From Information to Implementation: Combatting Shortages of Educators Serving Students With Disabilities

Download Slides

Looking for Certificates of Completion and/or Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for this presentation? 

• If you are a CEC member:
  • You must log in to the CEC Learning Library and view the free webinars there. 
• Not a CEC member?:
  • Create a free account now and check out this overview of the Learning Library.

About This Video

States, districts, schools, and educator preparation programs are continuing to operate tirelessly to ensure all students are provided a high-quality education while simultaneously balancing staffing shortages greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey conducted by the National Education Association revealed that members reported they are more likely to leave the profession earlier than originally planned, that burnout is a serious problem, that they have observed more teachers leaving the profession or retiring early, and that unfilled positions have increased their workload (55%, 90%, 86%, and 80%, respectively). The reasons for teacher shortages are complex and require systemic, evidence-based strategies and strong partnerships at all stages of the career continuum. The Council for Exceptional Children and the CEEDAR Center have collaborated with national partners and practitioners to produce a 12-part webinar series focused on evidence-based strategies to strengthen and diversify the special education workforce.

This opening session will provide an overview of the educator shortage crisis, clarify terminology that will be used throughout the webinar series, and set the stage for upcoming sessions focused on specific evidence-based strategies designed to attract, prepare, and retain a strong and diverse educator workforce.

Featuring:

• Laurie VanderPloeg, Council for Exceptional Children
• Lynn Holdheide, American Institutes for Research, CEEDAR Center
• Keane Alavi, American Institutes for Research, CEEDAR Center