ASPIRE: PK-12 Special Education Add-on Certification

ASPIRE: Accelerated Special Education Program for In-Service Resident Educators offers certified Pennsylvania educators a fast, affordable way to earn PK–12 Special Education add-on certification in just 15 months at zero cost. Please note that this program is designed for educators with active certification in a non-Special Education area.

This 27-credit program combines online graduate-level coursework, a special education teacher internship, and opportunities for paid substitute teaching. Combined with 100% tuition coverage and an $8,000 living stipend, ASPIRE removes financial barriers so educators can earn income, gain experience, and expand their credentials in a critically high-need area.

Build your credentials. Gain experience. Earn while you learn.

Program Highlights:

• Earn PK–12 Special Education add-on certification in 15 months
• Designed for active certified Pennsylvania educators and student teachers awaiting Instructional I certification in a non-Special Education area
• Receive 100% tuition coverage and an $8,000 living stipend
• Gain hands-on experience through an embedded special education teacher internship
• Eliminate the financial barrier of unpaid student teaching
• Earn additional income by working up to two days per week as a paid substitute teacher

How it WorkS

Program Timeline and Format:

ASPIRE cohorts begin each May and conclude the following August, allowing a seamless transition into employment at the start of the academic school year. Participants complete nine graduate courses totaling 27 credit hours. Coursework is primarily asynchronous, with any live online meetings scheduled in the evenings.

Special Education Teacher Internship:

Beginning in June during Extended School Year, participants are engaged in their internship three days per week. Experience is gained through assisting a mentor with responsibilities such as progress monitoring, data collection, small-group and one-on-one instruction, and IEP writing.

Participants may also work up to two additional days per week as paid substitute teachers.

Internships and substitute teaching take place in a district that has partnered with Kutztown University for this initiative. Current ASPIRE partners include:

Learn More

Interested in applying and looking for more information? Contact ASPIRE Program Coordinator Dr. Kathleen Stanfa at stanfa@kutztown.edu

School districts interested in partnering with the ASPIRE initiative should contact the Office of Clinical Education and Partnerships at driehaus@kutztown.edu

For help with the graduate application, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@kutztown.edu