Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Article submitted by: Amy Carriere, CESA 10
Wisconsin schools are working hard to keep great special educators in the field — especially in those tough first few years. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is connecting two big efforts to make that happen: Statewide Systems of Support (SSoS) Coaching and New Special Educator Retention initiatives. Together, they give new teachers the guidance, confidence, and community they need to stay and grow.
Coaching: Support that sticks
DPI’s coaching model isn’t about advice or evaluation — it’s about learning side by side. Coaches support teachers in planning lessons, trying out strategies, reflecting, and making changes in real time. It’s job-embedded, ongoing, and personal. Through the Statewide Systems of Support, DPI and CESAs are building coaching structures that help districts make this kind of support part of everyday practice, not just a one-time professional development event.
Why it matters for new special educators
New special educators often juggle huge caseloads, complicated paperwork, and challenging behaviors — all while trying to learn the job. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or isolated. Coaching and mentoring through DPI’s Special Educator Induction Program give those teachers a lifeline. They get someone to turn to for real classroom help and to celebrate small wins along the way.
Building systems that last
The best part? Coaching doesn’t just help one teacher at a time. It helps build stronger school systems. When CESAs, districts, and DPI use common coaching tools and language, new teachers get consistent, high-quality support no matter where they work. That consistency is what keeps good teachers in the profession — and keeps students benefiting from their expertise.
The takeaway
When we connect strong coaching with strong induction, everyone wins. New special educators feel supported instead of overwhelmed, schools see better implementation of best practices, and Wisconsin keeps more skilled teachers in classrooms where they’re needed most.