Unlocking Potential with the Special Education Teacher Pathway Program

The need for special education teachers has grown nationwide across the past decade, especially in rural communities, but the workforce hasn’t grown to match. Even if candidates are motivated to become teachers, logistical and financial challenges can either halt or drag out the process.

That’s certainly true for Jessica Foss, a paraprofessional at Pierz Schools in Pierz, Minnesota. She’s been working in special education for 19 years, but only recently had a chance to move towards becoming a teacher herself.

“I’ve always had a passion for working with kids. I started in daycare, graduated with a childcare diploma, then I found a knack for helping in the classroom.

I had phenomenal support from special education teachers. Just working in the classroom, I’ve had them tell me I should consider going back to school. But with the cost of the classes and the books, I wouldn’t have been able to afford that. ”

A new opportunity, called the Special Education Teacher Pathway program, changed that. When Jessica shared her career goals with her principal, he directed her towards the program, which offers funding to eligible school district employees in Sourcewell’s five-county area of service to help them gain a special education degree and licensure and work towards teaching in the region. Now with the added support of the program, Jessica is building more and more momentum towards her goals.

The Special Education Teacher Pathway program is made possible by funding from the Minnesota Department of Education. Sourcewell, in collaboration with several university partners and the support of districts in the service area, applied for and received $1.2 million in funding to invest in “growing their own” regional special education teachers over the next five years. According to Christine Grams, school workforce specialist at Sourcewell and manager of the pathway program:

“Every rural district knows the challenge of trying to attract employees to the region, but there are often qualified candidates working right there in the district already: Tier 1 or Tier 2 teachers, paraprofessionals, or other school employees. This program gives them a chance to contribute to their district in new and needed ways, while helping them develop their own careers as well.

With this approach, school districts can also elevate dedicated employees who already have ties to the community. That’s great for sustaining existing relationships, and it’s great for retention in an era of burnout. These participants already know the work and they already know the students. They just need the training and the licensure.”

Since the program opened during this past summer, Christine and her team have already helped almost 50 participants like Jessica accelerate their journey towards special education licensure. They’re excited to help others in years to come and to see the impact in area classrooms, schools, and communities.  

“This job is in high need, and there’s always a spot for you,” says Jessica. “More and more kids are needing extra support, and that’s not going away. It’s a heavy job, definitely, but it’s always worth it to be making that difference in a child’s life. To see the joy on their face, and to be a small part of making that lightbulb click.”

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Sourcewell’s Special Education Teacher Pathway program provides funding for eligible school district employees in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties to pursue special education degrees leading to licensure. Candidates must demonstrate a desire to work as special education teachers in the region following program completion.

Eligible employees may indicate their interest in the program by completing the program interest form.

For more information on the program, please contact Angie Bennett at angie.bennett@sourcewell-mn.gov.