Program Requirements

  • To qualify, you must meet all of 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 a special education licensure program
    • Tier 3 and Tier 4 teachers MUST be working in the area of special education in some capacity

    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. 

Complete Application

Next Steps After Acceptance into the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program

    1. Apply to a TPP-Approved Partner
      • Choose and apply to a Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) partner.
      • Complete the FERPA form to allow SWWC to communicate with the TPP about your progress.
    2. Financial Aid Preparation
      • Submit your FAFSA for the current academic year.
      • Be ready to accept grants, scholarships, and possibly loans if needed beyond the Teacher Pathway Scholarship.
    3. Academic & Financial Planning
      • Meet with your TPP advisor to:
        • Create your program plan.
        • Register for licensure courses.
        • Coordinate with the financial aid office to determine your total funding (grants, scholarships, loans).
    4. Program Success Coaching
      • Connect with your Program Success Coach to:
        • Review your funding sources.
        • Finalize your course plan.
        • Schedule regular check-ins throughout the year.
    5. Tuition & Fees Request
      • Submit the Tuition and Fees Request Form at least 4 weeks before your classes begin.
      • Note: Full tuition and fees are not guaranteed—you are encouraged to secure additional funding.
    6. Funding Disbursement
      • If approved, SWWC sends scholarship funds directly to your TPP partner.
      • You are responsible for any remaining costs (tuition, books, fees, etc.).
    7. Course Completion & Reporting
      • Complete your courses through the accredited TPP partner.
      • Submit proof of course completion (grade report with at least a 2.5 GPA) to SWWC each semester to remain eligible for future funding.
    📌 Important Notes
    • Funding is not guaranteed for the entire licensure program.
    • You must reapply for scholarship awards each semester.
    • Continued eligibility depends on:
      • Your licensure needs for your current SpEd teaching role.
      • Meeting program requirements.
      • Availability of grant funds.
    • All funding decisions are made by SWWC and are subject to change at any time for any reason.
    📧 Questions? Contact Elizabeth Deen, Grant Administrator
    📩 Email: liz.deen@swwc.org