State Grant to Help Prepare More Special Education Teachers

Kutztown University Awarded State Grant to Help Prepare More Special Education Teachers

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Kutztown University has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help address the statewide shortage of special education teachers.

The grant is part of a nearly $1 million investment awarded to 11 colleges and universities across Pennsylvania to create faster, more affordable pathways into special education teaching. At Kutztown University, the funding will support a new 4+1 Graduate Special Education Intern Pathway, launching in the 2026-27 academic year.

Through this program, 20 students will earn their special education certification in just one year after completing their bachelor's degree and initial general teacher certification. Partnering school districts will cover tuition costs and commit to hiring students as paid interns, creating a direct pipeline from college preparation to classroom employment.

"This grant reinforces what we know works," said Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean of the College of Education at Kutztown University. "When universities and school districts work together intentionally to solve the teacher shortage, we can prepare excellent teachers while meeting real workforce needs. This program reflects Kutztown University's long-standing commitment to hands-on, practice-based preparation that truly serves schools and students."

Students in the program will complete 27 graduate credits while working directly in partner school districts. They will spend three days per week supporting special education classrooms and two additional days substitute teaching, allowing them to earn income while gaining meaningful experience. Paid placements, stipends and built-in support from KU faculty and district mentors make the program both accessible and financially viable.

Clinical experiences are woven throughout the program, including summer Extended School Year (ESY) placements, allowing school districts to receive immediate, hands-on support from interns while they are completing their preparation. Students work alongside experienced educators to support instruction, student progress monitoring and special education services, helping districts meet urgent staffing needs right now - not just in the future. This approach ensures strong preparation for students while delivering meaningful, real-time capacity for partner schools.

Five school districts are partnering with Kutztown University for the program's first year: Kutztown Area, Brandywine Heights, Schuylkill Valley, Antietam, and Tulpehocken.

"We are excited to partner with Kutztown University in its new Accelerated PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification program," said Christian Temchatin, superintendent of Kutztown Area School District. "This initiative reflects KU's commitment to innovative, collaborative solutions to Pennsylvania's teacher shortage, grounded in meaningful, in-school experiences for pre-service educators."

"The Antietam School District is proud to continue partnering with Kutztown University," added Timothy Matlack, superintendent of Antietam School District. "This program allows us to invest in future special education teachers while also providing immediate support for our current students. It's a win-win-win."

The initiative was created under the Shapiro Administration's Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification, first announced in 2023. The program is designed to help individuals already working in schools - including paraeducators and those on emergency permits - move more quickly into certified teaching roles.

For more information, contact Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean of the College of Education, at [email protected] or 610-683-4300.