NewsVoice of San DiegoAugust 11, 2026San Diego
San Diego Unified reports high reliance on substitute teachers for special education classrooms
San Diego Unified School District students with disabilities are frequently taught by substitute teachers for more than half of the school year. District officials acknowledge the staffing challenges contributing to this trend.
Read the full story at Voice of San DiegoWhy It Matters
Students with disabilities in the district are experiencing significant instructional instability due to the high turnover of substitute teachers in their classrooms.
Key Facts
- Students with disabilities in some San Diego Unified schools spend over half the school year with substitute teachers.
- The district is experiencing a high turnover rate of teachers in special education classrooms.
- District officials have acknowledged the staffing challenges regarding special education positions.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCity Heights Community Development Corporation“Partner organization providing business classes.”organizationSan Diego Unified School District“Local school district managing special education and joint-use parks.”personJakob McWhinney“Reporter who analyzed district records.”locationBirney Elementary“School site with a joint-use park.”locationFranklin Elementary“School site with a joint-use park.”organizationConsul General of Mexico in San Diego“Partnering with local organizations to support Mexican citizens.”organizationVoice of San Diego“The news organization that published the report.”locationPacific Beach Middle“School site with a joint-use park.”