Project SELECT

Project SELECT (Special Education Leaders Excelling in Collaborative Teaching) at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) will recruit, prepare, and support 70 scholars across eight cohorts to pursue Class B and Class A certifications in Special Education and Instructional Leadership.

The project is designed to increase the number of highly qualified special education teachers and instructional leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to serve students with disabilities. Scholars will receive specialized preparation in evidence-based instructional practices, collaborative teaching, behavioral interventions, and family engagement.

Project SELECT offers three certification pathways:

1. Class B Special Education Certification (Grades 6–12): Preparation for 30 scholars through the Teacher Special Education Certification (TSEC) program.
2. Class A Special Education Certification (Grades K–12): Preparation for 17 scholars through the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program.
3. Class A Instructional Leadership Certification: Preparation for 23 scholars pursuing advanced certification in Instructional Leadership.

Requirements for Consideration
Applicants must meet the admission and certification requirements for their selected program pathway.

Specific eligibility requirements, application materials, and selection criteria will be provided by the Project SELECT team.

Project SELECT: Preparing Special Education Teachers and Instructional Leaders

Qualified candidates will be prepared to:

1. Plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities.
2. Deliver effective academic and behavioral interventions to support students with exceptional learning needs.
3. Collaborate with educators, school personnel, and families to improve student outcomes.
4. Develop leadership skills to support inclusive educational environments.
5. Advocate for students with disabilities through specialized training, mentoring, and professional development.

Scholar Support and Professional Development

Project SELECT provides grant-supported preparation opportunities for scholars pursuing special education and instructional leadership certifications.

Scholars will participate in evidence-based preparation, professional development, and collaborative learning experiences designed to strengthen their instructional and leadership practices.

Recruitment Information

Project SELECT will recruit and prepare 70 scholars across eight cohorts beginning October 1, 2026.

Recruitment opportunities will be available for the following programs:

• Teacher Special Education Certification (TSEC)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
• Instructional Leadership Certification

Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements for their desired certification pathway and contact the Project SELECT team for additional application information.

General inquiries and information about the Instructional Leadership option, please contact:

• Dr. Desheil Echols desheil.echols@aamu.edu

Specific information about TSEC or the M.Ed. In Collaborative SPE, please contact

• Dr. Tamar Riley tamar.riley@aamu.edu.