Those interested can attend informational session on May 15

HISD is expanding its current partnership with the University of St. Thomas to offer a Master’s of Education in Special Education Leadership through a grant program. The district already collaborates with UST to offer a Master’s in Business Administration program for aspiring principals. Like its predecessor, this special education master’s degree features greatly reduced tuition, principal certification and participation in a cohort group that will remain with each other throughout the program.

The first cohort of HISD participants will start this fall and will take online and face-to-face courses over two years—taking two courses in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters.

“The Office of Special Education Services at HISD is very forward thinking, and we feel our collaboration on this grant project will be very productive,” said UST School of Education Assistant Professor Randy Soffer. “This program can create a higher quality of leader in special education programs that will result in better outcomes for children with special needs and disabilities.”

Those HISD staff members interested in the program can attend a “last call” information session on Wednesday, May 15, at 4:30 p.m.at the University of St. Thomas. The meeting will be held in the Ahern Room in the Crooker Building on campus directly across from the parking garage and university bookstore. Those attending the meeting will be able to park free in the UST Parking Garage on Graustark.

Applications are being accepted until May 17. For more information about the program, download this form (.pdf) or contact Dr. Randy Soffer, director of the Preparation of Special Education Leaders (PSEL) Program at 713-942-5922 or at psel@stthom.edu.