SPARC Center
@sparccenter.bsky.social
The SPARC Center at @airinforms.bsky.social conducts research & leads systemic change to strengthen the special educator workforce. Visit us at https://sparccenter.org/!
Did you catch @afgilmour.bsky.social’s recent article in @edweek.org?
@sparccenter.bsky.social research shows why #SpecialEd teachers leave: lack of support. PA’s Attract‑Prepare‑Retain initiative is fixing that with targeted mentoring and training (and early results from @caldercenter.bsky.social). More w/ AIR's Allison Gilmour in @edweek.org: https://bit.ly/3MYcQAa
Inside One State's Bold Plan to Keep Special Education Teachers
Pennsylvania's training and mentoring program works to retain teachers serving students with disabilities.
www.edweek.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Did you catch @afgilmour.bsky.social’s recent article in @edweek.org?
💡“The unique thing about Pennsylvania is they decided to do as many things as they can at once, addressing each part of the [special education teacher] pipeline.” - @afgilmour.bsky.social
Read how Pennsylvania supports its #SpecialEducation workforce: www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
Read how Pennsylvania supports its #SpecialEducation workforce: www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
Inside One State's Bold Plan to Keep Special Education Teachers
Pennsylvania's training and mentoring program works to retain teachers serving students with disabilities.
www.edweek.org
December 22, 2025 at 8:25 PM
💡“The unique thing about Pennsylvania is they decided to do as many things as they can at once, addressing each part of the [special education teacher] pipeline.” - @afgilmour.bsky.social
Read how Pennsylvania supports its #SpecialEducation workforce: www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
Read how Pennsylvania supports its #SpecialEducation workforce: www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
“Delivering effective #SpecialEducation involves collecting data, monitoring progress, and making instructional changes when progress stalls or falters.” - @afgilmour.bsky.social
Alli’s recent article in Education Next reflects on 50 years of #IDEA: www.educationnext.org/idea-at-50-l...
Alli’s recent article in Education Next reflects on 50 years of #IDEA: www.educationnext.org/idea-at-50-l...
IDEA at 50
The landmark federal law ensured access for students with disabilities. Now it’s time to focus on outcomes.
www.educationnext.org
December 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM
“Delivering effective #SpecialEducation involves collecting data, monitoring progress, and making instructional changes when progress stalls or falters.” - @afgilmour.bsky.social
Alli’s recent article in Education Next reflects on 50 years of #IDEA: www.educationnext.org/idea-at-50-l...
Alli’s recent article in Education Next reflects on 50 years of #IDEA: www.educationnext.org/idea-at-50-l...
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (#IDEA) was enacted 50 years ago. @airinforms.bsky.social highlights IDEA’s impact and the ongoing work to ensure a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities below.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (#IDEA) turns 50 this month! 🎉 This landmark law opened doors for millions of students with disabilities.
Watch AIR experts explain what expanded access means for students, families and communities: https://bit.ly/4p9jHEX
Watch AIR experts explain what expanded access means for students, families and communities: https://bit.ly/4p9jHEX
November 26, 2025 at 7:05 PM
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (#IDEA) was enacted 50 years ago. @airinforms.bsky.social highlights IDEA’s impact and the ongoing work to ensure a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities below.
💡“Our shortages aren’t really from not having enough people; it’s having people teaching the wrong thing.” - @afgilmour.bsky.social
Check out this article from Education Week which features research from our recent working paper on the #SpecialEducation teacher workforce.
Check out this article from Education Week which features research from our recent working paper on the #SpecialEducation teacher workforce.
Schools Have the Special Educators—But Keep Losing Them to General Ed.: A study across seven states finds educators for students with disabilities need more targeted support.
Schools Have the Special Educators—But Keep Losing Them to General Ed.
A study across seven states finds educators for students with disabilities need more targeted support.
www.edweek.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:45 PM
💡“Our shortages aren’t really from not having enough people; it’s having people teaching the wrong thing.” - @afgilmour.bsky.social
Check out this article from Education Week which features research from our recent working paper on the #SpecialEducation teacher workforce.
Check out this article from Education Week which features research from our recent working paper on the #SpecialEducation teacher workforce.
Did you know recruitment and retention of #SpecialEducation teachers varies widely by school contexts, including by poverty level, enrollment demographics, and location?
🔎Explore more with our data visualizer: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
🔎Explore more with our data visualizer: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
November 18, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Did you know recruitment and retention of #SpecialEducation teachers varies widely by school contexts, including by poverty level, enrollment demographics, and location?
🔎Explore more with our data visualizer: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
🔎Explore more with our data visualizer: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
🎉 Congratulations to SPARC Center’s @lmasonwms.bsky.social for receiving the Excellence in Teacher Education Award from @ted-cec.bsky.social!
This honor recognizes Lucky's outstanding contributions to preparing and supporting #SpecialEducation teachers.
This honor recognizes Lucky's outstanding contributions to preparing and supporting #SpecialEducation teachers.
