The State of Special Education Staffing 2025-2026 Report

The data-backed insights you need to drive positive change in your district.

Cover of a guide titled 'The State of Special Education Staffing: A School District's Guide for 2025/2026' by Soliant, featuring a photograph of a smiling woman and a young girl looking at a tablet together.

What’s Inside

Our latest State of Special Education Staffing report delivers an up-to-date look at the education talent landscape—helping districts plan strategically and act proactively. All insights are drawn from trusted national sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Lightcast Analyst, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ensuring you’re making decisions based on the most current and credible information available. You’ll find:

  • Role-by-Role Talent Market Outlook Employment trends, candidate supply, projected growth, and competitive demand for key positions including Special Education Teachers, SLPs, School Psychologists, Behavioral Specialists, and more.
  • Regional Staffing Insights Compensation trends, vacancy rates, and hiring challenges by U.S. region.
  • Student Outcomes & Compliance How staffing shortages affect service delivery, legal obligations, and academic progress.
  • Retention & Recruitment Strategies Data-backed approaches to reduce turnover and build resilient teams.
A teacher reads a book to a group of young children sitting on a colorful rug, with one boy smiling brightly. A translucent teal hand with a red heart is overlaid above.

Why It Matters

Staffing Shortages. Rising Needs. New Solutions.

  • Protect student outcomes Avoid service delays, meet IEP timelines, and ensure students receive the interventions they need.
  • Stay compliant Reduce the risk of IDEA and FAPE violations by having qualified staff in place.
  • Make informed budget decisions Anticipate hiring costs and resource needs based on reliable market data.
  • Retain talent Address burnout and turnover with targeted, data-informed solutions.

Your copy of The State of Special Education Staffing 2025-2026 Report is ready.

A woman sits on the floor, smiling at a young boy who is also sitting and smiling at her. He is pointing at something in a book lying on the floor between them, next to a bead maze toy.

Who We Are

For more than three decades, Soliant has met the needs of school districts like yours.

Soliant is a trusted education staffing partner with over 30 years of experience helping districts nationwide fill critical special education and student support roles. We combine national reach with local understanding to match you with credentialed professionals who can make an immediate impact. In 2024 alone, 33,000+ school professionals trusted us to place them in jobs in all 50 states.

What Other School Districts Say About Us

Kim

Speech and Language Program Specialist

“One of the things that sets Soliant apart from other companies is that they truly want what is best for their staff. There have been several instances where they have put their personnel over profits because of what was in the best interest of the candidate personally. Working with Soliant has been a pleasure.”

Nicole

Occupational Therapist

“The Soliant team is an outstanding support system. They're consistently responsive, approachable, and genuinely invested in making things run smoothly. From day one, it’s been easy to reach out, get answers, and feel supported in every step of the process. Their professionalism and warmth make working together a breeze.”

Aaron

School District Supervisor

“We have used Soliant to help us place SLPs, Interpreters, DHH, & O+Ms. They are very knowledgeable and always willing to learn about our schools and communities to best provide support.”

Megan

SLP Coordinator

“Soliant has been top-tier when it comes to recruiting qualified Speech-Language Pathologists for our large district. Their team is highly responsive, ensuring a seamless hiring process by addressing inquiries promptly and efficiently. With a strong commitment to connecting professionals with the right opportunities, Soliant consistently demonstrates reliability and professionalism, making them a trusted choice for SLP recruitment.”

Lynn

Executive Director of Special Education

“From the very beginning of our partnership with Soliant, it was evident that they were a company dedicated to our success. Their commitment to our vision and goals has been unwavering, and it’s clear that they take the time to understand the unique needs and challenges of our school district.”

Brooke

Executive Director of Special Education

“Soliant is undeniably a great company to partner with. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to the success of Special Education Directors make them an indispensable asset for anyone in the field.”

Why Districts Choose Soliant

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Evaluations

 

Our experts perform comprehensive evaluations using various tools to assess cognitive, academic, and behavioral needs, guiding personalized educational plans.

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Individualized Education Program (IEPs)

 

Our team specializes in developing and implementing tailored IEPs, ensuring compliance with regulations and addressing each student’s unique learning needs.

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Case Management

 

We provide experienced case managers to coordinate the delivery of services, track progress, and ensure IEPs are effectively implemented for each student.

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Collaborative Learning Communities

 

We create collaborative learning communities where special education professionals within school districts can share ideas, discuss challenges, and solve problems.

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Special Education Advisory Team

 

BlazerWorks provides a special education advisory team of 50+ educators and therapists who provide resources, mentorship, and IEP support to school professionals, along with professional development and administrative guidance.

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Ongoing Support & Coaching

 

We believe in ongoing professional development. Our coaching services include classroom observations, feedback sessions, and collaborative problem-solving.

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Professional Development

 

Our professional development sessions equip educators with best practices in areas like IEPs, behavior management, and differentiated instruction.

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Mentorship Services

 

We offer one-on-one mentorship to help new special education teachers refine their skills and build confidence through expert advice and support.

Your copy of The State of Special Education Staffing 2025-2026 Report is ready.