Tuscaloosa City Schools Launches Pilot Program To Fill Special Education Teacher Vacancies

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) announced this week it will launch a pilot program to move classroom paraprofessionals into special education teaching jobs, with the goal of easing persistent vacancies that have left some positions unfilled for more than a year.

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The Special Education Continuity and Staffing Plan, unanimously approved by the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education on Sept. 30, offers tuition assistance and streamlined certification for current employees who commit to teach special education in the district for at least three years. The district currently has six open special education positions.

“This is about creating a pathway for our own employees to grow into these critical roles,” TCS Superintendent Mike Daria said. “We have paraprofessionals already making a difference in classrooms. By investing in their advancement, we’re ensuring our students have the consistent, high-quality services they need and deserve.”

TCS will support two tracks under the plan:

• Bachelor’s pathway: Tuition coverage for paraprofessionals pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education through Reach University, targeting employees who already hold an associate degree.
• Certification/graduate pathway: Employees with a bachelor’s degree may seek a Temporary Special Education Certificate (TSEC) or pursue a master’s in education through the University of West Alabama or another accredited institution.

District officials characterized the funding as emergency support to maintain services compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Estimated costs are $2,000 for bachelor’s completion, $5,000 for TSEC certification and $10,000 for the master’s option.

The total cost for the pilot is under $100,000, Daria told the school board this week.

Applicants must be current TCS employees, receive a supervisor's recommendation, complete an interview and sign a three-year service agreement.

The district’s immediate goal is to fill the six vacancies by January 2026, then build capacity for six additional roles by fall 2026.

Daria said the first focus is on paraprofessionals who already hold bachelor’s degrees and are willing to pursue certification or a master’s.

“This is an investment in our current personnel, and in our future,” he said. “It aligns with our strategic priorities of high expectations and innovation — and, most importantly, it supports our staff and supports our students in this high-need area.”

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