OLYMPIA, WA, October 03, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kari Lewinsohn appreciates a quality education and believes everyone is entitled to a quality education even if they fall below or surpass their peers. There is an ever growing need for special education teachers, and it is a demanded field Kari Lewinsohn was proud to expand her career into. Despite years of working as an educator, Kari Lewinsohn decided to take on instrumental administrative roles.

In 2001, Kari Lewinsohn earned her Special Education Teaching Certification from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. With the completion of her special education teaching certification, Kari Lewinsohn worked as a Special Education Teacher in Stanwood, Washington from 2001 to 2007. Her certification helped her satisfy a position that many schools find difficult to fill.

According to the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, the national shortage of special education teachers was around 11.2% in 2008. An August 2013 article on Education Week found that despite the job security for special education doctorates, "the demand for special education faculty continues to outstrip the supply." Part of the difficulty comes from the increasing complexity of special education training.

The complexity didn't stop Kari Lewinsohn though. On July 1, 2013, Kari Lewinsohn completed her Doctorate in Special Education Administration Leadership from Capella University. Her reason for pursuing the advanced degree was simple. "I take an active role in the educational school system and strive to better my skills as an educator and leader," says Kari Lewinsohn.

Kari Lewinsohn continued her education in special education because she enjoys taking an active role in the education of others. However, few educators desire to take on the additional duties and education Kari Lewinsohn did when they already work as a teacher or administrator. To encourage educators to become specialized in special education, Education Week recommends "an increase in federal support in the form of tuition, stipends, and the number of doctoral student projects that are funded." Another suggestion includes the creation of blended preparation programs so "teacher candidates earn their degrees and teacher credentials at the same time."

As Kari Lewinsohn sees, the demand for special education teachers puts a strain on school districts and also affects the children in need for qualified special needs teachers. "Even though teachers are committed to helping special needs children, the strain on them increases when budget cuts cause schools to cut staff. Special needs teachers experience increased stress when trying to work with a special needs student in a crowded classroom," says Kari Lewinsohn.

In the June 17, 2013 online release of StarTribune.com, teachers report that "working with special education students is becoming more difficult and dangerous." The article continues to say that many of the students bring severe problems including violent outbursts that include the biting, punching and pushing of teachers by students.

Kari Lewinsohn is one of the people dedicated the special needs field when so many others are leaving. According to the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, "the annual attrition rate for special education teachers is 13%." The rate is twice the rate for general teachers.

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