Gwynedd Mercy University announced that it will help with a critical shortage in special education teaching by launching Pennsylvania’s first undergraduate apprenticeship program which trains and certifies PK-12 special education teachers.

The program, which partners with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) and Bucks County Community College, offers a pathway for paraprofessionals employed by Bucks IU to earn their Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification and a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full-time. Participants will complete their first 60 credits through Bucks County Community College, and their remaining credits at GMercyU. Their on-the-job experience will satisfy field experience requirements, and student teaching will take place within the Bucks IU system.

Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the program is the only registered baccalaureate apprenticeship in the state with a special education focus, the university said.

“This apprenticeship creates a sustainable pipeline for special education teachers by making certification more attainable for individuals already working in our schools,” said Deborah E. Schadler, PhD, PRSE, Coordinator of Undergraduate Education at GMercyU. “It’s a direct response to the urgent need for qualified special educators and a continuation of our mission to transform lives through education.”

More details here.