The University of Texas at Arlington College of Education has received a new federal grant that will provide future teachers with expertise in supporting students with disabilities and high needs.
Approximately 11.6% of Texas public school students receive special education services, according to the Texas Education Agency's 2022 report. As the teacher shortage worsens, the demand for special education teachers is greater than ever.
UTA Special Education Associate Professors Ambra Green and John Romig are working to meet that demand with Project READY – Initial Certification (IC). This program prepares early intervention and special education personnel for careers serving children with high-intensity disabilities. needs. Their work is funded by a five-year, $1.25 million grant from the Office of Special Education Programs that provides tuition, fees, textbooks, and more to six students a year who live in Texas. Almost 100% of additional costs will be covered. Children's nursery and housing.
“Special education in Texas, in fact, around the world, struggles to find teachers who are prepared to teach students with a variety of academic and behavioral needs,” Green said. “This grant will help provide research-based training to future teachers so they can provide students with disabilities with the science-based instruction they need to succeed.”
Over the past five years, UTA's special education program has graduated a total of 27 students. Currently, she has 30 students scheduled to graduate by May 2024. Across the College of Education, the state content exam and pedagogy and professional responsibility exam pass rates are 93% and 94%, respectively.
Project READY-IC is intended for students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in special education. In addition to receiving training to serve in special education classrooms, scholars will receive one-on-one mentorship from UTA's special education faculty, the ability to attend a leadership academy, and study and study at Texas State. You will have unique learning opportunities, including the opportunity to participate in Council for Exceptional Children (TCEC) Maverick Branch.
“This grant will prepare scholars for future leadership positions,” Romig said. “My view is that these scholars are specifically trained for leadership and will be able to lead their departments for three to five years after entering the teaching profession. You get the opportunity to get into leadership early, an opportunity that is not common in other preparation programs.”
Students interested in applying to the special education master's program must apply by March 1 to be considered for the fall 2024 cohort. Undergraduate applications are expected to begin in late 2024. For more information, please visit his website at Project READY-IC.
