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Raising Pay Helps Districts Combat Special Education Teacher Shortage : Consider This from NPR For years, most states have reported a shortage of special education teachers. Now, according to federal data, nearly every state is struggling to hire qualified educators. And when schools can't find a licensed teacher, they hire people who are willing to do the job, but lack the training.

From member station WFYI in Indianapolis, Lee Gaines reports on what that means for students, and Dylan Peers McCoy reports on one approach — in Hawaii — that's helped to fill shortages.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

Consider This from NPR

A Special Ed Teacher Shortage Is Getting Worse — But One Fix Is Catching On

A Special Ed Teacher Shortage Is Getting Worse — But One Fix Is Catching On

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Heather Carll, a special education teacher, sits in her classroom at Momilani Elementary School in Pearl City, Hawaii. Marie Eriel Hobro hide caption

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Marie Eriel Hobro

Heather Carll, a special education teacher, sits in her classroom at Momilani Elementary School in Pearl City, Hawaii.

Marie Eriel Hobro

For years, most states have reported a shortage of special education teachers. Now, according to federal data, nearly every state is struggling to hire qualified educators. And when schools can't find a licensed teacher, they hire people who are willing to do the job, but lack the training.

From member station WFYI in Indianapolis, Lee Gaines reports on what that means for students, and Dylan Peers McCoy reports on one approach — in Hawaii — that's helped to fill shortages.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Lauren Migaki, Sequoia Carrillo, Brent Baughman, and Mia Venkat. It was edited by Nicole Cohen and Ashley Brown. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.