There is a shortage of special education teachers in America’s public schools. In the 2023–24 school year, over half of districts and 80% of states reported a shortage. Despite efforts to train new teachers, the number of special education teachers leaving the profession outpaces the number of new teachers being trained.
The demand for special education teachers has been rising rapidly, with 15% of public school students receiving special education services in the 2022–23 school year. This increase is due to better identification of students who need support and federal policies like the reauthorizations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
While more students are receiving special education services, the number of special education teachers and aides has also grown significantly. However, the growth in demand has outpaced the growth in supply, leading to a shortage of special education teachers.
To address the shortage, policymakers need to understand the complexities of the special education labor market. This includes acknowledging the challenges faced by special education teachers, such as higher workloads and turnover rates compared to general education teachers.
While efforts have been made to increase the supply of special education teachers, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. Schools often resort to hiring unlicensed or emergency-credentialed teachers to fill open positions, leading to a cycle of turnover and shortages.
One potential solution to the shortage is to offer financial incentives to recruit and retain special education teachers. States like Hawaii have implemented stipends for teachers working in special education roles, which has helped reduce vacancies and attract teachers to hard-to-staff schools.
In addition to financial incentives, school leaders may consider team-based staffing models to support special educators and address feelings of isolation. By understanding the full spectrum of issues in the special education labor market, policymakers can develop a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of special education teachers.
