Denver Public Schools has launched a small pilot that is part of a new district strategy to better prepare new teachers to work in Denver’s many high-poverty schools, which tend to hire more novices. The students in those schools are more likely to be behind academically and in need of top-notch teachers.  In this pilot, DPS will have six “associate teachers” who will teach part-time in a high-poverty school and spend the rest of their time planning, observing, and learning.

The Clark County School District is once again bringing in special education teachers from the Philippines to address shortages

In order to reduce the number of teaching vacancies that currently exist, Mercer County Schools has an Alternative Certification for Teachers program in collaboration with Marshall University and Concord University that would allow someone who has a four-year degree in an area other than teaching to be hired in a teaching position for a subject experiencing shortages.

California has earmarked nearly $200 million over the last four years to address the state’s persistent teacher shortage, but it is not enough, according to new studies that are part of “Getting Down to Facts II,” a research project focused on a wide array of statewide education issues. The teacher shortage has worsened in recent years as state funding for education improved and districts began lowering class sizes and bringing back programs like summer school and the arts, which were frequently eliminated during the recession, increasing the need for more teachers.

A new law passed in July aims to shrink the special education teacher shortage in Washington state by providing an easier path to teaching certification for paraeducators, also known as instructional aides or teacher assistants.

All over the United States, schools are scrambling to find qualified special education teachers. That means schools must often settle for people who are under-certified and inexperienced. Special ed is tough, and those who aren’t ready for the challenge may not make it past the first year or two. Really good teacher preparation might be the difference.