Celebrating Our New Special Educators | Vermont Higher Education Collaborative

VT-HEC is proud to celebrate the 49 educators who completed our Special Education program this year — our largest cohort to date. This year’s cohort also includes the first graduates of a “grow your own program”, piloted with 11 students in Colchester. This pilot program enables paraprofessionals to become special educators in their current work settings.

“I realize now that one of the most important aspects of my job is as an access specialist and student advocate…. I think my most important contribution as a special educator is to work in partnership with teachers, providing them insight into how a student’s disability impacts the student’s experience and performance in class, and how teaching and learning obstacles can be removed.”

– New special educator, Jodi Martin

What our students had to say:

“I have developed some strong relationships with other students, and I know that we will continue to stay in touch and support each other as we move forward in our careers.”
“Our core teaching seminar was one of the most impactful parts of the program … filled with encouragement, energy, and an enthusiasm for teaching that was truly motivating.”
“The instructor guided us, encouraged us, and motivated us to continue this journey through its challenges. She always sought out answers to our questions, showed care and respect for each of us as individuals, and provided exceptional instruction.”
“The strengths of this program are manifold. I would recommend it to any educator or future educator interested in acquiring their special education license. It has equipped me with the necessary skills to enter into the workforce as a competent, organized, and skillful instructor and leader.”

Congratulations to all our new special educators! VT-HEC is proud of the work you’ve done and excited to see the impact you’ll have in classrooms across Vermont and beyond.

Learn more about our programs….