While “The Great Resignation” has been a major challenge for schools, it’s proven to be especially challenging for special education departments. The dearth of teachers specially trained in special education is a concern for most school districts, including Canyons District. The shortage of para-educators for special education classrooms also is an issue, and CSD this week started a new incentive program for current employees to hopefully fill those positions. Current employees who refer a candidate who accepts a paraeducator job and stays for at least 90 days will receive an extra $500. Employees who recruit a part-time paraeducator who stays for at least 90 days will receive $250. Even with the shortage of teachers and staff, special education departments work hard to provide services to the students who need just a little more help to do big things. Special Education Director Nate Edvalson will talk about the need for teachers, paraeducators, and the great work being done in special education classes and programs, such as speech-language pathology. Special Education Director Nate Edvalson and Amy Buckley - Speech and language specialist join the show to discuss the resources available to students and need and the staffing issues they are facing in the department.