A Critical Need for Special Education Teachers in Illinois
Chalking the Line | BY Jeanne White | BY Jaime Zurheide | 6 MIN READ
Teacher shortages are a pressing issue facing Illinois and the rest of the country. Special education teachers, who are specifically trained to provide services to students with disabilities, are in especially high demand.
Addressing Special Education Teacher Shortages
According to a report by the Illinois Association for Regional Superintendents of Schools, over 90% of districts reported having an issue with unfilled teaching positions last year. Of the roughly 4,000 unfilled teaching positions in Illinois, 1,360 were for special education teachers (IARSS report).
University teacher preparation programs are not producing enough qualified applicants to fill these vacancies. Over 80% of districts reported receiving few or no applicants for open positions. Of those who did apply, less than 50% were qualified (IARSS report).
Training Special Education Teachers
Beyond the shortage of special education teachers, there is a growing need for all teachers in Illinois and nationwide to be equipped to work with students who have diverse learning needs, including students with disabilities. While some students with more significant disabilities are educated in separate classrooms or schools, the vast majority learn in general education classrooms. According to the Illinois Report Card, in 2024, over half of students with disabilities spent 80% or more of their day in the general education classroom and over three-fourths spent at least 40% of their day in general education settings. These students receive support from special education teachers throughout the day, but their primary instructor is the classroom teacher. Given the shortage of qualified special education teachers in the state, it is now more important than ever that all teachers have the knowledge and skills to support students with a variety of learning needs.
Implications of Teacher Shortages
When classrooms do not have enough qualified teachers, open positions may be filled with candidates who are not fully licensed, such as long-term substitutes. These teachers may not be aware of best practices in teaching, leading to a decrease in the quality of education students receive. Likewise, when students with disabilities are taught by licensed teachers who have not been trained in methods to best meet their individual needs, these students may not meet learning outcomes and not progress with their peers. Increased class sizes and additional work responsibilities are other stressors that can result from teacher shortages.
A Solution: The Elementary Special Education (SPEL) Program at Elmhurst
To address these critical needs, the Elmhurst University Department of Education has developed a unique program that prepares graduates to be both general education teachers and special education teachers. The new Elementary Special Education (SPEL) program combines training in elementary education and special education. Graduates will earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education with teaching licensure in elementary education (grades 1-6) and special education (grade K-age 22).
Enhancing Special Education Training
Previously, Elmhurst’s Elementary Education program, allowed candidates to earn a minor in special education with just four courses and the LBS1 content test. While this minor provided additional training for elementary teachers, many graduates pursued roles as special education teachers, highlighting the need for more comprehensive preparation. The new SPEL program includes extensive coursework and field experiences in both general and special education settings, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to excel in either role.
Special Education Program Structure and Curriculum
The SPEL program follows the structure of the current elementary and special education programs with four terms of study. Students will enter the program in their junior year after completing integrated curriculum and prerequisite courses during their freshman and sophomore years. The program is also transfer-friendly, requiring minimal prerequisites (EDU 104, 311, 223 and MTH 325).
The program is organized in a cohort model and structured as “blocks” or terms. During the first three blocks (junior year through the fall term of senior year), students take elementary and special education methods courses and participate in field experiences in both settings. This includes working with students across the spectrum of disabilities, from mild to severe. Courses are taught by a combination of elementary and special education faculty, fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment. The final term is dedicated to student teaching in both general and special education classrooms.
Meeting the Unique Needs of Future Special Educators
The SPEL program is one of the few combined special and elementary education programs in Illinois. It prepares graduates to address the critical need for special education teachers while also equipping them to work and collaborate effectively in general education settings. This dual preparation provides graduates with a strong foundation in both teaching methods, allowing them to gain a professional edge and meet the diverse needs of students in today’s classrooms.
For prospective SPEL students, Elmhurst offers three distinct pathways:
- Elementary Education Major (ELM): Prepares candidates to teach grades 1-6 as general education teachers with a minor in reading or teaching English learners. Ideal for those interested in additional endorsements.
- Special Education Major (SPE): Focuses exclusively on special education, licensing graduates to teach students with disabilities from kindergarten through age 22. Includes an English as a second language/bilingual approval.
- Elementary Special Education Major (SPEL): Combines elementary and special education preparation; ideal for those interested in teaching elementary students with and without disabilities.
Explore the Elementary Special Education Program
For more information about the SPEL program, fill out the form below and visit the program webpage or contact Dr. Jaime Zurheide (jaime.zurheide@elmhurst.edu), director of early childhood and special education. Details regarding all education programs, including admission requirements, can be found on the Department of Education webpage. Reach out to William Slodki (slodkiw@elmhurst.edu), director of teacher education admission, with specific questions about admission requirements, and Dr. Jeanne White (whitej521@elmhurst.edu), the Department of Education chair, to determine which of Elmhurst’s education programs is the best fit for you.
