The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many schools and educational institutions to shift their teaching practices from in-person to online. However, for severe special education classrooms, this shift has been particularly challenging due to the specialized needs of their students. In response, some schools have turned to outsourcing in-person teaching, where a specialized teacher or aide is brought in to work with the students in-person. While outsourcing can have its benefits, there are also potential drawbacks that need to be considered.

One of the benefits of outsourcing in-person teaching is the ability to bring in a specialized teacher who has expertise in working with students with severe disabilities. This can be especially helpful for schools that may not have the resources or personnel to provide the level of specialized instruction needed. In addition, an outsourced teacher can provide a fresh perspective and new teaching techniques that may benefit the students.

However, outsourcing can also have potential drawbacks. For example, an outsourced teacher may not have the same level of familiarity with the students as a regular teacher, which can impact the quality of instruction. In addition, an outsourced teacher may not be able to provide the same level of emotional support and stability that a regular teacher can, which is particularly important for students with severe disabilities.

Another consideration is the cost of outsourcing. Bringing in an outsourced teacher can be expensive, and schools may need to make difficult decisions about where to allocate their limited resources. Additionally, outsourcing may not be a sustainable solution, particularly if it is only used as a temporary measure during the pandemic.

Outsourcing in-person teaching in severe special education classrooms can have both benefits and drawbacks. While it can provide access to specialized expertise and new teaching techniques, it may also be costly and not provide the same level of emotional support and stability as a regular teacher. Schools need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision about outsourcing, and consider whether it is a sustainable solution in the long-term.