USU Works to Ease Special Education Teacher Shortage

In a nationwide overview, Education Week examines the shortage of special education teachers that is felt in nearly every state. The story also highlights efforts at Utah State University to bring quality teaching to students all over Utah.

The Special Education and Rehabilitation department’s teacher educators offer dual-credit classes in special education at the high school level. They provide distance education options for adults who want to switch careers, and they use appreciation events to reach out to paraeducators who are already in the classroom. Reporter Christina A. Samuels writes:

"Those partnerships take a long time to establish, but the rewards can be worth it. Around 100 Utah State graduates each year seek licensure in special education, and the university meets about half the state’s annual need for teachers in that field."

Read the full story in Education Week.

For more information on special education programs offered within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, visit the SPER website.