Tennessee 2022: Shortages and Future Needs for TVIs and O&M Specialists

Shortages of teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists are well documented in the United States, though specific research has not been conducted in Tennessee. The following report documents the results of two statewide surveys in Tennessee during the 2021–2022 school year that explored the current vacancies, caseload size, and experiences of TVIs and O&M specialists. One survey was sent to TVIs and O&M specialists and the second survey was sent to special education administrators in the state. Results indicate that more than half of TVIs and O&M specialists are planning to leave their position in the next 5 years, while administrators anticipate lower numbers departing than professionals report. Caseload size parallels national averages, which are above the recommended caseload size. Districts in rural areas are more likely to have long-term vacancies. Implications and next steps are discussed.