APS Column: New opportunities for a career in special education

Published 6:10 pm Friday, January 19, 2024

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Sheri Willrodt

Executive Director of Special Services

In recent years, the education system has faced a formidable challenge — the shortage of special education teachers. This critical issue poses a threat to the quality of education provided to students with diverse learning needs as well as the overall effectiveness of inclusive education. Understanding the root causes of this shortage and exploring potential solutions is crucial for addressing the growing concern.

Email newsletter signup

One of the primary factors contributing to the special education teacher shortage is the increasing demand for their expertise. As awareness of various learning disabilities and special needs has grown, the number of students requiring specialized instruction has surged. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education, further amplifying the need for qualified special education teachers. Unfortunately, the supply of trained professionals has not kept pace with this escalating demand.

Fortunately, Austin Public Schools is involved in two initiatives to address these concerns. Both these initiatives will provide grants for individuals wishing to pursue a career in Special Education to pay for their tuition. The first initiative is the Grow Your Own—Adult Pathway grant. Together with other school districts in our region, we were awarded this grant from the Minnesota Department of Education earlier this year. The primary goal of this initiative is to increase the number of special education teachers of color to align with our current community demographics. We have identified a significant diversity gap between the students we serve in comparison to the educators who serve them. We know that by increasing our teachers of color, we will increase the opportunities “to ensure students engage with educators who share their identity.” At an initial informational meeting, we had 14 individuals in our community express interest in learning more about this program and pursuing a career in special education.

The second grant opportunity we were awarded is the Special Education Pipeline grant. The purpose of this grant is to support any individuals who have a college degree outside of education in pursuing a special education teaching degree. We currently have 10 individuals working under Tier 1 or 2 special education teaching licenses in our district who will qualify for assistance under this grant.

In conclusion, the special education teacher shortage is a pressing issue that demands attention and action. By addressing the root causes and implementing strategic solutions, stakeholders in the education system can work together to ensure that every student, regardless of their learning needs, receives the high-quality education they deserve. The future of inclusive education depends on our collective commitment to supporting and sustaining the special education teaching profession.

If you are interested in learning more about these grant opportunities for pursuing a career in special education, please contact Sheri Willrodt at sheri.willrodt@austin.k12.mn.us.