U.S. Commission Urges Action on Special Education Teacher Shortage

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report titled "The Federal Response to Teacher Shortage Impacts on Students with Disabilities," highlighting the critical shortage of qualified special education teachers and its detrimental effects on students with disabilities. (usccr.gov)

The report underscores that the national teacher shortage, exacerbated by the 2020 pandemic, has significantly impacted special education. It evaluates the federal government's response, particularly focusing on the U.S. Department of Education, and offers recommendations to address the crisis. (usccr.gov)

The Commission's investigation builds upon prior findings from its Advisory Committees:

• Arkansas (January 2023): Examined the state's compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (usccr.gov)

• Nevada (January 2024): Highlighted unfair learning conditions due to staff shortages. (usccr.gov)

• Washington D.C. (December 2024): Addressed access to special education and transportation services. (usccr.gov)

To gather comprehensive insights, the Commission conducted a public briefing on November 15, 2024, in Washington, D.C., featuring educators, advocates, and individuals directly impacted by the teacher shortage. Subsequently, on December 13, 2024, a virtual listening session was held, allowing parents, students, and teachers nationwide to discuss how these shortages have affected them. (usccr.gov)

The report identifies several critical issues:

1. Non-Compliance with IDEA: Staff shortages have led to instances where schools fail to meet the requirements set forth by IDEA, resulting in inadequate educational opportunities for students with disabilities. (usccr.gov)

2. Adverse Learning Conditions: Shortages contribute to larger class sizes, reduced individualized attention, and increased reliance on underqualified personnel, negatively impacting the quality of education. (usccr.gov)

3. Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities: Students of color and those from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected, exacerbating existing educational inequities. (usccr.gov)

The Commission offers several recommendations:

• Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: Implement competitive salaries and comprehensive training programs to attract and retain qualified special education teachers. (usccr.gov)

• Policy Reforms: Develop and enforce policies ensuring compliance with IDEA, including monitoring and accountability measures. (usccr.gov)

• Increased Funding: Allocate additional federal resources to support special education programs and address staffing shortages. (usccr.gov)

The teacher shortage in special education has far-reaching implications:

• Educational Inequity: Students with disabilities are at risk of receiving substandard education, limiting their academic and social development. (usccr.gov)

• Economic Impact: Inadequate education can lead to reduced employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, increasing dependency on social services. (usccr.gov)

• Community Strain: Families may experience heightened stress and financial burden due to the lack of appropriate educational support. (usccr.gov)

While teacher shortages have been a recurring issue, the current crisis is intensified by the lingering effects of the 2020 pandemic, which disrupted educational systems nationwide. The focus on special education highlights a critical area often overlooked in broader discussions about teacher shortages. (usccr.gov)

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' report serves as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and communities to collaboratively address the special education teacher shortage and uphold the educational rights of students with disabilities. (usccr.gov)