COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (WOWT) - Council Bluffs Community Schools District is looking ahead to the start of the year by welcoming new teachers to the district. One of those teachers, a former paraprofessional, is an example of how Council Bluffs is addressing special education teacher shortages in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Education lists special education teachers as their number one shortage for the 2025-26 school year. For Council Bluffs, they understand it’s a difficult role to fill.

“Special education is a challenging job. There are our learners who need extra support, and some different approaches. So those teachers -- it is an extra challenge for them, said Julie Foster, Chief Legal and Human Resource Officer for Council Bluffs.”

A lack of roles filled in one area can cause schoo

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