Media Contact: Brianna Hoge
UAB partners with Hoover City Schools to launch a “grow your own” program in hopes of addressing the special education teacher shortage.
Photography: Lexi CoonIn a groundbreaking effort to address the special education teacher shortage, the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Education and Human Sciences has partnered with Hoover City Schools to launch a “grow your own” initiative.
In fall 2024, a cohort of Hoover teachers began a specialized masters of education program at UAB, supported by scholarships and partial reimbursement from Hoover City Schools. The program aims to equip them with the skills and certification needed to teach special education.
Mary Rose Sallese, Ph.D., assistant professor of special education at UAB, says that “grow your own” programs are effective because they develop educators from within the community, increasing the likelihood of long-term commitment and reducing turnover. These programs provide tailored support and professional development to address local educational challenges.
“The goal is to build a team of Hoover teachers with the passion and expertise to create meaningful learning experiences for and promote the long-term academic success of students with disabilities,” Sallese said. “We aim to eliminate cost barriers, enhance convenience, and foster the professional growth of the teachers.”
The collaborative teacher program at UAB, typically online, offers in-person opportunities for the Hoover cohort to deepen their understanding and apply their learning within their schools. For example, a cohort-specific course on Individualized Education Programs will ensure teachers are well-prepared for district-specific procedures.
The collaborative teacher program at UAB, typically online, offers in-person opportunities for the Hoover cohort to deepen their understanding and apply their learning within their schools.
Photography: Andrea Mabry
The cohort model enables students to collaborate and support one another throughout the program. This network of peers becomes an ongoing resource, providing professional connections and shared problem-solving. Sallese says research shows that having a strong support network is key to being successful in the first few years as a special education teacher.
By training educators within the context of their current district’s climate, culture and community, this program ensures that teachers are well-equipped to meet the unique needs of students who qualify for special education services. This front-end investment in the professional growth of Hoover teachers aims to create high-quality special education teachers who can be hired into available positions in the future.
“Hoover City Schools is very proud of our long-standing partnership with the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences, and we are excited to create new opportunities for professional growth and advancement for our teachers through this innovative program,” said Chris Robbins, Ph.D., Chief Learning Officer for Hoover City Schools. “We are grateful to our colleagues at UAB for their continued collaboration with Hoover City Schools to find and create new pathways to have an even greater impact on the students in our community."
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Sallase says the program is expected to have a significant impact on the quality of special education services in Hoover City Schools by increasing the pool of applicants and creating a ready-to-go bench of well-trained teachers. Even before the individuals are in special education teaching positions, these teachers will be better equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities in their classes.