Resources to Attract, Prepare, and Retain Special Educators and Related Services Providers

Wisconsin is one of forty-eight states reporting special education teacher and related services provider shortages (Sutcher, Darling-Hammond, & Carver- Tomas, 2016). The Special Education Team at Department of Public Instruction has identified staffing shortages as a focus area and has prepared a resource for Wisconsin’s districts. This webpage identifies the challenges and offers possible solutions to attract, prepare, and retain special educators and related services providers.

First-year teachers who participated in a comprehensive set of induction activities were half as likely to leave the field as those who did not participate. (Strong & Ingersoll, 2004) Wisconsin DPI is pleased to offer a three-year program entitled, “Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program”. Through IDEA Discretionary and SPDG Grants, each CESA will offer induction program opportunities for new special educators. Please see the following one-page document.

During the first year, each participant receives six professional learning sessions by trained CESA specialists. Sessions include training in high leverage practices (HLPs) and special education compliance content, including positive learning environments, explicit instruction, student engagement, teaching social behaviors, collaboration, data driven planning, and IEP development and meeting facilitation. In addition, six coaching sessions by trained CESA coaches, along with virtual check-ins are provided to participants to support content learning. Finally, a support network is developed among regional participants to build emotional resilience and problem solving skills.

During the second and third year of participation, returning participants receive two focused learning sessions to build upon previous learning with a focus on explicit instruction and intensifying instruction and interventions. Participants also receive individualized coaching sessions to support the implementation of effective classroom practices.

The induction program is designed for first or second year special educators and special educators holding a License with Stipulations. There is no cost to the school district. Participating districts receive an annual incentive per participant to offset the cost associated with participation in the induction program. Districts must commit to the release time needed for new educators to participate in these induction activities. Participation in the induction program does not result in DPI licensure, but is intended to supplement any Educator Preparation Program.

Up to 40 participants will be selected in each CESA to participate in the induction program. For more information, contact your local CESA.

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As the nationwide teacher shortage continues to generate headlines, stress education leaders, and frustrate policymakers in search of answers, the UW–Madison School of Education is announcing the extension of an innovative program aimed at addressing the problem in Wisconsin.*

This donor-funded initiative pays the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing, and licensing costs for students enrolled in one of the School’s teacher preparation programs. In return, graduates “pledge” to teach for three or four years at a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school in Wisconsin.

Learn more about the Teacher Pledge on the UW-Madison webpage!

• Providing FAPE During Special Educator Shortages
• Special Education and Related Services Staffing Strategies: Attract/Prepare/Retain
• Leveraging IDEA Funds to Attract/Prepare/Retain Special Educators & Related Services Providers: Allowable Costs
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Attract Prepare Retain Special Educators and Related Services Providers Summary of Findings and Recommendations
• Dear Colleague Letter on Special Education Personnel Retention
• Principal Navigator: Special Educator Retention
• CEC Exceptional Teachers