Six of the 22 student teachers who are receiving special education scholarships are pictured with Terri Davis, seated far right, Special Education Programs director, and Denise Dion, seated far left, internship adviser. Standing: Katherine Hefferen, Red Bluff; Judi Gusman, Paradise; Dena Elden, Durham; Lindsay Anzelc, Moss Beach. Seated: Erika Hughes, Chico, and Jon Ovick, Vallejo.

The Department of Professional Studies in Education has received two major federal grants totaling $2.3 million to support special education teaching. Both grants are from the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Terri Davis, Special Education Programs director, will oversee both of the programs, Concurrent Program and Internship, funded by the grant. The concurrent grant will prepare teachers to serve infants, toddlers, and children with severe disabilities in rural areas. The internship grant will prepare teachers to serve school-aged children with mild to moderate disabilities.

The four-year concurrent grant for student teachers awards 100 recipients a $5,200 scholarship to cover fees, books, and supplies. The five-year internship grant awards 125 teacher interns with $6,600.

There are 22 students, who were already in the program, receiving the stipends at this time as part of the concurrent program. For all of them, it was an unexpected and much appreciated development. They are full-time credential candidates who are student teaching.

Six of the students talked about the benefits of the stipends. Dena Elden, the mother of two, said that the grant will allow her to not have to work weekends in addition to studying, student teaching, and taking care of her family. Katherine Hefferen said that it will allow her to build a library and to collect essential classroom resources. Erika Hughes said, “It lends to peace of mind. I can concentrate on work rather than worrying about my finances.”

Their common love of children and enjoyment of teaching drew the students to the field. Lindsay Anzelc said she, “fell into a job” last year with children with disabilities and loved going to work. “It was a great experience watching the progress the students would make—so different than students without disabilities where a certain rate of progress is expected.”

More than $6 million dollars in federal and state grants has been secured by special education faculty in the past 12 years. Grant funding annually supports full student scholarships and provides mentor teachers to assist special education interns in the program’s 46,000-square-mile service range.

The need for teachers in the special education field is increasing. Approximately 12 percent of K-12 students in California are special needs students. Professor Mary Jensen, special education consultant, said, “CSU, Chico special education faculty have developed innovative programs that are distinguished in the state and nation.”

Graduates of the Chico programs have had a 100 percent employment record, working as special educators or as general education teachers prepared to meet the diverse learning needs of special populations. Retention records provided by public school partners indicate Chico special education program graduates are retained in their positions at a rate 50 to 70 percent higher than statewide teacher retention averages.

Individuals interested in pursuing careers as teachers of pupils with disabilities may contact Denise Dion, CSU, Chico special education internship adviser, at x5575.

Jennifer Proctor with Kathleen McPartland