Wisconsin is one of 48 states reporting special education teacher shortages, with about half of new teachers in the field leaving their jobs after less than three years. The pandemic only elevated a challenge already faced by school districts around the state, especially in rural communities.
Shereen Siewert welcomes D.C. Everest Special Education Coordinator Julie Weller and Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction consultant Barbara Van Haren to discuss the shortage and share ways that districts and state school officials are working together to attract and retain staff, with the 2023-24 academic year now underway.