The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) empowers special education teachers, advocates, and professionals with practical training, trusted resources, and meaningful connections - supporting those who make a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs.
It’s Friday! Please stay safe, warm and cozy this weekend!
We’re talking about Special Education Shortages and Retention for our next expert webinar. Register below!
PLUS: We ALWAYS want to know which topics you’d like to see us cover in webinars and short courses this year - add yours by replying to today’s newsletter!
Empower Learners with an Online ABA Master’s Degree
Special educators make a difference every day. The Ohio State University’s online Master of Educational Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis helps you deepen your practice by understanding evidence-based interventions that enhance learning and foster independence. This ABAI-accredited program prepares you to pursue the BCBA credential with flexible, mostly asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals.
56,000 Vacant Special Education Positions. Here's What Actually Keeps Teachers.
The conversation around special education teacher shortages often misses what is actually happening. On February 18th at 7PM EST, Dr. Tuan Nguyen, creator of TeacherShortages.com, will break down the data behind why districts struggle to retain teachers even after positions are filled. He will also explain which commonly used retention strategies fail, and what the evidence shows actually keeps educators in the classroom.
🗓️ Wednesday, February 18 @ 7PM EST
Free for Members / $85 for Non-Members
NASET Support Squad Downloads of the Week: Supporting Paraprofessionals in Special Education Settings and Evidence-Based Math Instruction for Special Education
👉 Scroll down to instantly download
From the NASET Vault
Classroom Management Series Series
POLICY & FUNDING DEVELOPMENTS The first year has seen at least $12 billion in school funding disruptions, creating uncertainty for districts nationwide, with special education spending continuing to strain K-12 budgets across the country. Disability rights lawyers face threats of budget cuts and reassignments, potentially weakening civil rights enforcement for students with disabilities. The Education Department has abandoned a controversial anti-DEI directive following legal challenges. Congress is moving to maintain most federal education funding, pushing back on proposed cuts that would disproportionately affect special education programs.
LEGAL & CIVIL RIGHTS DEVELOPMENTS The ADA faces a significant setback as online documents are being purged, threatening accessibility resources that disability advocates fought decades to establish. NPR examines the ongoing work of defending the disabled amid policy challenges. California's attorney general is opposing a proposal that would exclude gender dysphoria from disability protections, removing anti-discrimination safeguards.
RESEARCH & HEALTH INSIGHTS The FDA has pulled warnings about potentially dangerous autism therapies, raising safety concerns among medical professionals. Research confirms Tylenol in pregnancy is safe with no link to autism, contradicting recent policy statements. Studies reveal why ADHD goes undiagnosed in girls and why teens with ADHD are vulnerable to social media, highlighting gender bias and digital risks. Research links ADHD traits in childhood to physical health problems in midlife, revealing long-term impacts. New research explores how neurodevelopmental disorders impact academic performance, particularly when multiple conditions co-occur. A German study examines timing of brain surgery in pediatric traumatic brain injury, with important implications for treatment protocols. University of Birmingham researchers find that autistic and non-autistic faces may "speak a different language" when expressing emotion. A Chilean study reveals medical comorbidities in autistic children, identifying sex-specific clustering patterns at diagnosis.
EDUCATION & TEACHING PRACTICES New research shows how vocabulary math teachers use affects student learning, with important implications for instruction, just as debates over math teaching are heating up. The Special Olympics releases The Global State of Inclusion in Education, highlighting the critical role of teachers.
Looking for a clear, up-to-date view of compensation trends in education?
👉 Explore Onward Search’s 2026 Salary Guide!
Special Education Teachers needed in Arizona (Phoenix and surrounding cities) @ STARS - $70K / year
Teacher of Special Education @ Newark Board of Education (Newark, NJ) - $67K - $111K / year
Looking for a new role? Join the NASET Talent Network!
Your Path to BCBA Certification
Broaden your professional opportunities with Ohio State’s online Applied Behavior Analysis master’s degree. This ABAI-accredited program meets coursework, degree, and supervised field experience requirements to prepare you to pursue the BCBA credential – all while continuing to work and support learners.
Shout Out to Last Week’s Winners Who Correctly Answered, “When the IEP team determines, based on the student’s individual needs and data, that the student cannot be educated satisfactorily in the general education setting even with appropriate supplementary aids and services.” View the winners list here!
This Week's Question:
What data are states required to report annually under Section 618 of IDEA?
Correctly answer 3 or more trivia questions each month to be eligible for a gift card! We had 21 winners in December!
What’s one topic you want more resources for in 2026? Reply to this email and let us know!
“This program gave me confidence to improve clients’ quality of life.”
Ohio State’s online ABA master’s degree supports students like Michaela who want to deepen their impact with the learners they support. Through comprehensive, evidence-based learning, the program makes it possible to keep growing and making a difference.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”