Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. Education Department (PDE) has announced $1.5 million in grant funding to 15 universities, including nearly $200,000 to Lehigh Valley schools, to expedite the process for students to become special education teachers.
- The PDE has granted $1.5 million to 15 universities partnering with school districts to speed up the process of becoming special education teachers
- Lehigh University and Moravian University are among the beneficiaries
- Governor Josh Shapiro's budget also includes an additional $103.8 million in funding for special education in Pennsylvania
Lehigh University has received $100,000 while Moravian University got $99,912, according to the state. Both have partnered with school districts to use the money to speed up the process.
The grant funding will be used to support the Accelerated Program for Pre-kindergarten to 12th grade Special Education Teacher Certification.
That will provide people who currently hold bachelor's degrees with summer field experiences, mentoring by experienced special educators during the school year, and deliver a post-baccalaureate program for special education teacher certification within 18 months.
"These grants will expedite the process of becoming a certified special educator and enable more teachers to enter the field faster."Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin
"These grants will expedite the process of becoming a certified special educator and enable more teachers to enter the field faster," Acting Secretary of Education Khalid N. Mumin said.
Other universities that have been awarded grants include:
- Commonwealth University, $100,000
- Eastern University, $96,741
- East Stroudsburg University, $100,000
- Gannon University, $100,000
- Holy Family University, $99,984
- Kutztown University, $99,510
- Lincoln University, $99,999
- Millersville University, $100,000
- Slippery Rock University, $100,000
- The Pennsylvania State University, $100,000
- University of Pittsburgh, $99,984
- West Chester University, $99,579
- Widener University, $99,993
Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget also includes an additional $103.8 million in funding for special education in Pennsylvania, which will support school districts as they provide high-quality education services to students with disabilities and special needs.
To combat the shortage of education professionals in Pennsylvania, Shapiro announced a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 for three years in his budget address, available to individuals who earn a new license or certification in education, nursing or law enforcement.
The officials said that by awarding grants to universities and schools, the grant program complements the PDE's initiatives to attract and retain teachers in the state, as part of their strategy to ensure a strong workforce of educators that can deliver high-quality education to learners of all ages in the Commonwealth.
