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Delaware to offer new special ed certification program

Delaware Public Media

School administrators could earn a certificate in special education under new program being launched by the Delaware Department of Education.

The Department of Education won a nearly a $1 million federal grant over the next five years to address a shortage of well trained special education leaders in the First State.

There's currently a nationwide shortage of qualified special ed administrators and DOE said the problem is especially acute here. The program will be implemented and evaluated by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Delaware.

Michael Saylor is the education associate for school leadership at DOE. He said this will be state’s first certification program for people wanting to be special education directors.

“So programs like this allow folks to really explore their interest and their expertise to become leaders perhaps at a district level instead of at a school level,” he said.

Saylor said they’re seeing a lot of interest in applying for the program. He said they’re expecting a lot of applications and the process will be competitive and throughout. It will include an interview, written test and letters of recommendation.

“And we’re also looking for previous leadership experience, either positional leadership or informal leadership positions,” he said.

Applications will be available later this year for the 18-month program. Applicants will be notified in Spring if they’ve been chosen. Saylor said they expect the first class to start in late summer. About 55 people will be allowed to participate in four cohorts.

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