Southwest Minnesota SpEd Teacher Pathway Program

  • Are you interested in becoming a special education teacher? Apply for the SW Minnesota Special Education Teacher Pathway Program which will provide tuition and programmatic support to become a licensed special education teacher. The Special Education Teacher Pathway Program is designed to increase fully licensed Tier III and IV special education teachers in our region.
     
    To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
    • A licensed teacher, paraprofessional or non-licensed staff currently employed with a joint applicant (school district partner)
    • Demonstrate a willingness to be a special education teacher after completing the program
    • Tier 3 and Tier 4 licensed teachers MUST be working in the area of special education in some capacity

    As of April 15, 2025, enrollment in the SW Minnesota Special Education Teacher Pathway Program is     FULL.
     
    The next review of applications into the program for our FALL 2025 COHORT will be on July 15, 2025.
    Priority acceptance into the program for the 2025-26 school year will be given to Tier I and Tier II teachers working in special education. 

    What you will receive if accepted into this program:
    • Tuition assistance, book assistance and application fee assistance paid directly to our Teacher Preparation Partners (TTPs).
    • Other programmatic support to promote successful completion of a special education licensure program.
    • Connection with a Program Success Coach to support mentoring, remove barriers, solve problems and monitor progress.

    Timeline - At this time, the Special Education Teacher Pathway Program is FULL and we are not accepting new applications until July 15. 
    As space in the program allows, applications for acceptance into the program will be reviewed and approved periodically on:
    • Fall 2025 Start Date - Cohort F25 - Application review deadline is July 15; approval will be determined by July 21.
    • Spring 2026 Start Date - Cohort Sp26 - Application review deadline is October 15; approval will be determined by October 20.
    • Summer 2026 Start Date - Cohort Su26 - Application review deadline is February 16; approval will be determined by February 23.
    • Fall 2026 Start Date - Cohort F26 - Application review deadline is June 15; approval will be determined by June 22. 

    Program Funding Disclaimer
    Participation in the SWWC Special Education Teacher Pathway Program does not guarantee financial support. All funding decisions are made at the sole discretion of SWWC and are subject to change at any time for any reason at any time, including but not limited to budget availability, program priorities, candidates not meeting program requirements, and changes in state or federal funding. Applicants and participants are encouraged to plan accordingly and seek additional financial aid resources when possible.

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