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Shortage of Teachers from Diverse Groups

CEC's innovative strategies to attract and retain special education teachers have gained national attention. A significant aspect of CEC's program is to attract educators from diverse backgrounds to the field. Special educators from diverse cultures provide not only the specialized instruction culturally and linguistically diverse students need but also a relationship that is culturally comfortable for the students. These teachers also help other educators understand the cultural dimensions of student behavior. To attract special educators from diverse cultures to special education, CEC, with the National Clearinghouse on Professions in Special Education produced public service announcements, brochures, and other publicity materials targeting this population at both the college and career-change levels.