November 14, 2025 at 5:15 PM
🎉 Congratulations to SPARC Center’s @lmasonwms.bsky.social for receiving the Excellence in Teacher Education Award from @ted-cec.bsky.social!
This honor recognizes Lucky's outstanding contributions to preparing and supporting #SpecialEducation teachers.
This honor recognizes Lucky's outstanding contributions to preparing and supporting #SpecialEducation teachers.
✨What does the #SpecialEducation teacher workforce look like within and across states? Our new interactive data visualizer tool looks at the composition, stability, and distribution of the workforce in our seven partner states.
Explore the tool: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
Explore the tool: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
SPARC Data Explorer | SPARC Center
sparccenter.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
✨What does the #SpecialEducation teacher workforce look like within and across states? Our new interactive data visualizer tool looks at the composition, stability, and distribution of the workforce in our seven partner states.
Explore the tool: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
Explore the tool: sparccenter.org/data-explore...
"As we have demonstrated, different states face different #SpecialEducation teacher turnover problems. This suggests that the most promising solutions might vary across states."
Read more about our recent findings in our article with @brookings.edu: www.brookings.edu/articles/sta...
Read more about our recent findings in our article with @brookings.edu: www.brookings.edu/articles/sta...
States face different special education staffing challenges that require targeted responses | Brookings
Special education teacher turnover varies by state, calling for targeted, locally informed policy solutions.
www.brookings.edu
November 12, 2025 at 5:31 PM
"As we have demonstrated, different states face different #SpecialEducation teacher turnover problems. This suggests that the most promising solutions might vary across states."
Read more about our recent findings in our article with @brookings.edu: www.brookings.edu/articles/sta...
Read more about our recent findings in our article with @brookings.edu: www.brookings.edu/articles/sta...
🔍Our new Working Paper uses consistent variables across states. Leveraging Common Education Data Standards and Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems enables meaningful cross-state comparisons of the #SpecialEducation Teacher workforce.
Read more: sparccenter.org/research-fin...
Read more: sparccenter.org/research-fin...
The Composition, Distribution, and Stability of the Special Education Teacher Workforce in Seven States | SPARC Center
sparccenter.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
🔍Our new Working Paper uses consistent variables across states. Leveraging Common Education Data Standards and Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems enables meaningful cross-state comparisons of the #SpecialEducation Teacher workforce.
Read more: sparccenter.org/research-fin...
Read more: sparccenter.org/research-fin...
💡SPARC Center’s @roddy-theobald.bsky.social is presenting at @appam.bsky.social this week. Explore his sessions at the link below.
AIR is proud to be a Gold Sponsor at #APPAM2025 next week in Seattle.
Our experts will be presenting on topics such as college access, CTE, teacher workforce, AI in education, and career pathways.
🔗 Explore all our @appam.bsky.social sessions: https://bit.ly/47t1wSU
Our experts will be presenting on topics such as college access, CTE, teacher workforce, AI in education, and career pathways.
🔗 Explore all our @appam.bsky.social sessions: https://bit.ly/47t1wSU
November 10, 2025 at 2:35 PM
💡SPARC Center’s @roddy-theobald.bsky.social is presenting at @appam.bsky.social this week. Explore his sessions at the link below.
Nov 14 Session:
💡Piloting the Revealing Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching Measure: A Psychometric Evaluation with a Nationally Representative Sample with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Washington Park 2
💡Piloting the Revealing Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching Measure: A Psychometric Evaluation with a Nationally Representative Sample with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Washington Park 2
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 14 Session:
💡Piloting the Revealing Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching Measure: A Psychometric Evaluation with a Nationally Representative Sample with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Washington Park 2
💡Piloting the Revealing Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching Measure: A Psychometric Evaluation with a Nationally Representative Sample with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Washington Park 2
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dual-Certification in Special Education and General Education (Session: Multiple Paper 41) with @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 3–3:50 pm
📍 Century A
💡A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dual-Certification in Special Education and General Education (Session: Multiple Paper 41) with @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 3–3:50 pm
📍 Century A
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dual-Certification in Special Education and General Education (Session: Multiple Paper 41) with @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 3–3:50 pm
📍 Century A
💡A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dual-Certification in Special Education and General Education (Session: Multiple Paper 41) with @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 3–3:50 pm
📍 Century A
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡Multiple Lenses on Special Educators’ Work: Exploring the Complexity and Multidimensionality of Special Education Teaching Quality with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 Thursday 11/13 from 3:00–3:50 pm
📍 Pershing Place West
💡Multiple Lenses on Special Educators’ Work: Exploring the Complexity and Multidimensionality of Special Education Teaching Quality with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 Thursday 11/13 from 3:00–3:50 pm
📍 Pershing Place West
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡Multiple Lenses on Special Educators’ Work: Exploring the Complexity and Multidimensionality of Special Education Teaching Quality with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 Thursday 11/13 from 3:00–3:50 pm
