Which university did you attend and what license/degree did you earn?
I attended Southwest Minnesota State University and got a degree in Early Childhood Special Education. 

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future? 
I am an ECSE teacher that services preschool students at Sleepy Eye Public School and plan to continue in this position for the foreseeable future.

What advice would you give to students considering joining this pipeline program?
As someone who worked as a full-time educator while going to school, it was definitely challenging but also very rewarding. I believe I enjoy teaching because I also love learning. Look for the positives and remember the benefits of bettering yourself. 

Personal Reflection
I was already enrolled in classes when my administrator told me about this program. I opted to apply so I could take advantage of the financial incentives and other benefits. Even though I was only with the program for a short while, I always felt supported and respected. When I requested help, someone reached out quickly and I never felt like I was forced to take on any additional support or tasks. I greatly appreciated that aspect as I was completing my student teaching experience and working at the same time. It was difficult to manage my time but SWWC never made me feel like I needed to do more than I was already doing to fulfill components of the program.

What university did you attend and what SpEd License did you earn?
I graduated from Bemidji State University in December of 2024 with a master's degree in SpEd - EBD. I will be getting my tier 4 SpEd license in EBD this summer. 

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
I am in my sixth year teaching in a Setting IV special education classroom. 

What advice would you offer to those considering joining the pipeline program?
There's no better time than now. Get to know your professors and classmates. I made great friends and formed very helpful relationships. 

Personal Reflection
I wanted to obtain my master's and full teaching license so that I could continue teaching. My role models were all my previous teachers and professors who encouraged and believed in me ... far too many to name. My goals throughout the program were to get all As and as high of a GPA as possible. I learned a lot about time management and self-discipline. I experienced a few challenges in my personal life during the program and my educational journey, but my courses served as an escape and something I knew I had full control over. I really enjoyed my nights alone studying in my designated study space at home (which included my favorite chair, blankets, candles, and notebooks/pens.)

This program made me much more confident in my abilities academically and professionally. I know that anything I set my mind to I can and will achieve. My most memorable moment was working on my edtpa assignment with a student that I've had since I started teaching. It was neat to see things come full circle ... how far I'd come in my career, as well as my students. I hope to continue teaching until the day I retire. I cannot recommend this program enough. I only regret not being part of it from the beginning of my journey. It is a fabulous program and I am grateful it exists. I've had a long journey to get to where I am, and I would recommend this program and Bemidji State to anyone. 

What university did you attend and what SpEd License did you earn?
I attended Winona State University for SpEd/ABS license. 

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
I currently teach SpEd in grades 1-6 at Heron Lake Elementary. This is where I plan to continue to teach in the future. 

What advice would you offer to those considering joining the pipeline program?
This is a great opportunity for you to help you advance in your career and they are all so helpful with any questions that you may have! Good luck to all who are interested the SpEd worls!

What university did you attend and what SpEd License did you earn?
I attended Western Governors University and I will earn my Masters of Arts in Teaching, Special Education.

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
Currently, I am the 6th grade special education teacher at MACCRAY. I am hoping to continue with the students I currently have and follow them to 7th grade. I would love to continue to follow them throughout the rest of their educational journeys, but we shall see what is in store for me.

What advice would offer to those considering joining the pipeline program?
A piece of advice I would offer about considering going back to school for special education licensure is DO IT!!!!!!  It has been such a great experience getting my masters through WGU.

Personal Reflection
I joined the pipeline program because my due process specialist and Heidi continued to encourage me to get my license for SpEd because I apparently was a natural. I was really dragging my feet not knowing if I would be able to juggle a full-time job, my family life chasing around four children with different activities, and obtaining my masters.  

My experience at WGU was phenomenal. They there every step of the way to support and help me in any way they could. I absolutely LOVED this university. I could go at my own pace and complete classes as quickly as I wanted or if life got busy, I could slow down. WGU checked in with me regularly while motivating and encouraging me every step of the way.  

I would DEFINITELY recommend the Pipeline program!  Heidi is a gem - so helpful when getting started and always available to answer any questions. Her encouraging words kept me motivated throughout the entire process. I am beyond thankful for this program's financial support for going back to school so I can continue to help students excel!

What university did you attend and what SpEd License did you earn?
Southwest Minnesota State University. Para-to-SPED program-Academic Behavioral Strategist 

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
I am currently a MS/HS paraprofessional at YME. I hope to become a high school special education teacher at YME.

What advice would offer to those considering joining the pipeline program?
If you can see yourself being a special education teacher, do it! Don't let anything deter your decision, just go for it! The reward will be so worth any hard work you need to put in. Also, utilize as many grants as you possibly can! 

Personal Reflection
I returned to the Para-to-SPED program at SMSU when my co-worker and friend encouraged me to go back (I had two years left). I am so thankful for her encouragement. When I got into the Pipeline program, I only had one year to go and needed financial support. Once accepted into the program, I quickly learned that there were so many more benefits than I even imagined. I got a great coach in Heidi, and she has been extremely encouraging and knowledgeable about any questions I had. She also made it possible for me to continue student teaching when I was struggling financially to make ends meet. I will never forget her encouragement and her passion for helping me finish this journey and make my dream of becoming a special education teacher come true.

