2025-2026 Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 ACCELERATED PROGRAM for PK-12 SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER CERTIFICATION GRANT to Institutions of Higher Education who partner with one or more Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide individuals who currently hold bachelor’s degrees an accelerated program with the required college/university coursework, summer field experiences, mentoring, coaching and student teaching to obtain their PK-12 special education teaching certification in accordance with PA Public School Code Section 12-1207.1, Postbaccalaureate certification. 

Requirements for this grant include:

• Summer Field Experiences beginning Summer 2025

• Course competencies addressing learning environment and engagement, classroom management, and positive behavior supports in Summer 2025

• Course competencies addressing structured literacy, compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and IEP development and implementation in Fall 2025

• Mentoring

• Instructional Coaching

Note: Current grant recipients are eligible to apply.

Have questions or need more information? 

Contact - Meredith Penner, Project Lead