Training & Events

Special Education Teacher Pathway

Sourcewell’s Special Education Teacher Pathway program is an opportunity for regional educators to achieve their career goals and fill critical gaps in central Minnesota schools. Eligible employees of regional schools can obtain Tier 3 or Tier 4 special education licensure at reduced or no cost thanks to grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Education. 

Notice: Only Tier 1 and Tier 2 teachers are being onboarded into Sourcewell’s Special Education Teacher Pathway for spring 2026 program starts and beyond.

Please take a moment to review the information links above. When you are ready, complete the program interest form to begin the process.

Opening doors in education

Jessica had always had a passion for working with students, but despite encouragement from many teachers to pursue special education licensure for herself, finances stood in the way. Then, her principal mentioned the pathway program. 

Read the story
Students in a classroom

How it works

Eligible participants

Eligible participants

Program participants must be Tier 1 or Tier 2 teachers or other non-licensed employees of a school district in Sourcewell’s service area (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, or Wadena county), and demonstrate a willingness to be a special education teacher in the service area after program completion. 

See list of school districts >

Approved licenses

Approved licenses

This grant supports any special education licensure area, including Academic and Behavioral Specialist (ABS) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).

Read full list of approved licenses >

Partnering programs

Partnering programs

Participants can choose from five different teacher preparation partners: Bemidji State University, St. Cloud State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, the University of Minnesota -- Twin Cities, and Western Governors University. All programs are designed with working adults in mind and are largely online. 

Resources for approved programs >

SPED teacher pipeline participant steps

Questions?

For additional details about the program, please contact Christine Grams on the Sourcewell education solutions team.

Christine Grams
Program lead
christine.grams@sourcewell-mn.gov