The Supply of and Demand for Special Education Teachers

TLDR

Special education teachers are critically short across the United States, with a chronic and severe shortage present nationwide. The article analyzes factors that shape the supply of and demand for special education teachers. It examines the shortage’s magnitude by personnel type, locality, and job description, tracks supply and demand trends through enrollment, teacher‑education production, and the reserve pool, and illustrates state and district strategies to address the gap. The study concludes by outlining priorities for future research.

Abstract

There is a critical shortage of special education teachers in the United States. This shortage is chronic and severe and exists in every geographic region of the nation. This article provides an analysis of factors influencing the supply of and demand for special education teachers. Initially, the magnitude of this shortage is addressed, considering variances that exist by personnel type, locality, and job description. This is followed by an analysis of trends in the supply of and demand for special education teachers, considering factors such as student enrollment, production of teacher education programs, and the reserve pool. Finally, illustrative examples of strategies used by specific states and districts to resolve shortage problems are provided. The article concludes with a list of priorities for future research.