Overview of Project STRIDE
STrengthening Rural Inclusive Diverse Early Educators
Scholars will receive tuition support to complete the required coursework for the M.Ed. in Special Education – Early Childhood. Scholars will be expected to enroll in a minimum of two courses per semester for two years beginning in the fall semester of 2015. Scholars who are currently teaching will apply to the Teaching Intern Program (TIP) through the Arizona Department of Education enabling them to student teach while completing their degree. All scholars will annually receive a stipend of $500 and $900 to purchase textbooks. A laptop computer, printer and camera will be purchased for each scholar.
A minimum of 10 scholars will be selected for each cohort. Scholars will attend a two day orientation prior to the beginning of their studies on the NAU campus (funding is available to cover travel and per diem costs. Applicants are expected to attend this orientation. Scholars will also attend one-week summer intensives each summer of their program.
Office of Special Education Projects Requirements:
· US citizen
· Commitment to inclusive practices for young children with disabilities
· Likelihood of completing program and meeting service obligation (see attached);
Project STRIDE Scholar Requirements:
· Ability to successfully complete online coursework
· Background in education
· Commitment of school district administration (for applicants who are currently teaching)
· Personal qualities (collaborative, open, flexible, etc.)
· Preference given to applicants living in rural and/or diverse communities
Benefits for STRIDE Scholars:
· Earning the M.Ed. in Special Education – Early Childhood
· Certification in Early Childhood Special Education and Endorsement in Early Childhood Education from the Arizona Department of Education
· Financial support to complete the degree
· Minimal disruption in personal and professional life while completing the degree
· Specialized training in assistive technology and cultural and linguistic diversity
Project STRIDE Requirements for Partner Schools:
· Provide administrative support for inclusive early childhood education
· Preference given to schools that are considered either rural, culturally diverse, or low income
· Interest in hiring STRIDE graduates
Benefits for Partner Schools:
· Practicum students who have training in early childhood inclusion, assistive technology and approaches to working with culturally and linguistically diverse children
· Opportunity to hire highly qualified educators who will graduate from Project STRIDE
· Future opportunities to participate in Project STRIDE activities (be a model site for the state; be a model training site for future scholars)