Key Issue: Recruiting Special Education Teachers

Qualified special education teachers have a strong foundation in pedagogy and are experts in the characteristics of students with disabilities. They have successfully completed several supervised field and clinical experiences, are adept in the skills of their respective specialty, and have passed the certification or licensure exam attesting to their fundamental and specific knowledge. Unfortunately, there is a critical shortage of these qualified special education teachers. Implementing a comprehensive recruitment strategy is imperative for districts to combat the shortage of qualified special education teachers and to provide an appropriate education to the students they serve. Recruiting and successful obtaining special education teachers has the following benefits: (1) Attract a more diverse and culturally competent special education workforce; (2) Meet the needs of students requiring special education services; and (3) Improve equitable distribution of qualified special education professionals. This paper presents strategies for implementing special education teacher recruitment strategies.