OP/Ed: Release date August 4, 2025
Michigan Supports Its Special Education Workforce
State Representative Carol Glanville, 84th
School districts struggle to hire and retain the specialized professionals necessary to provide timely and practical support to individuals with disabilities.
Meeting these challenges requires sustained investment in those who maintain and amplify the special education field. In 2021, the Michigan legislature approved the creation of a Task Force to identify barriers and make recommendations to attract, prepare, and retain special educators. OPTIMISE is a statewide initiative designed to do precisely that—attracting, preparing, and retaining a diverse workforce of special education personnel who serve individuals with disabilities from birth to age 26.
The need for action spans across the state. Urban, suburban and rural districts alike are competing for a shrinking pool of certified professionals. Without addressing shortages in key roles, such as special education teachers, paraeducators, early childhood interventionists, and related service providers, access and outcomes for students and families will continue to be limited and delayed.
The case for legislative support is clear:
This problem is not unique to my district. However, I have seen firsthand that the communities I represent, including Walker, Grandville, and the City of Grand Rapids, already feel the strain. Ongoing staffing shortages are putting significant pressure on the professionals who provide these essential Services.
OPTIMISE offers data-driven, collaborative solutions through workforce pathways, mentoring systems, and regional partnerships. The mission of OPTIMISE is to build, support, and sustain a NEW education system that can enthusiastically attract, prepare, and retain an effective and diverse special education workforce to serve individuals across Michigan. OPTIMISE has already proven to be a valuable investment, making a significant impact on the quality, availability, and coordination of special education services across the state in public, charter, and private schools.
Every Michigan student deserves access to qualified professionals, which requires statewide investment. Building a pipeline for special education careers ensures consistency, quality, and due Diligence.
My legislative colleagues and I are working on legislation that aligns with the OPTIMISE initiative, presenting an opportunity to move Michigan forward. These are not temporary fixes, but long-term strategies designed to create a sustainable foundation for the state’s educational and workforce future.
For more information about OPTIMISE: Click Here
Carol Glanville represents Michigan’s 84th House District, including Walker, Grandville, and parts of Grand Rapids. She brings over 20 years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and curriculum specialist. Currently, she serves on the House Appropriations Committee and as Minority Vice Chair of the School Aid and Department of Education Subcommittee.
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Office of Representative Carol Glanville D-84
