All over the United States, schools are scrambling to find qualified special education teachers. There just arent enough of them to fill every open position.

That means schools must often settle for people who are under-certified and inexperienced. Special ed is tough, and those who arent ready for the challenge may not make it past the first year or two.

Really good teacher preparation might be the difference. At least, thats what the Lee Pesky Learning Center believes.

In partnership with Boise State University, this nonprofit is working to overcome the shortage in Idaho, not just by filling vacancies, but by creating special education teachers fully prepared for the demands — and the rewards — of working with special-needs students.

via Solving The Special Ed Teacher Shortage: Quality, Not Quantity : NPR Ed : NPR.