50K Grant for Special Ed Cert

Millersville University’s Dr. Deborah Tamakloe, associate professor and graduate coordinator for the Special Education Program, was awarded a $50,000 grant for the Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program by Pennsylvania Training Technical Assistance Network.

This grant allows individuals with bachelor’s degrees in any subject to apply to an accelerated program with the required college coursework, field experiences, mentoring, coaching and student teaching opportunities to obtain their PK-12 special education teaching certification within 18 months.

“By providing financial support, the grant helps us to recruit local talents to pursue a career in special education at MU. This award is particularly valuable because of the teacher shortage in the area. It also helps expand our program, increase enrollment and puts MU in the limelight as one of only three schools funded in Central PA,” Tamakloe said.

With the grant’s help, Tamakloe aims to recruit, train and retain participants from low—and moderate-income communities to ensure equitable access.

Tamakloe explains that the Accelerated Special Education Program was designed to address Pennsylvania’s critical teacher shortage. “Receiving these grants is a blessing. It will curb issues of retention and completion. Every dollar counts,” she added.

This is the second time Millersville has received this grant.

“I would like to extend my profound gratitude to MU’s Office of Grants, Sponsored Programs and Research for their support,” Tamakloe concluded.

Learn more about Post-Baccalaureate Pre-K-12 Certification at Millersville here.