Teachers who remain in special education often can easily find employment in other school districts as well. In Suttons Bay a teacher recently left for Benzie County Central Schools. Beforehand, the teacher was at Buckley Community Schools. Location of the school district also plays a role in hiring difficulties. Because of the teacher shortage, special education graduates are virtually guaranteed a job and thus can choose where they will teach.
Some school districts are less fortunate.
Compounding matters for school districts is an increased demand for services. Changes in the definition of special education students, such as those with Attention Deficit Disorder and autism, has caused the population to explode, said Forest Area Community School Superintendent Fred Joles. That surge creates a need for more classrooms and qualified personnel, McIntyre added. The Traverse City Record-Eagle. All rights reserved.