LRP Media Group, a recognized leader in the special education publishing industry, has released a new publication: Recruit and Retain Special Educators With Real-Life Lessons From Local, District, and State Initiatives. This 80-page pamphlet will empower leaders from schools, districts, state, and federal education systems, and teacher preparation programs with examples of successful strategies on how to attract and retain special educators.
Most states and the District of Columbia report shortages in special education and specialized instructional support personnel. What’s more, the number of students enrolled in higher education teacher preparation programs has declined. Schools without a stable, qualified teaching staff as a result are at risk of falling out of compliance with federal special education laws.
“This pamphlet offers optimism that solutions exist for enlisting and maintaining a competent, diverse, and dedicated teaching staff who are confident, capable, and excited about helping students with disabilities reach their highest potential,” said LRP Executive Director, Education Content, Julie J. Kline, Esq.
This pamphlet gives actionable short-term and long-term steps administrators can take to build a stable special educator workforce, including real-life lessons from 30-plus districts and nearly every state to address recruitment and retention issues at the local, state, and federal levels.
Specific strategies readers will learn include how to:
- Develop a timeline for recruitment and selection of job candidates.
- Use social media and other creative avenues to advertise job openings.
- Ask applicants the right interview questions.
- Provide nonfinancial incentives to special educators.
- Create teacher residencies and Grow-Your-Own programs.
- Build career ladders for special educators.
Recruit and Retain Special Educators With Real-Life Lessons From Local, District, and State Initiatives is available for purchase from LRP Publications’ online store.
For high-quality training and development for special education professionals, attend LRP’s National Institute®.
