Nationally, there is a shortage of qualified special education teachers. This shortage is even more dramatic in rural areas. In Mississippi, unqualified teachers are teaching many special education students. Some of these teachers are trained and certified in areas other than special education, but in many cases, these teachers are permanent substitutes, individuals without teaching certificates. Almost 300,00 special education positions are allocated in the U. S. each year, over 25,000 of these positions are filled by teachers not certified in special education, nearly 4,000 position go unfilled.
Special educators design and implement individualized instruction for children with disabilities.
This may include working individually or with small groups on specific targeted skills in reading or math. Or it may involve team teaching with a regular educator in a regular class. It may also include teaching children self help skills, or study skills, or even vocational skills. The emphasis is on systematic instruction leading to independence and productivity as an adult. Special education teachers work closely with parents to make sure that the child s needs are met.