Purpose of This Site

Resources - Making Career Decisions as a Special Educator -

This site is designed to provide information that you may find helpful in making your career choices in the field of special education. Because of the shortage of Tennessee professional educators prepared to serve students with disabilities, this site is particularly designed for students graduating from high school as well as others, including mid-career adults, retiring military personnel, students enrolled at Community Colleges, persons "switching careers," paraeducators currently serving in the Tennessee classrooms, and persons seeking post-baccalaureate training and job opportunities.

The links on this site were carefully chosen to provide resources that you may use in your career decision making about becoming a special educator. You are encouraged to visit the "Site Index" for an overview of the contents of this site. Specific links to Tennessee Universities and Colleges are provided. While visiting these educational institutions, you can explore the possibilities of becoming a "Special Educator in Tennessee." Ask specific questions of the college or university staff via e-mail or telephone. Obtain information about financial aid, scholarships, assistantships, the enrollment process, and much more. See the other links to resources designed to facilitate career choices.

Resources for Administrators and Community Groups

Resources for administrators and other special educators are also provided, including current research in the area of teacher recruitment, retention, preparation, and incentives. Additionally, this site offers a 90 second clip of the video "One Child at a Time" that further explores the needs and opportunities in the area of special education.

Workforce Shortage of Special Educators

According to a 2001 study completed by the Southern Regional Education Board, special education is an area of particular concern in Tennessee because of the lack of an adequate number of properly trained teachers and professional educators as well as the projected growth in the number of students with disabilities. On a national level, Lynn Boyer who heads the National Clearinghouse for Professionals in Special Education stated, "The shortage of special education teachers has reached a crisis that must be addressed." Joseph Fisher, the Tennessee Assistant Commissioner for Special Education, is committed to the preparation, placement and retention of highly qualified special educators in all Tennessee schools.