<p><span>Multiple factors (legislative, ideological, financial/resources, research, etc.) have significantly influenced special education teacher preparation programs over the past decades. This evolution includes transitioning from categorical licensures to non-categorial licensures to an emphasis on teaching grade level standards (Brownell et al., 2010). Given the lack of content area coursework within the special education preparation programs, other models such as coteaching were emphasized to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the general education classrooms. Furthermore, due to a shortage of special education teachers and other factors, many states have started adopting dual licensure programs to address the needs of students with disabilities in the general education settings. (Gilmour & Wehby, 2020; Sindelar et al., 2019).<span> </span>In this presentation, the advantages and disadvantages of dual licensure programs, and the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in supporting the needs of general education/special education teachers will be discussed. </span></p>
