Good Student CEC Chapter Leaders and Faculty Advisors,
I am writing in hopes that you might share our information about our five new graduate training grants for students in your chapter interesting in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in the areas of severe disabilities, high-incidence disabilities,
early childhood, visual impairments, and behavior analysis. We have deep shortages nationally in the number of special education teachers and special education faculty focused on the needs of children and youth with disabilities. All of these OSEP-funded grants
provide excellent training, full funding, and strong mentorship at the #1 ranked special education program in the nation. Our application deadline is coming up soon (December 31).
Regards,
Erik Carter, Ph.D.
Professor of Special Education
Vanderbilt University
Master’s Degree Funding: Delivering Evidence-Based Inclusive Education for Students with Severe Disabilities in High-Need Schools
The Severe Disabilities Program at Vanderbilt University received a five-year grant to train master’s degree-level professionals to teach children and young adults with autism, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities,
and other developmental disabilities. Our goal is to prepare future special education teachers with evidence-based strategies to enhance the learning and outcomes of students with severe disabilities. We integrate evidence-based practices throughout our program,
involve students in unique research-to-practice projects in high-need schools, and focus on research-based practices and policies that increase access to the general curriculum. We offer generous tuition funding for students seeking initial licensure or an
additional endorsement. Learn more about this grant and the application process at:
New Funding for Doctoral Studies in Autism and Severe Intellectual Disabilities
The Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University announces new funding to equip future faculty to conduct rigorous research, deliver effective training, and provide service that improves educational outcomes
for students with severe intellectual disability, autism, and multiple disabilities. This unique doctoral leadership training grant provides full tuition, generous stipends, health insurance, professional travel, research monies, and much more. In partnership
with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, numerous disability organizations, and both urban and rural schools, we provide hands-on internships, cutting-edge research opportunities, exceptional coursework, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. Graduates
of the program have obtained faculty positions at leading universities and colleges across the country and are making a sustained impact in the field. Learn more about this grant and the application process at:
New Funding for Preparation of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments
The Program in Visual Disabilities in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University is pleased to announce receipt of a federal grant to prepare teachers of students with visual impairments (children with low vision and blindness). The program
seeks general education and special education teachers interested in opportunities to: (a) learn to read and write with Braille, (b) learn about eye conditions and their implications for education, (c) learn to perform functional vision assessments, (d) learn
about orientation and mobility, (e) learn about access technology, (f) learn about methods of teaching children who are blind, and (g) learn to teach the use of optical devices to children with low vision. We offer generous tuition funding for students seeking
initial licensure or an additional endorsement.
Funding to Prepare Special Educators to Provide Intensive Intervention to Students with Persistent and Severe Learning and Behavior Problems
The Intensive Interventionist Program prepares master’s level professionals to teach students who have persistent and severe learning and behavior problems in grades K-12. Our goal is to prepare intervention specialist to identify and implement validated
intervention programs and to then use progress monitoring to modify components of the programs for individual students. We refer to this process for intensifying intervention via individualized supports as data-based individualization (DBI). Master’s students
enrolled in this program will have ample opportunities to implement these programs with students who have persistent and severe learning and behavior problems in high-poverty and low-performing schools. Applicants for this program must have teacher licensure
in either special education or general education (e.g., EC, Elementary, Secondary, ELL). This 30-credit programs allows students to begin in June and graduate the following May or begin in September and graduate the following August.
Funding to Prepare Early Childhood Special Educators with an Autism Specialization
Our Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program prepares master’s level professionals to teach young children with autism and other developmental disabilities and to work collaboratively with their families. Our goal is to prepare ECSE teachers to
use evidence-based strategies that enhance the learning outcomes of young children with autism and other developmental disabilities across settings throughout the toddler and preschool years. We integrate evidence-based practices throughout our program, involve
trainees in direct services and research with young children with autism, and focus on preparing trainees to work effectively across early intervention and preschool settings. Our ECSE Autism training program is a 2-year (4 semesters and one summer) program
including an experimental thesis and leading to teacher certification. Students receive training in instruction, assessment, positive behavior support, communication intervention, family involvement, and single case research with an emphasis on young children
with Autism. We offer funding for students seeking initial licensure or an additional endorsement in ECSE.
Funding to Prepare Training Certified Behavior Analysts with Advanced Knowledge in Special Education
Designed to address national, state, and regional shortages of personnel who are fully credentialed to serve individuals with disabilities at risk for poor outcomes, including school failure. Training includes coursework toward certification as Behavior
Analysts (BACB 4th edition) within multi-tiered systems and interdisciplinary teams within the context of special education. Students will receive tuition for full-time study.