North Dakota Survey Shows Special Education Teachers Report Burnout And Uncompensated Work Time

(Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota special education teachers and paraprofessionals are reporting burnout, citing increased workload, safety concerns and low pay, according to a survey presented to lawmakers.

More than 150 North Dakota special education professionals responded to the survey conducted by North Dakota United, a union representing educators and public sector employees.

The survey resulted from the passage of House Bill 1530 during the 2025 legislative session that commissioned a study to look at the needs of special education teachers and how to better retain them.

Educators brought up safety of students and staff during debate on the bill last year and during a meeting of the Legislature’s interim Special Education Funding Committee.