Preparing and retaining effective special education teachers: Short-term strategies for long-term solutions

This brief explores strategies to prepare and retain effective special education teachers. Many states in the United States struggle with shortages of special education teachers. To address the shortage problem in the long term, policymakers, preparation providers, and state and district administrators must ensure that any short-term strategies are combined with a comprehensive plan that includes long-term systemic strategies to strengthen the supply, preparation, and retention of special education teachers.