SpEd Teacher Pathway by the Numbers

I completed the Teacher Preparation Program through Western Governors University and earned my Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education. I currently work as a special education teacher at KMS Elementary School and will continue in that role following my licensure. Prior to entering education, I worked in a variety of social work fields and also own and operate a small photography business, experiences that have helped shape my approach to supporting students and families.

What advice would you give to students considering joining the program?
I would encourage anyone considering the SPED Teacher Pathway Program to give themselves grace and take things one step at a time. The program can be challenging while balancing work and personal responsibilities, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Lean on the support of coworkers, mentors, and classmates, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The experience you gain while working directly with students throughout the program is invaluable and helps prepare you well for the realities of the classroom.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
I am most excited to continue growing as a special education teacher with the strong foundation of knowledge and skills I gained through the SPED Teacher Pathway Program. The program has helped me better understand how to support students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, collaborate effectively with families and staff, and create meaningful learning experiences for students. I look forward to continuing in my role with greater confidence and continuing to grow into the best teacher I can be for my students.

I received my ABS from SMSU this past spring [2026]. I did all my course work and student teaching with Willmar Public schools, and I found it to be very easy to do. I am currently employed with SWWC as a special education teacher.

What advice would you give to students considering joining this program?
Just know it may seem hard in the moment but it’s all worth it in the end.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SPED Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
I was excited to finally become a special education teacher and help students work towards their goals.

I went through the ECSE online program at Mankato State University. My currently hold an ABS degree and work as a special education teacher at Glencoe-Silver Lake School.

What advice would you give to students considering joining the program?
Advice I would give: only take the amount of credits that you can handle, taking it slow can make it more successful.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
Having an additional licensure will allow me to have additional opportunities within the school district.

I started the Teacher Prep Program in the spring of 2025 and will graduate with my Master’s degree in ECSE in the summer of 2026. I am currently an Elementary Special Education Teacher at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Schools and hold licensure in Elementary Education and ABS. I have had a great experience with the Teacher Prep Program and would recommend it to anyone interested in obtaining an initial or additional special education license.

What advice would you give to students considering joining the program?
I would highly recommend the Teacher Pathway Program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in special education or expanding their teaching licensure. It was a very positive experience for me and provided me with valuable knowledge, practical strategies, and support throughout the program. The coursework and experiences helped me grow professionally and become more confident in my abilities as an educator. In addition to gaining meaningful skills and knowledge that I use in my classroom every day, the program also allowed me to earn my master’s degree, making it an incredibly rewarding opportunity both personally and professionally.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
I wanted to broaden my knowledge of early childhood education and child development, and I was able to do that through the Teacher Pathway Program by earning my ECSE license. The program helped me gain a deeper understanding of how young children learn and develop, as well as the importance of early intervention and support. This experience will allow me to better understand and support my kindergarten students while also helping students in our early childhood programs more effectively.

I am currently employed as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. This degree program has allowed me to complete the requirements to acquire my license in this field.   

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
This is a great program to help teachers who like to earn a special education license. There is support and help along the way to make sure you stay on track towards degree completion.

I completed my degree in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) online at SMSU while working as a preschool teacher at WWG Schools. During that time, I was able to apply what I learned directly to my classroom practices, enhancing my teaching along the way. I later took a 12 week leave of absence to complete my student teaching at Redwood Valley School District, which led to a temporary summer position covering for my mentor teacher. I am grateful for the experiences that have supported this exciting transition in my career, and I look forward to finding a permanent placement in the near future. 

What advice would offer to those considering joining the program?
Working full time while attending school is not an easy task, and the SPED Pathway funding made it possible for me to take the 12 weeks of leave by helping secure additional financial support. There were also times when I needed extra advice and encouragement, and it was incredibly helpful to have guidance and supportive cheerleaders along the way.     

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
My goal has always been to focus on early intervention and provide in-home, family-based services. While working in Part C services, I truly felt that I found my calling. The work felt both natural and fulfilling, and it confirmed my passion for supporting young children and their families during such an important stage of development.

