Special Education Pipeline Grant

Are you interested in becoming a special education teacher? Apply for the Resource Training & Solutions Special Education Teacher Pipeline grant program, which will provide tuition and programmatic support to help you become a licensed special education teacher. The Special Education Teacher Pipeline grant is designed to increase the number of Tier III and IV special education teachers in our region.

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To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Currently employed with a SPED Pipeline supporting school district (see below)
  • Priority is given to Tier I or Tier II educators
  • Demonstrate a willingness to be a special education teacher after completing the program
  • No Tier III or IV teaching license in Minnesota

What you will receive:

  • Financial support for tuition, fees, and educational expenses paid directly to higher education partners
  • One-on-one advising support throughout the program
  • Support between college staff and employer
  • Stay in your current position while going back to school

Special Education Teacher Pipeline Program - Interest Form >>

Higher Education Partners:

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Bemidji  State University

  • Program Length: Graduate + Add-On Cert.
  • Special Ed. Graduate Degree Options: Special Education (Online)
  • Special Ed. Graduate Certificate Options: ASD, EBD, LD

For more information on programs, click here >>

Bethel University‍

  • Program Length: Graduate, Graduate Concentration License
  • Special Ed. Graduate Degree: Special Education MA (Online)
  • Special Education Concentrations: ABS, ASD, DD, EBD

For more information on programs, click here >>

St. Cloud State University

  • Program Length: Graduate; Graduate Certificate
  • Special Ed. Graduate Degree Options: ECSE (On-Campus, Evenings/Weekends), Special Education (On-Campus/Online),
  • Special Ed. Graduate Certificate Options  (On Campus/Online): ASD, ABS, DD, ECSE, EBD, LD

For more information on programs, click here >>

University of St. Thomas

For more information on programs, click here >

FAQs

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Do I need to apply for the grant every semester?

  • ‍‍Yes, we will have rolling applications for financially supporting each semester needed since programs are different lengths.

What costs does this grant cover?

  • This grant will cover tuition and books, application fees, PELSB fees, and the cost of any required MTLE’s

What is required of me to be eligible for this grant?

  • Applicants must be able to complete the FAFSA
  • Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program of choice
  • Applicants must sign the student agreement, and fulfill the requirements therein
  • Must be employed as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 teacher within a SPED Pipeline supporting school district: Benton-Stearns Education District, Big Lake, Braham, Chisago Lakes, East Central, Hinckley-Finlayson, Howard Lake - Waverly - Winstead, Holdingford, Isle, Kaleidoscope Charter School, Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative, Mora, North Branch, Pine City, Rockford, ROCORI, Rum River Special Education Cooperative, Rush City, Sauk Centre, St. Croix River Education District, West Central Education District, and Willow River
  • Enrolled students must make adequate yearly progress and reach licensure status within 3 years from initial grant application
  • Must demonstrate a willingness to be a special education teacher after completing your program of choice

When can I start my program of choice?

  • Fall 2024

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The Minnesota Department of Education provided funding for this program under Minnesota Statutes section 122A.731, grants under the Special Education Teacher Pipeline Program to develop a pipeline of trained, licensed Tier 3 or Tier 4 special education teachers.

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Special Education Teacher Pipeline Program - Interest Form >>

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For More Information:

Nikki Erickson, Equitable Access Specialist

nerickson@resourcecoop-mn.gov

(320) 262-9170