Building a Better Future: Funding, Tech, and the Special Education Workforce

In the inaugural episode of CEC’s new podcast, Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson, CEC President-Elect, sits down with Dr. Danielle “Dani” Kovach and Glenna Wright-Gallo for a candid conversation about what it will take to create a stronger, more sustainable future for special education. From funding shortfalls to the role of technology and teacher burnout, their discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession today. 

From Passion to Purpose 

For both Kovach and Wright-Gallo, their journeys into special education were deeply personal. Wright-Gallo, who has served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), shared how her own experiences with a speech-language disability and hearing impairment inspired her to ensure schools work for every learner. 

Kovach, a longtime classroom teacher and former CEC President, reflected on how her passion for teaching evolved into a purpose-driven mission after becoming both a parent and an advocate. “Being on the other side of the IEP table,” she said, “gave me a newfound sense of advocacy.” 

Funding and the Educator Shortage 

Both guests identified funding as one of the most pressing issues facing special education. While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) promises federal support covering 40% of excess costs, actual funding hovers around 10%. Wright-Gallo emphasized that this persistent gap affects everything from staffing to access to evidence-based instructional resources. “We need more funding,” Glenna added, “but, we have to do something different with the funding we do have instead of using in the same ways that we’ve always used it.” 

Kovach echoed this, noting how teachers often “do more with a lot less,” filling resource gaps through personal dedication, grant writing, and sheer creativity. “My students’ challenges are my challenges,” she said.  

Technology as a Tool for Transformation 

The conversation also turned to technology and innovation, with both guests underscoring how assistive technology and artificial intelligence can expand accessibility and ease teacher workloads. Wright-Gallo compared the rise of AI in education to the introduction of calculators decades ago: initially met with fear, but ultimately indispensable. 

Kovach agreed, urging educators to embrace change rather than fear it. “When we bring fear into the equation, it disrupts our flow of progress,” she said. Instead of banning new tools like cell phones or AI, she suggested teaching students how to use them responsibly and effectively, a vital skill for adulthood. 

Her college students, for instance, now use AI to generate sample essays, then evaluate them using research-based evidence. The goal? To help them understand both the power and the limitations of technology. 

Supporting and Sustaining the Workforce 

When discussing teacher burnout and shortages, both Wright-Gallo and Kovach stressed the need for systems that support, not overwhelm, educators. Wright-Gallo pointed to technology as a means of reducing administrative burden, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best: connecting with students. 

Kovach shared her “secret sauce” for avoiding burnout: finding her tribe. “Every morning, you can find me in my bestie’s classroom with a bunch of us,” she said. “It’s been a lifesaver because we’re sharing, we’re bringing lightheartedness to it.” Building a sense of community, she emphasized, is essential for longevity in the profession. 

Rewriting the Narrative 

As the episode came to a close, Tillotson asked both guests how they would “rewrite the narrative” of special education. 

Kovach hopes to reframe how people view the field: “It’s not a place. It’s just individuals getting support they need in order to be successful.” 

For Wright-Gallo, it’s about shifting focus from compliance to long-term outcomes. “I truly believe in the intent behind IDEA, and that we’re preparing students with disabilities for life after school, whether it’s further education, employment, or independent living,” she said. “We need to focus on those long-term goals instead of just the day-to-day fixes.” 

In the end, both agreed that the future of special education depends on collaboration, creativity, and community. 

Listen to the full episode and other episodes of Rewriting the Narrative today.