(Newfoundland) "Complexity, diversity of student needs K-12 increased substantially"

May 4, 2026, Gazette: High demand, low enrolment

As policy and practice shift toward more inclusive models of education, the complexity and diversity of student needs in K-12 classrooms have increased substantially.

Instructional resource teachers are an important part of the province’s inclusive education model. Instructional resource teachers work with classroom teachers to brainstorm programming, create individual education plans, monitor outcomes and support students with special needs.

Unfortunately, these qualified professionals are in short supply with a shrinking hiring pool.

Memorial University’s Bachelor of Special Education (B.Sp.Ed.) Program had long been seen as a competitive teaching degree that would lead to meaningful, long-term employment.

Enrolment patterns, however, showed that interest in the B.Sp.Ed. program was declining steadily, even as the demand for instructional resource teachers increased year over year.

This raised alarms in the Faculty of Education, triggering an examination into what might be causing the downward trend.

Listening to the data

While the B.Sp.Ed. was well-regarded by graduates, the faculty’s analysis revealed key issues with professional relevance and alignment with teacher career trajectories.

Since the inception of the program, teacher education has largely shifted to a post-bachelor’s model.

“Cohort models have a higher graduation rate when compared to degrees with self-selection of courses.”— Dr. Sharon Penney

This meant most candidates for the B.Sp.Ed completed two bachelor’s degrees before even entering the program.

While the program’s content and professional standing were significant, a simple fact remained: a third undergraduate degree does not lead to the highest certification level and the top of the teacher pay scale.

In retrospect, it’s not surprising that the province’s teachers were turning to other institutions for professional development and upskilling. . . .

Program renewal

The B.Sp.Ed. Program was paused and redeveloped into the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) to better meet the evolving needs of educators and school systems within the province.

The new M.Ed. program launched on March 6, 2026, with the first cohort beginning study in fall 2026.

As a master’s degree, the program offers career development that aligns with the province’s teacher credentialing and remuneration systems.

Graduates will be well-positioned for successful and rewarding careers as instructional resource teachers in the Newfoundland and Labrador school system.

Ensuring sustainability

The inclusive and special education group also worked to develop a program positioned for long-term success.  . . .