How our schools are dealing with special education staffing shortages

Special education teachers provide instruction tailored to the needs of students with disabilities to help them realize their full potential, keeping many of these children from falling through the cracks in our education system. But what happens when there are not enough teachers to go around? There is a nationwide shortage of special education staff, and some local school districts are feeling it. Guest host Julie Philipp examines how schools are addressing the problem, and how St. John Fisher University is working to help fill the gap. In studio:

• Kathy Broikou, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Inclusive Childhood Education and Literacy Programs at St. John Fisher University
• Debra Luna, recruitment and retention specialist at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES
• Emma Spelman, graduate student in the Inclusive Childhood Education Program at St. John Fisher University and apprentice at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES
• Eric Vaillancourt, director of teaching, learning and accountability for the Bloomfield Central School District

---

Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

---

Connectionsairs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. 

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

---

Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.