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.
Happy Friday! Here’s to a warmer weekend and outdoor time!
Join us next week for our webinar on the special education teacher shortage and be sure to download this week’s worksheets!
Advance Your Special Education Career Online
Ready to deepen your impact? The University of Cincinnati's online M.Ed. in Special Education offers flexible, 100% online learning with three concentration paths: Licensure with Reading Endorsement, Complex Needs Support, or Transition to Work Leadership. Choose the path that fits your goals while balancing work and life. Financial aid available. UC ranked #2 online program in Ohio. Start this spring, summer, or fall.
NASET has added 3 month payment plans and course outline handbook downloads for each of our certifications. 👉 Explore Your Certification Today
As of February 3, 2026, all NASET certification and course content is Pennsylvania ACT 48 approved! This makes getting CEU approval easier - even outside of PA. 👉 Explore our state by state guide and our admin approval templates!
ASD Course Is Live We're excited to launch our newest course, Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The 5-module course will also feature quarterly live expert sessions. 👉 Enroll Today
You’re Doing the Work of Three People. Here’s Why.
The "teacher shortage" isn't an abstract stat - it’s your packed schedule. On Wednesday the 18th, Dr. Tuan Nguyen (creator of TeacherShortages.com) breaks down the data behind the burnout and explores the real-world shifts needed to make special education sustainable again.📅 THIS Wednesday, February 18 @ 7PM EST
Free for Members / $85 for Non-Members
Refer a friend or colleague to NASET and you both get 5% off! If they make a purchase, you get 20% off your next purchase! 👉 Make a referral today!
NASET Support Squad Downloads of the Week: Developing Effective Reading Strategies for Special Education Students and Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Classroom 👉 Scroll down to instantly download
From the NASET vault
Lesser Known Disorders Series: Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, Transcortical Aphasia, and Wernicke’s Aphasia
Perry Zirkel’s latest piece on the impacts of the Endrew F. ruling
POLICY & LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS Advocates warn that altering IDEA poses substantial risk to students with disabilities as policy debates intensify. Reports show student civil rights cases being dismissed by the Education Department, raising concerns about enforcement. Schools are racing to meet web accessibility deadlines to ensure digital equity for students with disabilities. Schools are developing strategies for supporting special education students amid immigration enforcement, addressing fears affecting vulnerable families. In an unexpected legal development, needle exchanges receive ADA protection in a federal settlement.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PRACTICES Nashville has dismantled segregated classrooms for students with disabilities, offering a roadmap for other districts. New research explains why inclusive classrooms benefit every student, not just those with disabilities. Texas A&M researchers identify the keys to creating accessible classrooms for children with disabilities. A rural district found success by using college students to keep English learners in school, demonstrating innovative staffing solutions. Research shows mentors can prevent English learners from dropping out, with specific strategies that work. Special educators are using AI to fill gaps, though long-term effects remain unknown. Perry Zirkel writes about how schools are mis-identifying 504-only students, leading to inappropriate services and legal exposure.
RESEARCH & HEALTH INSIGHTS Stanford researchers discovered that math learning disability affects how the brain tackles problems, revealing specific neural patterns. University of Houston scientists found distinct brain differences in children with dyslexia that could improve early identification. Drexel research reveals a surprising link between ADHD and creativity, challenging deficit-focused narratives. Boston University research suggests early development is critical for those with autism, identifying key intervention windows. Research in JAMA explores early intervention developmental programming and childhood academic outcomes. Michigan State researchers examined charter schools and students with disabilities, finding mixed outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics addresses autism screening tools and referral processes, offering guidance for pediatricians.
LITERACY & READING INSTRUCTION Congress wants to know what makes science of reading work, requesting evidence-based answers. Schools are discovering how reading aloud boosts students' confidence and fluency, particularly for struggling readers.
Looking for a clear, up-to-date view of compensation trends in education?
👉 Explore Onward Search’s 2026 Salary Guide!
Looking for a new role? Join the NASET Talent Network!
Master's in Special Education, Your Way
Earn your M.Ed. in Special Education completely online with the University of Cincinnati. Pick from three concentrations including licensure with reading endorsement or complex needs support. Financial aid available. Part-time flexibility fits your schedule. Transfer up to nine graduate credits. Make a bigger difference for students with disabilities while advancing your career on your terms. Enroll spring, summer, or fall.
Shout Out to Last Week’s Winners Who Correctly Answered, “No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which was followed by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015.” View the winners list here!
This Week's Question:
What document explains parent rights under IDEA?
Correctly answer 3 or more trivia questions each month to be eligible for a gift card! We had 25 winners in January!
What’s one topic you want more resources for in 2026? Reply to this email and let us know!
Level Up Your Special Education Expertise
University of Cincinnati's online M.Ed. in Special Education prepares you for leadership roles in K-12 education, advocacy, rehabilitation, and community support. Three specialized tracks including Transition to Work Endorsement and Special Education Leadership. Fully online format with part-time flexibility. Transfer up to nine credits. Start this spring, summer, or fall and build the skills to transform lives of individuals with disabilities.
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”