On May 21, 2024, the DPI newsroom reported that 258 new educators completed the Special Educator Induction Program in its inaugural year. This program is “aimed at tackling special education educator staffing challenges,” and we’re happy to see success right out of the gate.
More About the Program
SHORTAGE AREAS OF GREATEST CONCERN
In the comprehensive 2022 Educator Preparation Program and Workforce Analysis Report, hiring survey respondents were asked to check up to five license shortage areas of greatest concern to their school district or independent charter school.
Coming in first, at a whopping 75.2%, the highest-ranked shortage area in the survey was special education teacher.
HOW THE PROGRAM HELPS
The Special Educator Induction Program provides support to newly-employed special educators, and it has two specific goals:
- To help these special educators develop their skills
- Retain them in the profession
Skill Development
As per the DPI, “the program provides opportunities to learn from professional personnel through a high-quality coaching program, ongoing professional development — and forming a network of beginning special educators.”
Retainment
As outlined in the 2022 Educator Preparation Program and Workforce Analysis Report (page 19): “in addition to increasing the number of prospective teachers who enter the pipeline, retaining teachers who enter the public K-12 teaching force is a key strategy for maintaining a teaching force large enough to meet Wisconsin’s needs.”
The department has shifted work to focus on strategies to support retention. This includes a focus on mentoring, instructional coaching and support of teachers through educator effectiveness, apprenticeships, and grow-your-own programs including:
- New peer mentoring best practices for schools
- New inventory of grow-your-own programs in Wisconsin
- New CESA supported services for districts through educator effectiveness
- New K-9 apprenticeship program
Here’s what State Superintendent, Dr. Jill Underly, had to say about the program …
It is essential our schools keep high-quality, passionate educators in the classroom, supporting the growing needs of our learners. We should be investing our state’s massive surplus in increasing special education reimbursement — especially as schools encounter staffing and fiscal challenges.
However, even in the absence of additional funding for schools, the DPI is moving forward with innovative programs like the Special Educator Induction Program, focusing on retaining educators new to the field.
I am thrilled so many new special educators took part in the first year of the program and found so much value in its offerings. I look forward to seeing this program grow in the future as we collectively work to meet these critical staffing needs.
The DPI’s intention is to continue and grow the program, which is funded through an IDEA Discretionary Grant, through the 2024-25 school year.