Fortunately, programs around the country show promise for filling the pipeline
of special education teachers who are well prepared to meet the needs of their students and to remain in the profession.
The proposed budget would keep the number of general education teachers flat, by replacing all teachers who leave the system, while increasing the
ranks of special education teachers.
Results indicate that more than 90 %
of special education teachers work in regular elementary or secondary schools, though more than 80 % of their instructional time is spent in special education settings.
The district has totally changed its policy» and has lightened the
load of special education teachers and worked to integrate students with special needs in all classrooms.
States can also play an important role in building a
cadre of special education teachers who are well prepared to support the growth and achievement of their students — and who stay in the profession.
No more than 10 percent of the state's funds can be spent on state activities, such as reforming special education and regular education teacher certification (including recertification) or licensing requirements and carrying out programs that establish, expand, or improve alternative routes for state
certification of special education teachers.
At that time, teachers should be given an opportunity to fill out «preference sheets» indicating three preferences in order of priority... in the
case of special education teachers, the age range of special education classes and education program designation (e.g. staffing ratio, collaborative team teaching, special education teacher support services, etc.) with the understanding that, where advisable and possible, such preferences will be honored.
As the father of two children with special needs, and the
spouse of a special education teacher, I am very aware of the sensitive nature of language surrounding ability and sincerely do not wish to imply disrespect to any student or family.
Eighty percent
of special education teachers also indicated that the practices they use to support inclusion are used throughout their schools and that 96 % of general educators teach students with disabilities or have done so in the past.
To effectively sustain its commitment to inclusion and its culture of individualization, Brooklyn LAB utilizes a system of teacher staffing structures that cultivates a
supply of special education teachers capable of effectively implementing key school instructional and philosophical techniques.