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Toolkit

Special Educator Retention Rubric

Explore working conditions that help special educators stay and succeed. Developed by NDU’s Special Education Collective, this rubric identifies challenges, basic supports and stronger practices across four key areas.
By: NDU Special Education Collective
Published: October 2026

What Helps Special Educators Stay?

Manageable workloads, meaningful support and safe working environments help special educators build lasting careers.

NDU’s Special Education Collective developed the Special Educator Retention Continuum, a rubric for examining workplace conditions and identifying opportunities for improvement.

The rubric covers four areas:

  • Paperwork requirements and supports: Time, training, coordination and assistance for completing special education paperwork.
  • Workload: How assignments are determined, adjusted and supported.
  • Student and staff safety: Planning, training, crisis response and support for students and educators.
  • Paraprofessional management: Pay, professional learning, staff voice, scheduling and supervision.

Each area compares conditions that hinder retention, provide the basics or help retention.

Put the Rubric to Work

Use the rubric to start conversations with colleagues, local association leaders and administrators about the conditions in your school or district.

Identify existing strengths, discuss areas where support is missing and choose priorities for improvement. The examples can also inform conversations about workplace policies and negotiated agreement language.

Download the Special Educator Retention Rubric (PDF, 6 pages)

Continue the Conversation

Connect with NDU’s Special Education Collective to share your experience, learn from colleagues and help strengthen support for special educators across North Dakota.

Learn more about the Special Education Collective

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Connect with special education professionals across North Dakota to share practical solutions, explore professional learning and strengthen our collective voice for educators and students with disabilities.
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