JEFF GAYTON

1) Why do you think this shortage exists?

Teachers of students in special education programs are found to be the most dissatisfied. Specific stresses and frustrations, both from within and from outside the classroom, are found to be associated with the dissatisfaction. 

2) How do you feel about the use of Uncertified Teachers to teach special education?

Teachers need to be able to start teaching under a alternative License with a lot less completed hours in 

special education.  I feel if the total hours completed in special education was cut down tremendously we all would 

see more students getting a lisence in special education because the time to complete the program would be 

shorter than all the other programs.

3) What could be done to fill these positions with appropriately trained teachers?

Universities around the US need to tweak the rules on special education. It's challenging to find a teaching job in 

a students major directly out of college but it is easily to find a special education job considering 

the great demand for this field. If the program cut the completed hours needed for special education 

in half, that would allow them to be lisenced very quick and still take other class to complete another

desired field that the students is interested in. This would allow the student to teach special education with a

a license and finish the other field that the student desires.

Response to Sara

You brought up a good point about people not being exposed to special needs children and being intimidated by them. I think increased exposure to special education classrooms while prospective teachers are still in training could help address this issue and help bring new, qualified teachers into special education.

David Perry

David Perry

1) Why do you think this shortage exists?

I think the shortage of qualified special education teachers exists because it is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging profession. I think many prospective teachers from college and from other professions see the huge investment that is required to perform this job properly and are not willing to commit to this area of education. I also think the additional paperwork and non-teaching tasks are causing some seasoned special education teachers to leave the profession.

2) How do you feel about the use of uncertified teachers to teach special education?

I think uncertified teachers, if given an appropriate amount of training and supervision, could be a great help. I do think that any uncertified teacher should be closely monitored and mentored in the job and should be encouraged to work toward certification. I do not believe an uncertified teacher should be able to work in the position for an extended amount of time without trying to attain certification.

3) What could be done to fill these positions with appropriately trained teachers?

The only way to fill these positions with qualified teachers is to aggressively recruit potential teachers in college and in other professions. Prospective teachers should be exposed to the challenges as well as the rewards associated with a career in special education. The government is offering financial incentives for people who return to college and work toward special education certification and I think this is an effective tool for recruitment. Increases in pay wouldn't hurt either.

Sara Hakim

1. Why is there a shortage of special ed. teachers?
I think there is a shortage because special education is a very challenging profession with specific knowledge required and many tasks outside the classroom. Many people who have not been around special needs individuals are intimidated by the idea of working with these students.

2. Uncertified teachers
The use of uncertified teachers in the place of certified teachers is not ideal, but may be a pragmatic necessity. There are legal requirements that must be met and if a certified teacher cannot be found, it would be better to have an uncertified teacher rather than none. I think that uncertified teachers can be fabulous when working with a certified teacher.

3. What can be done to fill positions with trained teachers?
Alternative licensing programs for uncertified teachers in special education would help fill the shortage with individuals who want to work in this field. Outreach and recruitment efforts in undergraduate education programs could help a lot. I think exposure to special education students and teachers would make a big difference to inexperienced undergraduates.

Megan Pifer

Why do you think this shortage exists?

I believe that there is a shortage of Special Education teachers because there is concern with the standards of No Child Left Behind. Even though there are special education students in regular education, the amount of paperwork and case management as a Special Education teacher acts as a deterrent for many prospective teachers.

How do you feel about the use of uncertified teachers to teach special education?

I feel that, if these people are trained correctly, they can be very valuable to a school system. They will bring skills from other professions that can prove to be a stength when dealing with the demanding schedule and curriculum in the special education classrooms.


What could be done to fill these positions with appropriately trained teachers?

The first step will be recruiting in the undergraduate programs. Get the students onboard early. Also, the state can give current teachers incentives, such as bonuses, tuition reembursement, and pay raises, so that they may get certified in Special Education.

Special Education Teachers

Currently, there is a need for special education teachers; this need is being filled in some states by using non-certified special education teachers. Answers the following questions.
1. Why do you think this shortage exists?
2. How do you feel about the use of uncertified teachers to teach special
education?
3. What could be done to fill these positions with appropriately trained teachers

hey everyone