In a stark revelation during the Oregon Senate Committee on Education meeting, a special education teacher highlighted the severe challenges faced by educators amid staffing shortages. The teacher detailed the daily struggles of managing classrooms with minimal staff, often leading to multiple students being served at once or spending extended time in structured learning centers.

With over 125 schedules crafted last year to adapt to the ever-changing needs of students, the teacher described a chaotic environment where staff endure extreme behaviors from students. Reports of physical aggression, including being kicked, punched, and threatened, paint a troubling picture of the realities in special education settings.

Despite these challenges, the teacher emphasized their commitment to meeting Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements, which are legally binding. The burden of extensive paperwork and compliance demands was noted as a significant distraction from direct student support, raising concerns about the sustainability of such pressures on educators.

The testimony underscored a critical issue: the legal obligations placed on special education staff remain unchanged, even in the face of staffing crises. The teacher warned that failure to meet these requirements could lead to severe consequences, including loss of licensure or job security. This situation calls for urgent attention from lawmakers to address the systemic issues affecting special education and ensure that educators can effectively support their students without compromising their own well-being.