Severe Shortage of Qualified Special Education Teachers Spurs Government Probe in Sweden
Sweden is tackling a severe shortage of qualified special education teachers in adapted schools through a government investigation and planned education reform.
- • Only about 15% of teachers in adapted school forms are qualified.
- • The number of students in adapted school forms is increasing significantly.
- • The government has launched an investigation into special pedagogical education.
- • A new unified teacher education program is planned for 2028 to address qualification issues.
Key details
Sweden faces a critical shortage of specially qualified teachers in adapted school forms—formerly known as special schools—where only about 15% of educators hold the necessary qualifications. This alarming situation is compounded as the number of students requiring specialized education is rising sharply. Special educators, researchers, and advocacy groups are raising concerns about the quality of education these vulnerable children receive, noting that those with the greatest needs are taught predominantly by unqualified teachers. Jeanette Persson from FUB's educational working group warned about the lack of qualified staff in these settings.
In response, the Swedish government has announced a formal investigation into special pedagogical education programs. Education and Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson, alongside Minister for Upper Secondary School, Higher Education, and Research Lotta Edholm, emphasized the gravity of the qualification shortfall. Edholm criticized current training programs as too supplementary, noting that special pedagogical training does not confer qualifications to teach in adapted school forms but primarily serves an advisory role.
The government aims to introduce a consolidated teacher education program by 2028 that will ensure proper teaching qualifications. The investigation will also explore pathways for existing special pedagogues to upgrade their qualifications, a process that Edholm suggested could be accelerated. The findings are expected by June 16, 2026, signaling a significant policy focus on improving education quality for Sweden’s most vulnerable students.