Vitti expresses concern for special education certification. Here’s what he wants to see change in Michigan

February 18, 2026

Detroit Public Schools Community District is grappling with severe special education teacher shortages, particularly for autism spectrum disorder programs, as part of a broader statewide crisis affecting Michigan schools. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is advocating for the Michigan Department of Education to streamline certification requirements and provide incentives to attract more educators to special education roles. The shortage stems from multiple barriers including lengthy training requirements, costly credentialing processes that often require duplicate student teaching experiences, and lack of financial incentives despite additional qualifications.

Who is affected

Students with disabilities in Detroit Public Schools Community District and across Michigan, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Families of children with special education needs
Special education teachers and aspiring special education teachers facing certification barriers
General education teachers being placed in special education classrooms without proper credentials
Support staff including speech language pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and paraprofessionals
Detroit Public Schools Community District (28 teacher and 32 support staff vacancies reported)
School districts statewide experiencing vacancy rates over 5% in special education positions
Medicaid-eligible children diagnosed with ASD (27,449 children evaluated in 2023)

What action is being taken

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is advocating to the Michigan Department of Education to expand access to special education programs and offer incentives
Districts are applying for temporary approvals from the state to place general education teachers in special education classrooms
The Optimise group (funded by Legislature in 2021) is identifying barriers and partnering with organizations to develop recommendations
The Michigan Department of Education is operating the Special Education Teacher Tuition Reimbursement Grant (launched in 2021)
Alternative pathway programs like Talent Together are paying school employees and community members to obtain teaching credentials
Twelve colleges across Michigan are offering ASD endorsements
DPSCD's On the Rise Academy is providing teacher preparation programs (though not specifically for ASD)

Why it matters

This shortage crisis directly impacts Michigan's most vulnerable students who require specialized instruction and support. When districts lack properly credentialed special education teachers, they must rely on general educators without adequate training, which can result in inappropriate services, exclusionary discipline tactics like seclusion and restraint, and students being pushed out or underserved. With autism diagnoses rising statewide and special education vacancy rates nearly double the state average at over 5%, the gap between student needs and available qualified educators continues to widen. The systemic barriers—including costly, time-consuming certification processes requiring duplicate student teaching without corresponding salary increases—threaten the educational rights and development of thousands of children with disabilities across Michigan.

What's next

Prospective special educators will enter new programs in fall 2025, with teachers expected to enter the field with the new special education teacher endorsement by spring 2028
Vitti hopes new state superintendent Glenn Maleyko will be open to changes in the certification process
Optimise group continues discussing potential solutions including tuition reimbursement stipends, overtime pay for paperwork, and reducing preparation program timelines while increasing rigor
Vitti and advocacy groups want universities to expand access to ASD endorsements and for alternative preparation programs to include more special education pathways

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com