St. Paul Public Schools in Minnesota has turned to international recruitment to address a critical need for special-education teachers, bringing in 19 educators from the Philippines through a partnership with PhilAm Partners. The initiative was launched after positive reports from other districts and seeks to fill long-standing vacancies in the district, which serves around 6,000 special-education students. The first teachers arrived in late 2024, and their integration was supported by district staff and orientations to US culture and education standards.

Bridgeport, Conn., is moving forward with construction of a new, state-of-the-art special education center designed to serve up to 260 K-12 students with complex learning needs. The center, which will replace the outdated Bridgeport Learning Center, marks a significant investment in expanding and enhancing special education services within the district. With a focus on equity and access, the facility aims to keep more students in their community by providing high-quality, individualized support and reducing the need for out-of-district placements.

Leaders may be tempted to judge others harshly in stressful situations, but true leadership requires assuming positive intent and practicing empathy even when it's difficult, management consultant Marc Cugnon writes. Leaders who view colleagues as adversaries can undermine morale and collaboration, while those who support rather than blame can help colleagues feel valued and trusted, leading to better personal and productivity outcomes, Cugnon notes.

Teachers are increasingly using online survey tools such as Google Forms to gather student perspectives, which can reveal valuable insights and challenge assumptions, says Damian Bebell of Boston College. By leveraging this feedback, teachers can better understand students' experiences and improve their teaching methods, Bebell says.

The Education Department has reversed a decision that canceled spending extensions for federal K-12 pandemic relief, allowing all states to request reimbursements for preapproved funds under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program. The change follows a preliminary injunction that permitted 16 states and Washington, D.C., to continue accessing funds.

The Huron County fairgrounds will host a sensory-friendly fair experience on July 31, tailored for children with disabilities. Organized by the HISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, the event features a calm environment with fewer rides and a variety of activities like face painting and animal tents. The aim is to allow children who may be overwhelmed by typical fair settings to enjoy the festivities alongside their families safely.