In collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education, institutes of higher education, educator prep programs, local districts, and professional associations are working towards:

1. Analyzing state, regional and local data to understand barriers facing districts in recruiting and retaining an effective special education workforce.
2. Implementing strategies to address immediate special education personnel shortage needs at the district level through an initial licensure residency program targeted to traditional special education teacher candidates.
3. Developing grow your own (GYO) licensure pathways for paraeducators with or without a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
4. Developing guidance and implement a sustainable mentoring and induction model for new special education teachers and their mentors reflecting related IDEA requirements.
5. Developing mechanisms to increase awareness of Vermont’s current initiatives to address shortages, including those connected to CEEDAR work.
6. Supporting Vermont institutions of higher education (IHEs) to integrate evidence-based practices into preparation coursework and clinical experiences.