Have you ever helped your child master something he couldn't seem to learn from his teacher? Have you developed learning materials for your child that she loves? Do you feel you have an instinct that helps you nurture young learners? If so, have you ever considered teaching as a career? Yes, you. As the parent of a child with learning disabilities, you've gained valuable first hand experience in working with special needs learners, and the teaching field needs experience like yours.

Teacher shortages are a problem in both regular and special education programs. Fueled by multiple factors such as retiring baby-boomers, lower numbers entering teaching, and teachers leaving the profession, the problem will likely get worse. How does the teacher shortage in special education programs affect your learning disabled child?

• Many school districts hire emergency and/or probationary certified teachers for special education programs.
• Teachers not fully certified may be enrolled in alternative certification programs.
• While many teachers with non-standard certifications become excellent teachers, during their training periods, they often lack experience and broad understanding of learning disabilities and special education programs.

In response to the teacher shortage, many states have developed teacher recruitment initiatives such as this North Carolina program that encourages local school employees such as teacher assistants to pursue teaching credentials. The American Federation of Teachers sponsors a loan forgiveness program for college students who become teachers. Most state education agencies offer alternative routes to certification to help working potentials transition into teaching, and many offer tuition assistance, loan forgiveness, and scholarship programs for recent high school graduates and non-traditional students. Learn more:

• Top 10 Reasons to Become a Teacher
• How to Become a Teacher
• How to Get Certified to Teach