Related Content
Author
Author
Sheehy, M.
Details
Resource Type
Report
Acquisition Number
571
Published Date
02-02-2026 11:30 AM
Published Year
2025
Number of Pages
65
Language(s)
Subscription Only
No
Abstract

Students with disabilities (SWDs) and English learners (ELs) represent diverse populations with varied academic needs. This analysis focuses primarily on teachers who are certified or endorsed to work with these student populations. This analysis mainly centers on teachers who serve students with mild to moderate disabilities, who make up the majority of students receiving special education (SPED) services. The term "English learner" is used throughout this analysis to align with federal terminology and available data sources and refers to students acquiring English as an additional language. Far too many students with disabilities and English learners bear the costs when understaffed schools or overburdened teachers are stretched too thin to meet students' needs. States should focus on six key policy levers to ensure that special education and English learner teachers are ready to support these growing student populations from day one and stop the revolving door of turnover: (1) Cooperating Teachers; (2) Teacher Prep Standards; (3) Principal Prep Standards; (4) Reading Knowledge; (5) Financial Incentives; and (6) Professional Learning. NCTQ examined the extent to which states are leveraging six key policy levers to strengthen their teacher workforce for SWD and ELs--and found significant room for improvement.

Topics
English Learners
English learners with disabilities
Teacher Qualifications and Certification
Keywords
Educators
Teacher Preparation
English Learners with Disabilities
English learners