OSERS Announces Over $35 Million to Support Professional Preparation

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has announced over $35 million in funding for 138 awards, including one national technical assistance center, aimed at supporting the preparation, ongoing professional learning, and leadership development of special educators. These awards, part of the OSEP Personnel Development Program to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities, are intended to increase the number of well-prepared, diverse professionals serving children with disabilities, including early intervention practitioners, teachers, administrators, and university faculty. Authorized under Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), recipients will receive one year of funding from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 appropriations and have the potential to receive a five-year funding total from subsequent fiscal budgets. The funding is distributed to institutions of higher education and organizations across states to enhance the quality of services for children with disabilities. CEC advocates for increased funding for the Personnel Preparation as part of its advocacy efforts, including through the Special Education Legislative Summit. The program saw a $20 million increase in FY 2023.

View the recipient list here.