The Bridges Program
at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» School of Education is funded by the Office
of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Personnel Development Program grant. The goal
of the Bridges Program is to increase the number of Early Childhood through 12th grade
special education teachers while promoting post-secondary opportunities for individuals
from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities.
With a commitment to building a community of excellence in special education, the
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»D Bridges Program is working to empower EC-12 special education teachers to not
only meet but exceed their professional goals while enriching the learning experiences
for students with disabilities.
The Bridges Program provides:
- Financial assistance for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»D teacher candidates seeking a Bachelor of Science in
Education degree with a certification in EC-12 special education to help fund tuition,
living expenses, schoolbooks, and supplies, as well as dependent care expenses,
- A collaborative program with district-based and university-based mentors working together
to provide tailored guidance, practical insights, and social-emotional support systems
for beginning EC-12 special education teachers alumni during their first three years
in the classroom, and
- Establish a network of professional EC-12 special educators dedicated to the continuous
improvement of their instructional methods and services to support the unique academic
and behavioral needs of students with disabilities in the surrounding school districts.
Contact Dr. Julie Southward for more information Julie.southward@untdallas.edu