The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is investigating how national teacher shortages, exacerbated by the 2020 pandemic, have impacted students with disabilities. The investigation focuses on challenges schools face in staffing special education professionals, and how the federal government has worked to address these challenges in recent years.
According to the Commission, teacher shortages across the United States have disproportionately affected students with disabilities, creating significant barriers to quality education and inclusive learning environments.
A public briefing was held in November of 2024, during which the Commission heard from subject matter experts such as government officials, current and past educators, researchers, and impacted persons. Building on insights from the November 15 briefing, the Commission seeks to inform future findings and recommendations.
For more on the Commission’s efforts to investigate and address special education teacher shortages, visit their website here.
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