According to an investigation by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR), a persistent shortage of special education teachers nationwide is leading to a lack of supports and services needed to help students with disabilities thrive in schools. The investigation into special educator shortages comes amid an increase in the population of students with disabilities qualifying for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. During the 2023-24 school year, there were 7.9 million IDEA-eligible students ages 3-21. The previous year, there were 7.6 million, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) analyzed by The Advocacy Institute. Thus, on September 29, 2025 the USCCR reported the growing population of students with disabilities, combined with a lag in special education hiring, “has resulted in a dearth of special educators, thus depriving students with disabilities of their right to a free appropriate public education.” The report also found that special education teacher shortages are being caused by a myriad of factors, including both a lack of people interested in the field and retention challenges stemming from demanding workloads, administrative burdens, high student loan debt and poor working conditions.
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