Governor Tim Walz announced on Thursday nearly $10 million to support Minnesota’s special education workforce. The Education Pipeline grants awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will support and train special education teachers in over 35 districts, charter schools and cooperatives.
The Special Education Teacher Pipeline grant program was established in 2023. MDE awarded the first round of $20 million in funding to 25 grantees, benefiting more than 160 joint partners in March 2024.
Grantees in the area include Southern Plains Education, serving as a fiscal host for a joint grant with: Blue Earth Area School District, United South Centra School District, Fairmont Area School District, Granada Huntley East Chain School District, Martin County West School District and Southern Plains Education Cooperative.
Grantees and partners will use the funds to support teachers, paraprofessionals, or other staff to become fully licensed special education teachers. This support may include providing tuition assistance or stipends, participant recruitment and providing supports for participants including mentoring, licensure test preparation and technology support.