Berkeley Co, WV: 73 autism classrooms in local schools; teacher shortage
The Berkeley County Board of Education approved an Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative during its meeting on August 3, 2026, aimed at strengthening recruitment, retention, and long-term support for educators serving students with autism.
The initiative is part of Berkeley County Schools’ 2026–2031 Strategic Plan and supports the district’s stated commitment to “ensuring every student has the opportunity to Reach Individual Success Every Day (RISE).” The initiative is designed to recruit, develop, support, and retain highly qualified professionals serving students with autism.
Berkeley County School Superintendent Dr. Ryan Dr. Saxe joined Monday’s Panhandle Live to discuss several things ahead of the new school year, among them the Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative.
“Where we have had the most need in filling these classrooms has been in our special education classrooms and especially our autism classes,” Saxe said. “So we have 73 autism classrooms across Berkeley County schools. Half of those have certified teachers.
The other, another 30 or so have long-term permanent subs. Now those don’t mean that they’re not necessarily qualified. They could be retirees or what have you. But we want to be able to have long-term stable staffing in those positions.” . . .
Berkeley County Schools currently operates 73 autism classrooms serving students with specialized learning and behavioral needs but as of August 4, 2026, only 26 classrooms were staffed by a certified special education teacher.
An additional eight classrooms were led by educators actively pursuing their autism endorsement, while 31 classrooms were staffed by permanent substitutes. The district continues its recruitment efforts to fill the eight remaining classrooms. . . .
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