From Vacancy to Workforce: Building Sustainable Special Education Talent Pipelines
(Room Ballroom A)
12 Nov 26
2:45 PM
-
3:45 PM
Tracks:
Human Resources: Empowering Teams
School systems across the country are facing persistent shortages in special education roles, including paraprofessionals, behavioral support staff, certified special education teachers, and related service providers such as speech-language pathologists. While districts often rely on short-term staffing solutions to fill immediate vacancies, these approaches rarely address the underlying workforce challenges that drive ongoing shortages. This session explores how districts and state partners can move beyond vacancy-driven hiring by implementing a comprehensive special education talent pipeline model that develops internal talent across support, instructional, behavioral, and related service roles. Participants will learn how districts can create structured opportunities for paraprofessionals and other school staff to advance into higher-skilled positions through coordinated recruitment, preparation, credential attainment, and career progression. Through real-world implementation examples, the session will highlight practical strategies for designing and launching special education workforce pathways that align with state licensure, certification, and regulatory requirements. Attendees will also explore how districts can successfully transition pathway participants into permanent roles while strengthening workforce stability and ensuring continuity of services for students.