Augusta-area schools struggle to hire enough special education teachers
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s no secret that many school districts across the CSRA are in need of teachers.
However, things are becoming harder for teachers and classrooms when there are not enough special education teachers in the building.
Local education experts say recruitment and retention of special education teachers and assistants are as vital as ever in our area.
“We are very concerned about the next generation of teachers,” said Kim Barker.
Barker is an associate professor in the educational department at Augusta University and works with school districts across Georgia.
She says one of the biggest things she hears is the consequences of the lack of special education staff.
“It impacts the entire building. It impacts classroom teachers who need that for their classrooms, it impacts families and their children because they want the best education they can receive, so it really impacts all levels,” she said.
That’s why AU is trying to bridge the gap with its new bachelor’s program for special education.
The online structure is designed to relieve the stressors for future educators already working in a classroom.
“This gives them a specialized group to whom to work and some scholarship opportunities that might not be available otherwise. It also means they have the of faculty,” Barker said.
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According to the Pew Research Center students with disabilities for 13-14% of all students in Georgia and South Carolina schools.
Richmond County needs about 16 special education teachers and Columbia county needs 5.
Despite the challenges, Barker believes they are breaking down barriers for the next generation of educators.
“Having that extra really can make the difference in them being able to juggle and handle the course work and also their jobs,” she said.
Both districts say despite still having positions open for their special education staff, they believe they have enough to not compromise students for the start of the school year.
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