Wisconsin Education Officials Getting Boost to Fill Special Education Classrooms

Thursday, September 10th, 2026 -- 12:01 PM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) Wisconsin education officials are getting a $10.5 million boost in their effort to fill special education classrooms.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, the five-year funding award will expand the STAIRS-WI program, which recruits and trains new special educators through a paid apprenticeship model.

The grant will also support mentoring and professional development to help retain educators. State data shows it is difficult to retain special education teachers, with fewer than 44% teachers still in Wisconsin public schools by their eighth year.

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