The Demand for Faculty in Special Education: A Study of Searches Conducted in 1997–98

Abstract

As part of the comprehensive study of the supply and demand of special education faculty, we surveyed search committee chairs about their open faculty positions, the manner in which their searches were conducted, and the outcomes of the searches. We inquired about those hired in successful searches and the reasons for failed searches. Information from 121 chairs of 1997–98 special education search committees was collected. The majority of positions were at the rank of Assistant Professor and came from existing lines left vacant due to faculty mobility. Seventy-three percent of the searches ended successfully; 76% of those hired were women and 20% were culturally or linguistically diverse. Failed searches were attributed to job offers being turned down and the perception of an inadequate applicant pool. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research investigating special education faculty demand and the deleterious impact on students with disabilities.