FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Indiana has been working to increase the number of special education teachers since 2021. Over 1,600 people have either earned or are working towards their special education teaching licenses through two state programs.

Joe Kwisz, President of the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education, says reducing barriers for educators is key to helping more students.

The state says the issue isn’t teachers leaving the field, but fewer people entering special education programs. One initiative, I-SEAL, provides scholarships and streamlines coursework for aspiring special education teachers. Over 1,100 people across 289 districts have participated.

The other program, ASSET, helps licensed teachers add special education endorsements, with free coursework available during the workday. So far, more than 500 educators have enrolled.