Diversifying the Special Education Teacher Workforce Could Benefit US Schools

Diversifying the Special Education Teacher Workforce Could Benefit US Schools

Teachers of color positively impact all students, including students of color with disabilities. Yet, the special education teacher workforce is overwhelmingly white. In our recent research, we found that special education teacher demographics are not keeping pace with changes in the student population. In 2012, about 80% of U.S. public school teachers were white, including about 80% of special education teachers, while less than 20% were teach…

The Importance of Diversifying the Special Education Teacher Workforce

Teachers of color positively impact all students, including students of color with disabilities. Yet, the special education teacher workforce is overwhelmingly white, demonstrating the importance of diversifying the special education teacher workforce. In our recent research, we found that special education teacher demographics are not keeping pace with changes in the student population. In 2012, about 80% of U.S. public school teachers were wh…