📍 Pershing Place West
💡Multiple Lenses on Special Educators’ Work: Exploring the Complexity and Multidimensionality of Special Education Teaching Quality with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 Thursday 11/13 from 3:00–3:50 pm
📍 Pershing Place West
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡Project SUSTAIN: Developing a Collaborative Intervention for Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Penn Valley
💡Project SUSTAIN: Developing a Collaborative Intervention for Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Penn Valley
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡Project SUSTAIN: Developing a Collaborative Intervention for Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Penn Valley
💡Project SUSTAIN: Developing a Collaborative Intervention for Special Educators’ Conditions for Teaching with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 11–11:50 am
📍 Penn Valley
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡Examining the Special Education Workforce through Cross-State Analysis with @lmasonwms.bsky.social and @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 10–10:50 am
💡Examining the Special Education Workforce through Cross-State Analysis with @lmasonwms.bsky.social and @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 10–10:50 am
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 13 Sessions Continued:
💡Examining the Special Education Workforce through Cross-State Analysis with @lmasonwms.bsky.social and @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 10–10:50 am
💡Examining the Special Education Workforce through Cross-State Analysis with @lmasonwms.bsky.social and @afgilmour.bsky.social
🕐️ 10–10:50 am
Nov 13 Sessions:
💡Overwork in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perspectives with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 8–8:50 am
📍 Washington Park 3
💡Keynote Panel: Preparing Special Educators in a Time of Uncertainty with Lynn Holdheide
🕐️ 9–9:50 am
💡Overwork in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perspectives with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 8–8:50 am
📍 Washington Park 3
💡Keynote Panel: Preparing Special Educators in a Time of Uncertainty with Lynn Holdheide
🕐️ 9–9:50 am
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 13 Sessions:
💡Overwork in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perspectives with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 8–8:50 am
📍 Washington Park 3
💡Keynote Panel: Preparing Special Educators in a Time of Uncertainty with Lynn Holdheide
🕐️ 9–9:50 am
💡Overwork in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perspectives with @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐️ 8–8:50 am
📍 Washington Park 3
💡Keynote Panel: Preparing Special Educators in a Time of Uncertainty with Lynn Holdheide
🕐️ 9–9:50 am
Nov 12 Sessions:
💡Publishing and Reviewing for Teacher Education and Special Education Journal with LaRon Scott and @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 1-1:50pm
📍 Century B
💡Special Educators’ Working Conditions and Building Family Relationships: A Missing Link?
🕐️ 1–1:50pm
📍 Pershing Place East
💡Publishing and Reviewing for Teacher Education and Special Education Journal with LaRon Scott and @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 1-1:50pm
📍 Century B
💡Special Educators’ Working Conditions and Building Family Relationships: A Missing Link?
🕐️ 1–1:50pm
📍 Pershing Place East
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Nov 12 Sessions:
💡Publishing and Reviewing for Teacher Education and Special Education Journal with LaRon Scott and @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 1-1:50pm
📍 Century B
💡Special Educators’ Working Conditions and Building Family Relationships: A Missing Link?
🕐️ 1–1:50pm
📍 Pershing Place East
💡Publishing and Reviewing for Teacher Education and Special Education Journal with LaRon Scott and @lizbettini.bsky.social
🕐 1-1:50pm
📍 Century B
💡Special Educators’ Working Conditions and Building Family Relationships: A Missing Link?
🕐️ 1–1:50pm
📍 Pershing Place East
🌟SPARC Center researchers are presenting at @ted-cec.bsky.social next week. Check out this thread for their sessions:
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
🌟SPARC Center researchers are presenting at @ted-cec.bsky.social next week. Check out this thread for their sessions:
Our results underscore the importance of considering #SpecialEducation staffing challenges across states and contexts. Read the full paper here: sparccenter.org/research-fin...
The Composition, Distribution, and Stability of the Special Education Teacher Workforce in Seven States | SPARC Center
sparccenter.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Our results underscore the importance of considering #SpecialEducation staffing challenges across states and contexts. Read the full paper here: sparccenter.org/research-fin...
➡️ Patterns of turnover varied across school types, with the highest turnover in charter schools.
November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
➡️ Patterns of turnover varied across school types, with the highest turnover in charter schools.
➡️ Special education teacher turnover rates were generally higher in higher-poverty schools.
November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
➡️ Special education teacher turnover rates were generally higher in higher-poverty schools.
➡️After the first year of the pandemic, special education teacher attrition rates declined, spiked, and then stabilized.
November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
➡️After the first year of the pandemic, special education teacher attrition rates declined, spiked, and then stabilized.
➡️ In most states, special education teacher attrition rates were higher than attrition rates for other teachers.
November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
➡️ In most states, special education teacher attrition rates were higher than attrition rates for other teachers.
➡️ States varied considerably in how they identify special education teachers in their data and how they staff special education, leading to different staffing ratios.
November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
➡️ States varied considerably in how they identify special education teachers in their data and how they staff special education, leading to different staffing ratios.