ksn.com

As Kansas continues to deal with a special education teacher shortage, a new federal grant could help the state address the growing issue. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced on Thursday that the state will receive $4.5 million to expand education opportunities for special education teachers in Kansas. “This federal award recognizes the need to significantly expand capacity to meet the demand to fill the vacancies for fully licensed special education teachers in Kansas,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Jake Steel. According to data from KSDE, there are currently 361 special education position vacancies across the state. Officials report this new funding will provide education to 291 special education trainees, who will work toward earning a Kansas special education teaching license