The United States currently has a nationwide shortage of qualified special education teachers. These shortages can negatively affect students with disabilities and make it more difficult to get the services and support they require as part of their education.

K-12 students with disabilities have a right to special education services. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm works with families throughout the United States to protect their students' right to an education and make sure they're getting the services they require as part of their education. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.

Attracting and Keeping Special Education Teachers

As of 2024, special education has a problem with teacher attrition: Every year, more leave the field than join. States and school districts are both searching for ways to stem this flow, keep teachers in the classroom, and attract new talent.

The Grosse Pointe Public School System, located outside of Detroit, is considering increasing how much to increase special education teacher's salaries in hopes of reducing their staffing shortages.

The proposal, discussed during a December 2024 meeting, would increase special education teacher's pay by $20,000 over the next two years. One reason for this increase is that the current salary isn't considered competitive for the Detroit area.

The teacher's union has expressed concern about the current shortage in the district. Insufficient staffing directly affects students with disabilities but can indirectly affect the entire student body.

The goal of this increase isn't just to attract new talent. This proposal is also intended to keep current teachers. One Grosse Pointe parent told how her son's special education teacher quit over the summer, and her son has since had three different teachers in the first part of the school year. This type of teaching instability can negatively affect a student's education.

All K-12 public school districts must provide students with qualifying disabilities with reasonable accommodations. A lack of staff, both teachers and paraprofessionals, can make it more difficult for school districts to fulfill these obligations.

That doesn't, however, lessen a student's right to special education services. Students with eligible disabilities qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and students benefit from IEPs that properly support them. One of the best ways to ensure a student has effective accommodations and services is having qualified special education staff.

Grosse Pointe's increase in salaries is one way to lessen the staffing shortage. Parents and families should be aware, however, that a school cannot refuse to provide services because of a lack of qualified staff.

Excuses Don't Reduce the Right to an Education

A school district's responsibility to provide children with an education doesn't end because of staffing shortages. For children with disabilities, special education services aren't a right but a crucial part of their education.

All children have the right to an education. If your student has a disability or isn't receiving the services and support they need, contact the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.