The Elizabethtown Area School District is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $16,200 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to launch a new initiative, Developing Future Special Educators. This program aligns with the District’s Life Ready Model, empowering students with dynamic learning experiences tailored to their strengths and aspirations.

The grant will fund the creation of a career pathway for secondary students by offering early exposure and hands-on learning opportunities in the field of special education. Additionally, it will provide scholarship opportunities for program participants to enroll in targeted dual enrollment classes, giving them a head start on earning college credits and developing essential skills for the profession.

Superintendent Dr. Karen Nell congratulated Dr. Walter Smith, Director of Special Education; Dr. Jason D’Amico, High School Principal; Lacie Meyer, Pathways and Internship Coordinator; and Kelly Gillette, High School Counselor, for their leadership and dedication in designing the program and securing the grant. "Their efforts reflect our district's commitment to preparing the next generation of educators and advancing inclusive education," said Dr. Nell.

Program Highlights

• Pathway to Special Education Careers: Before enrolling, students will meet with school counselors to explore the special education career pathway as part of the District's Life Ready Model. Participating in these unified courses and dual enrollment opportunities will give students early insights into the rewards and challenges of working in special education.
• Unified Courses in Junior Year: During their junior year, participating students will enroll in unified courses, blending general education students with peers with disabilities. These courses will promote empathy, understanding, and collaboration, providing a unique learning experience for all participants.
• Dual Enrollment in Senior Year: In their senior year, participating students interested in special education can take a college-level course—Introduction to Exceptionalities—through a partnership with Elizabethtown College or another Pennsylvania-based institution. This dual enrollment course will offer students college credits that can be applied toward an education degree, helping them get a head start on their postsecondary studies.
• Mentorship and Professional Guidance: A key component of the program is mentorship from experienced special education teachers, counselors, and college faculty. High school students will receive guidance on their career paths through structured mentoring relationships, learning directly from professionals who work with students with diverse abilities.
• Collaborative Learning Environments: Elizabethtown Area School District and Elizabethtown College will deepen their collaboration by allowing college students to use the District’s special education classrooms as lab spaces, providing hands-on experiences for both high school and college students.
• Non-Profit Partnerships: The program will partner with non-profit organizations focused on disability advocacy and support to co-host initiatives that promote the importance of special education. These partnerships will include organizing workshops, joint awareness campaigns, and inclusive events.

The Developing Future Special Educators program reflects the District's commitment to addressing the nationwide shortage of special education professionals. By building this pathway, the District aims to nurture students' passion for education early, ensuring they are well-prepared to pursue teaching degrees and positively impact the lives of students with disabilities.

“This grant will help us pair educational opportunities—both here at our high school and at a local college—with immersive experiences, mentorships, and meaningful unified opportunities for program participants and students with disabilities," said Dr. Smith. "At the same time, it addresses the critical shortage of special education teachers by preparing and inspiring the next generation of professionals to enter the field.”

The Elizabethtown Area School District is excited to launch this program and looks forward to supporting students on their journey toward careers in special education. The program is expected to launch in the fall of 2025.