Seattle: SPED support a big issue for teacher contract talks

Aug 28, 2026, Special education support at center of Seattle teacher contract talks | king5.com

Educators say some programs are already over capacity as the union and Seattle Public Schools try to avert a strike before classes begin.

SEATTLE — Special education support has emerged as one of the biggest sticking points in contract negotiations that could determine whether Seattle students return to school on time next week.

The Seattle Education Association and Seattle Public Schools returned to the bargaining table Friday at the district’s headquarters. The current contract expires Monday, two days before the scheduled first day of school.

Union members voted Wednesday to authorize a strike if the two sides cannot reach an agreement. The authorization does not automatically trigger a strike, but it allows union leaders to call one.

“If SPS doesn’t offer us an agreement that makes improvements on Special Education supports, respectful pay, and relief from huge class sizes before we welcome students back, our Bargaining Team will be forced to call a strike,” the union said.

Educators working in special education say some district programs are already stretched beyond their intended capacity.

“We are past capacity in a lot of our different programs,” said Marla Rasmussen, a special education assistant at a Seattle high school and a member of the union’s bargaining team.

“There are some places where we’re past capacity, and it really creates an unsafe position for our students and staff to be in.”

Rasmussen said adequate staffing helps students access general education classes, work toward graduation and take breaks when they become overwhelmed or dysregulated.

“We want to make sure they have the access they need to the same curricula, but also space they need to be able to take a break,” Rasmussen said. “That is something we’re able to provide when we have enough supports.”

The union’s published proposal calls for collaboration time for special education and general education teachers working together in co-teaching classrooms.

It also seeks a plan for vacancies and leaves to ensure students with individualized education programs are taught by educators with special education endorsements. For secondary students, the union wants schedules that prioritize daily contact between students and the special education teachers responsible for their caseloads.

“The union wants to make sure that our teachers feel supported, our students feel supported, that they have enough staff to ensure the safety as well as the academic success and progress of our students,” said Kelley Couvillion, an occupational therapist for SPS. . . .