Project STRIVE
Project STRIVE (Specialized Teachers Responsive in Inetrventions for Varying Exceptionalities) will identify, recruit, and prepare 25 scholars (13 students for the first cohort; 12 students for the second cohort) of underrepresented populations to obtain a Masters of Education degree (MEd) and become a highly qualified teacher in Special Education.
Requirements for consideration include (but are not limited to):
- Hold a bachelor’s and a Class B certification in a field of education other than special education,
Currently teach in the state of Alabama and desire to provide services to students
in special education (a minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience in the
current field of certification preferred),- Recommended by your current administrator as demonstrating potential as a special education teacher,
- Successful interview and position statement, and
- Meet AAMU Graduate Studies and Educator Preparation Program admission criteria.
**An additional requirement for candidates seeking Alternative class A certification only: Candidates will need to meet the twelve hours in the four general education content area courses (4x12; English, Math, Science, and Social Sciences) requirements or pass the Praxis content area exam at the state-designated cutoff scores.
AAMU WILL INCREASE CERTIFIED SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN ALABAMA
The selected candidates will be certified to implement data-based interventions to and provide support for, students with high intensity learning and/or behavioral needs in inclusive settings, as well as offer support for their families across the state of Alabama and other states with certification reciprocity. Programmatic goals include: (1) increase the number of Alabama state certified special education teachers through a MEd in Special Education where scholars design, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions for culturally and linguistically diverse students with high intensity needs in inclusive settings; (2) prepare researchers in special education to improve student outcomes through a problem-solving context when implementing data-based intervention for students with high intensity needs; (3) Empower teachers as advocates in special education to safeguard the rights of students, including those with high intensity needs, through specialized trainings; and (4) support teachers as collaborators in special education to provide professional development through mentorship and coaching.
FULL TUITION FUNDING!!!
Full tuition will be provided to 25 scholars (13 students for the first cohort; 12 students for the second cohort) for the duration of the program. Each scholar will receive comprehensive supports that include tuition and fees for the entire program, books, technological devices, certification related fees, childcare stipends, travel funds for professional development, optional health insurance, coverage of graduation fees, and mentor stipends to provide expert coaching. The initial funded cohort will begin August 2024 and graduate December 2026.
This program courses are offed Asynchronous, Synchronous, and Synchronous Hybrid, but does require a minimum of two (2) physical attendance meetings at Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian St. N., Normal, AL 35762. Please reply with questions or if you were interested in attending a future information session.
DEADLINE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PROJECT STRIVE FUNDING FOR COHORT 2
IS June 1, 2026!
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Tamar Riley at tamar.riley@aamu.edu.
Dr. Adrain Christopher adrain.christopher@aamu.edu
