2027-2028 PK-12 Hearing Impaired & Visually Impaired Consortium Certification Grant 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education, is requesting applications from Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) serving as recommending institutions that collaborate with one or more partner IHEs to jointly design and deliver a consortium certification program. The recommending IHE will serve as the lead institution responsible for program oversight, candidate enrollment, supervision, and recommendation for certification. The purpose of this grant is to support IHE consortia in creating coordinated, accelerated postbaccalaureate programs that expand statewide access to PK-12 Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired certification preparation. Through this consortium certification model, the recommending IHE, in collaboration with the consortium partner IHEs will deliver the required college/university coursework, summer field experiences, mentoring, instructional coaching, and student teaching to individuals who currently hold bachelor’s degrees to obtain their PK-12 Hearing Impaired or Visually Impaired teaching certification. Participating IHEs will jointly deliver all required program components in accordance with PA Public School Code, Section 12-1207.1 (Postbaccalaureate Certification). 

Have questions or need more information? 

Contact - Jeff Mathieson, Grant Lead Point of Contact