Special Education Teacher Residency Program Recruitment Now Open For 2025 Cohort

December 4, 2024

The Wisconsin Center For Education Research, in collaboration with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, today announced recruitment for the 2025 cohort of the Special Education Teacher Residency Program is now open. This innovative program aims to address the critical shortage of special education teachers in MPS by providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring educators.

In its second year, the Special Education Teacher Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Participants receive extensive experience in MPS classrooms, mentorship from experienced educators, and a pathway to full certification in special education, in addition to a master’s degree.

“Special education has been an area that’s harder to staff for decades,” says Kimber Wilkerson, project director and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education. “I would argue those positions are the most critical to be filled with people who are well-prepared and strong in their jobs, in order to do right by kids with disabilities.”

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply by the early decision deadline of Dec. 15, 2024, to secure their place in this transformative program. The residency program is designed to equip future teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in diverse and dynamic educational environments.

“This program will give you a pathway to understand the job before having all of the responsibility. This is more of a fellowship than a student teaching program,” said John Carlos Sanger, a member of the 2024 cohort. “Even on the toughest day on the job, I feel better than I did before I was in the program. This opportunity has done so much for me.”

Program Highlights:

• Collaborative Training: Participants work closely with MPS teachers and UW-Madison faculty to gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

• Mentorship and Support: Each resident is paired with a mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the program.

• Pathway to Certification: Successful completion of the program leads to full certification in special education in Wisconsin, opening doors to a rewarding career in education.

• Financial Support: Residents receive a living stipend of at least $55,335 and are eligible for free tuition through UW-Madison’s Teacher Pledge.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The 14-month program includes a 10-month teaching residency in MPS and graduate coursework leading to a master’s degree from UW–Madison in special education and a Wisconsin Cross-Categorical Special Education license.

• A Position After Graduation: Following completion of the program, participants agree to teach in an MPS school for three years.

Wisconsin, like many states, is facing a significant shortage of special education teachers. This shortage impacts the quality of education that students with disabilities receive, as schools struggle to fill vacancies with qualified professionals. The Special Education Teacher Residency Program is a strategic initiative funded by a Teacher Quality Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education to attract, prepare, and retain dedicated special education teachers in Milwaukee, ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to succeed.

For more information about the UW–Madison and MPS Special Education Teacher Residency Program and to apply, please visit https://uwteacherresidency.org/.

About The Wisconsin Center For Education Research

The Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s #1 ranked public School of Education is one of the first and most productive education research centers in the world. It has assisted scholars and practitioners in developing, submitting, conducting and sharing grant-funded education research for 60 years.

WCER’s mission is to improve educational outcomes for diverse student populations, positively impact education practice and foster collaborations among academic disciplines and practitioners.