The last two years of my program have flown by, and I'm glad I didn't let hurdles get in my way. I worked really hard to make a better life for my son and myself, and I am really glad that I have this example to show him. He has seen first-hand how far hard work and determination can go, and he will be able to appreciate how far we have come and how much we have grown together these past two years. I believe this has also made me a better educator, because I can also show my students that I never gave up when it came to my dreams, and if I can do it, they can do it! I am excited to continue my journey making a difference in my students' lives, and I feel that my experience as a paraprofessional set the groundwork for me being an excellent special education teacher! 

What university did you attend and what SpEd License did you earn?
I attended Southwest Minnesota State University and will be getting licensed in Special Education Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS). I have two bachelor’s degrees already in unrelated majors. 

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
I am currently working in Montevideo Middle School District #129 as a 5th grade Special Education teacher. I love teaching here and plan to continue this role. I will also be continuing my education to receive my master's in SpEd.

What advice would you offer those considering joining the pipeline program?
Work as a paraprofessional first to get an idea of how to fully assist students and what their role is before you become their supervisor. Also look into all the different roles and disabilities there are as a special education teacher. Some are more hands-on than others as well as mild/moderate to severe. 

What advice would you give to students considering joining this pipeline program?
This is an awesome opportunity for students to take part in. I am so thankful that this program exists and helps assist students towards earning their license. Teachers need all the support we can get. I wish I would’ve been able to take part in this program earlier. Having more people aware of this program and offering it to students as they start their journey would be so helpful.

What university did you attend and what SpEd License did you earn?
I attended Southwest Minnesota State University and received a bachelor's degree in K-12 SpEd - ABS. 

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
I am currently a paraprofessional at an ELC and hope to become a teacher of my own classroom, working with students in elementary. 

What advice would you offer to those considering joining the pipeline program?
Stop waiting and go for it! Knowledge is powerful, so never stop learning. 

Personal Reflection
I heard of the pipeline grant while preparing for my senior year at SMSU. I was looking for a way to successfully complete the final requirements of student teaching while still supporting my family responsibilities and needs. Not only was I introduced to the pipeline grant, I was introduced to an organization that supports and celebrates the success created through the grant. While I was late in learning of the pipeline grant, I look forward to continuing the growth of learning by moving forward towards my master's in special education. 

I have had several people inspire me to move forward with my bachelor's in special education. These individuals always spoke louder than any noise within my own mind that wanted to fill me with self-doubt. One person specifically was a SpEd teacher who always saw my potential and the care I put towards the students. She would always tell me, when I was doubting my ability to do this important work, "Sam, people can want to teach you, but should never want to change who you are. You were meant for this." Her words helped me understand how to learn from my peers and superiors, allowing them to add value to what I can offer the students.

I wish I had been involved with the Pipeline program from the start of my educational journey, because having Heidi as a resource set this program above all. I always felt like I was the only one she was responsible for, as her response and answers to my questions were timely and thoughtful. She would even offer additional information that supports me and my family as I work to better myself and them through education.

Which university did you attend and what SpEd license did you earn?
I attended Southwest Minnesota State University and got my ABS Licensure K-12 Sped

What role are you currently in and what role do you hope to be in the future?
I am currently working as Para at Fulda Elementary and have been for the last nine years. I have already signed a contract to work next year as an interventionist teacher until there is an open special education teaching position. I am so excited to give back to the district that has given me so much!

What piece of advice would you offer those considering going back to school to earn their SpEd teaching license?  
This will be one of the most fulfilling and impactful paths you can take. After working in this field for nine years, I can tell you every challenge you face will only make you stronger and more resilient as a teacher. You’ll be amazed by the growth—not just in your students, but in yourself. The journey won’t always be easy. There will be tough days, moments of doubt, and times when it feels like you're not making enough progress. But even on those days, you're doing more than you know. You’ll be the person who changes lives, who believes in kids when others may not. It's not just about teaching content—it’s about reaching each student where they are, understanding their individual needs, and helping them grow in ways that go beyond a textbook. The skills you gain will go far beyond what you learn in the classroom. You’ll develop an incredible amount of patience, empathy, and creative problem-solving. And those are the qualities that make you not just a teacher, but a life-changer. If you're passionate about helping others, especially those who need it most, this career is a calling that will fill you with purpose every single day.

Personal Relection
After working in the field for a while, I realized I needed more tools and knowledge to help my students succeed. This program felt like the perfect chance to become a better teacher, learn new strategies for my classroom, and connect with others who shared the same passion for special education. I wanted to feel more confident in my ability to help my students and handle any challenges that came up. My experience at Fulda Elementary over the years served as a major inspiration. The staff and teachers demonstrated what it means to truly support and advocate for students with special needs. They were a huge motivating factor for me. 

The program gave me the support I needed to achieve a life-long dream and took away some of the financial burden and stress college can have on someone. One challenge I didn't expect was trying to balance schoolwork with my job. It was tough at times, but I found that staying organized and setting small, achievable goals helped me stay on track ... along with great support from my mentors and peers when I needed it. The students had a huge impact on me, and I hope I can make an impact on them. If I can reach just one, it will all be worth it. This program has made me realize there’s always more to learn and new ways to improve, and I now feel even more dedicated to making sure my students have everything they need to succeed. It’s also made me more passionate about advocating for change in the education system for students with special needs.