Based on growing demand fueled by a substantial number of unfilled positions at state and national levels, the University of Iowa College of Education is introducing a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education.
Both Iowa and federal agencies estimate that all special education licensure domains have teacher shortages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the next decade there will be approximately 38,000 openings each year for special education teachers.
“We’re very excited to offer a BA in special education. As part of the degree, undergraduates will receive cutting-edge training in ways to support K-12 students with disabilities,” explains Shawn Datchuk, program coordinator and professor of special education. Across Iowa and the nation, there is a persistent shortage of special education teachers. Put simply, there are classrooms in Iowa and the U.S. without a highly trained, permanent teacher.”
Iowa’s need for more special education teachers is undeniable. It’s exemplified by the number of unfilled positions as well as the number of special education teachers who need additional coursework to meet state requirements for their current role (i.e., conditional licenses).
With 221 currently unfilled positions in the state, special education has more vacancies than other high need areas, including the sciences (88) and mathematics (36).
To help fill the void, this new major will complement existing offerings in special education by providing a foundation and pathway into advanced, graduate-level study in the field.
“This new BA will help alleviate the shortage of special education teachers. Undergraduates will work closely with our award-winning, internationally recognized faculty who are experts in a wide range of disciplines, including reading, writing, and behavioral supports,” adds Datchuk.
College of Education administrators and faculty have established consistent dialog with school district officials who are seeking additional special education teachers. With the launch of this new bachelor’s degree, the college is distinctively poised to help fill this need.
"Across Iowa and the nation, there is a persistent shortage of special education teachers. As part of the degree, undergraduates will receive cutting-edge training in ways to support K-12 students with disabilities."
– Professor Shawn Datchuk, program coordinator
Courses for the Special Education BA major are intended to satisfy state requirements for initial licensure as a teacher with one of three endorsements in special education:
- Instructional Strategist II: Behavior Disorders / Learning Disabilities K-12
- Instructional Strategist I: Mild and Moderate K-8
- Instructional Strategist I: Mild and Moderate 5-12
Courses could also result in additional endorsements (e.g., K-12 Instructional Strategist II: Intellectual Disabilities), as well as preparation for the growing field of applied behavior analysis.
Students who enroll in the Special Education BA major can expect curriculum that delivers comprehensive learning outcomes. Some of the program’s core academic objectives will prepare students to:
- Describe the developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and academic characteristics of students with mild to moderate disabilities and explain how these characteristics influence instructional decision-making.
- Apply principles of evidence-based instructional design and assessment—including explicit instruction, applied behavior analysis, and data-based individualization—to plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction.
- Design and implement behavior support plans and social interventions that promote positive and safe learning environments across general and special education settings.
- Collaborate effectively with families, paraprofessionals, and interdisciplinary team members to plan and deliver individualized education programs (IEPs) and related services.
Cohorts will likely consist of a mix of graduates from Iowa’s community colleges; in-service paraeducators making the transition to teaching; and first-year students who select the University of Iowa because of the availability of this unique undergraduate program.
“We are happy to be doing our part to prepare teachers to help fill a pressing need in our state and beyond. I know we have outstanding faculty members in special education who have the background and experience to provide outstanding preparation for pre-service students in this area,” says Mark McDermott, associate dean for undergraduate education and educator preparation. “This new degree pathway will allow our faculty to share their expertise with future teachers, with the ultimate result of providing effective learning opportunities for countless K-12 students.”
UI’s College of Education is among a select few to offer this degree. While many colleges and post-secondary schools in Iowa offer special education endorsements, undergraduate majors in special education are only offered by a small percentage of institutions in the state.
With approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Iowa Board of Education Examiners, classes for the Bachelor of Arts in Special Education are set to begin in August of 2026.