The demand for special education (SPED) teachers is rising across the U.S., creating significant opportunities for educators interested in this rewarding field. SPED teachers play a vital role in the educational system, supporting students with diverse learning needs. The online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education with a concentration in General Curriculum K-12 program at Norfolk State University (NSU) is designed to prepare graduates to meet this widespread need.
NSU’s Commitment to Special Education
NSU is helping address the SPED teacher shortage through its comprehensive online M.A. Special Education – General Curriculum K-12 program. This program equips future educators with the skills and knowledge to thrive in various educational settings. With a strong emphasis on curriculum and instructional procedures in K-12 special education, NSU’s program ensures graduates are prepared to support students across different grade levels.
Causes of the SPED Teacher Shortage
According to the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services blog, the heart of the special education teacher shortage lies in the difficulty of recruiting and retaining special educators due to high qualification requirements and challenging working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this issue, making it harder for states to find and keep qualified special education teachers while still adhering to high standards.
The 74 highlights additional factors contributing to this shortage, including the secondary status of special education within the education system, increased requirements for special educators, lack of incentives and unaddressed financial burdens. These challenges make the profession less attractive and sustainable for potential and current special education teachers.
How Schools Are Coping With the Shortage
Districts are employing various strategies to cope with the SPED teacher shortage, as Professor Kimber Wilkerson explained in an interview with PBS News. Some schools are hiring underqualified teachers to manage the gap, which can negatively impact the quality of education for students.
“I don’t personally think those are the best solutions,” remarked Wilkerson, “because what it tends to do is bring in people who are less qualified and that less quality of preparation makes them burn out even faster and provide more poor quality services to kids.”
Wilkerson supports more creative approaches like “grow your own” programs that help career changers or school employees, such as paraprofessionals, get the education and certification needed to become special education teachers. These individuals already have experience working with students with disabilities and a commitment to their school community.
Challenges With Incentive Programs
Efforts to address the shortage through incentive programs and differentiated pay have faced challenges. According to Education Week, incentive programs and differentiated pay by specialty face significant challenges, including resistance from labor unions and political unpopularity. Programs that offer ongoing pay boosts or advancement on the salary schedule for special education teachers are rare.
While incentive pay can attract new candidates to special education, it has not significantly improved the retention of existing special education teachers. This highlights the need for systemic changes to address the stressors and working conditions that contribute to teacher burnout and turnover.
NSU’s Online Advanced Special Education K-12 Program
NSU’s online M.A. Special Education – General Curriculum K-12 program offers a robust curriculum to address these challenges. The program covers key areas such as instructional strategies, behavioral management and the development of individualized education plans (IEPs). This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to create effective learning environments for their students.
Addressing the SPED teacher shortage is crucial for ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed. Norfolk State’s program prepares graduates to meet this demand by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge. For educators seeking a fulfilling career in special education, NSU’s program offers an excellent opportunity to positively impact students’ lives.
Learn more about Norfolk State University’s online Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in General Curriculum K-12 program.