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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.
Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification
Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification
The following universities have been awarded grant funds to create accelerated programs for individuals interested in obtaining PK-12 special education teacher certification within 18 months. Accelerated program participants will:
The following universities have been awarded grant funds to create accelerated programs for individuals interested in obtaining PK-12 special education teacher certification within 18 months. Accelerated program participants will:
- Gain valuable experience through Summer Field Experiences beginning Summer 2025
- Learn strategies for addressing learning environment & engagement, classroom management, and positive behavior supports in Summer 2025
- Take courses on IEP development, structured literacy, and special education law in the fall of 2025
- Receive support from a mentor and instructional coach (an experienced special education teacher) throughout the program
Scholarships and additional supports vary by program. Contact the project coordinators listed below for more information. Requirements for this grant include:
Grantees
Interested in learning more? Contact the grant coordinators listed below for more information.
Central Region
Central Region
Alvernia University, Laurel Radzieski & Shawn Rutt
Messiah University, Christina Simmons
Millersville University, Deborah Tamakloe
Eastern Region
Eastern Region
Delaware Valley University, Dennis Riker
DeSales University, Katrin Blamey
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Gina Scala
Lincoln University, Teresa Powell
Moravian University, Jean DesJardin
Western Region
Western Region
Carlow University, Rachel Griffo & Miisha Reid
Gannon University, Kyle LaPaglia
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Annah L. Hill
Point Park University, Kristen Misutka
Robert Morris University, Vicki Donne
University of Pittsburgh, Sheila Conway
Grant Contact
Have questions or need more information?
Contact - Meredith Penner, Project Lead or Christine Moon - APR State Lead
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