More kids than ever need special education, but burnout has caused a teacher shortage

Many special education teachers quit after less than five years on the job. 10’000 Hours/Digital Vision via Getty Images by Kimber Wilkerson, University of Wisconsin-Madison A growing number of students in public schools – right now, about 15% of them – are eligible for special education services. These services include specially designed instruction for students with autism, learning or physical disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries. But going into the current school year, more than half of U.S. public schools anticipate being short-staffed in special education. Dr. Kimber Wilkerson, a professor of special education and department chair at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains why there’s a shortage and what needs to be done to close the gap. Dr. Kimber Wilkerson discusses the special education teacher shortage. The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion, which have been edited for brevity and clarity. Which students receive special education services? Kimber Wilkerson: Students with a disability label receive special education services. They need these additional services and sometimes instruction in school so they can access the curriculum and thrive like their peers. What is happening with staffing for special education? Wilkerson: Since special education became a thing in...