East Wilco schools cope with shortage of special-education staff

Though schools nationwide are struggling to fill slots for teachers of students with a learning disability, East Wilco districts are stepping up to meet the challenges in several ways, educators say.

Those approaches range from financial incentives and “grow-your-own” teacher programs to increased administrative and peer support for teachers and instructional aides.

“We are struggling with supply and demand to meet the needs of students,” said Cara Malone, chief of schools for the Hutto Independent School District.