Beth Ackerman Speaks on Special Education Teacher Shortages at National Panel
Posted November 20, 2024
Dr. Beth Ackerman, Senior Vice President of Rivermont Schools, joined a distinguished panel hosted by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to discuss the national crisis in special education teacher shortages. The panel, titled The Federal Response to Teacher Shortages and Impacts on Students with Disabilities, examined the challenges schools face in meeting the needs of students with disabilities and explored potential solutions.
In her testimony, Dr. Ackerman shared her unique perspective as an educator, administrator, and parent. Overseeing Rivermont Schools’ 17 campuses across Virginia, which serve approximately 1,000 students with autism or emotional and behavioral disabilities, she has firsthand knowledge of the staffing challenges impacting special education. Drawing on her background as a former teacher and principal, as well as her leadership in teacher education programs at Liberty University, she emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“Teacher shortages in special education have always been a challenge, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exasperated this crisis,” Dr. Ackerman testified. She noted how the pipeline for special education teachers has been shrinking for years, with enrollment in teacher preparation programs continuing to decline. To address these challenges, Rivermont Schools has implemented innovative programs to recruit and retain educators, including a "grow your own" initiative. This program provides Mental Health Counselors with opportunities to take coursework and become provisionally licensed teachers, funded by Rivermont. While the program has successfully filled critical staffing gaps and created opportunities for professional growth, Dr. Ackerman highlighted hurdles such as delays in the licensing process and the persistent need for fully certified educators.
Additionally, Rivermont Schools has focused on professional development and creating supportive environments for teachers to thrive. Efforts include mentorship programs for new teachers and collaboration with higher education institutions to encourage students to enter the field of special education. These strategies aim to ensure students receive the high-quality, individualized instruction they deserve.
Dr. Ackerman also brought attention to the disparities in regulations for private and public schools, explaining how Rivermont’s ability to open new classrooms to meet demand is hindered by requirements that all teachers—current and future—be fully licensed. This has led to waiting lists for students who need services urgently. Dr. Ackerman concluded with a call for collaborative solutions, offering her expertise to any efforts addressing the crisis. “There is a crisis facing America regarding quality special educators who can assist our millions of students with special needs,” she said. “I am hopeful solutions can be found.”
To view Dr. Ackerman’s full testimony, visit this link.