I am a licensed ECSE teacher and completed my master’s degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2020. I have worked in ECSE for over 20 years. More recently, I began completing special education evaluations for our entire district to help fill a need. I really enjoy this role, but I was not licensed to do it. Through the SPED Teacher Pathway Program, I am now adding my SLD licensure so I am fully qualified to continue in the position I love.

What advice would offer to those considering joining the program?
I chose to join the SPED Teacher Pathway Program so I could become properly licensed in a role I had already stepped into and cared deeply about. What made the program successful for me was how relevant it was to my day-to-day work and the support it provided along the way. My advice to others is to stay committed and take advantage of the support offered. It can feel like a lot at times, but it directly connects to your work and makes you a stronger educator.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
When I started the program, my goal was to become licensed to complete special education evaluations and continue supporting my district in that way. Now, I’m most excited to be able to do this work confidently and with the proper credentials. I’m also grateful for the opportunity, as I would not have had the financial means to pursue this licensure on my own.

I was able to receive my BA and my masters together.  

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
The growth in teaching I have made. 

I attended Windom Elementary for my student teaching. I completed this in December 2025 and then was hired on as a Special Education teacher in the elementary. My district was patient and helpful as I navigated through my final steps before receiving my degree and had a spot ready for me to slide right into.
 

What advice would offer to those considering joining the program?
The para pathway program made it possible for me to continue working full time in my school district as a para. The convenience of being online gave me a successful education without having to relocate. I was also able to use a lot of what I was doing already as a paraprofessional in my learning and assignments.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
I am so excited to be able to be teaching kids. I loved being a paraprofessional, but I knew my first year working in the school district that I wanted to do more.

I graduated in December of 2025 with my licensure in Special Education ABS from Southwest Minnesota State University. I previously completed my elementary education degree there in 2022, so I completed my minor in special education. I am currently employed by Round Lake - Brewster School as a special education teacher. I have worked here for 4 years total, the last 3 years being in special education. My role is not changing at all, just now teaching with a completed license and no longer working with an out-field placement.

What advice would you offer those considering joining the SPED Teacher Pathway Program or currently in the program?
I was moved to a special education teacher position and never imagined I would love it as much as I do. I had previously earned a minor in special education so I looked into what it would take to finish the degree. Once I had decided that was the route I wanted to go, my SPED director told me about the grant and told me I should apply. 

I wanted to join because I wasn't in a position to want to take out additional loans to complete my schooling, but I also wanted to stay in special education so it made sense for me to join."

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SPED Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
My goal starting this program was to earn my ABS license and I have now done that! I am excited to continue working in special education and helping my students grow and succeed!

I completed the Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) program at the University of St. Thomas, graduating in December 2025. In addition to my graduate degree, I hold two bachelor’s degrees, one in Business and another in Child Development. I am currently employed as a high school Bridges teacher at the SWWC Marshall ELC, where I support students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs. With my licensure, I plan to continue in this role.

What piece of advice would you offer those considering joining the program?
The Special Education Teacher Pathway Program is an excellent option for anyone wanting to pursue a degree in special education while continuing to work in the field. The program allowed me to complete my coursework online, which made it possible to stay employed in special education and apply what I was learning directly in my classroom. The program also provides financial assistance and mentoring support, which removes barriers that often make it difficult for working adults to return to school. For those considering the program, or currently in it, the biggest strengths are the flexibility, the structured support system, and the opportunity to advance in special education without leaving your current role. If you are committed to the field and need a realistic route to completing your degree, the Pathway Program offers a practical and well‑supported way to achieve that goal.

What are you most excited about upon completion of the SpEd Teacher Pathway Program in relation to your licensure area?
When I began the program, my goal was to strengthen my skills in early childhood special education, since ECSE was the only setting I had previously worked in and felt familiar with. As I moved through my practicums, I had the opportunity to experience a range of grade levels and disability areas. That exposure helped me discover that I was especially drawn to supporting emotional and behavioral needs. Those experiences ultimately led me to my current role as a special education teacher in a federal setting IV school, where I feel well matched and excited to continue growing in my practice.