Trevecca earns Tennessee Department of Education grant to provide specialized teacher endorsements | Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Education to provide teacher endorsements in special education (SPED) and English as a second language (ESL).

The state’s SPED/ESL Adaptation and Administration Grant will give up to 2,400 educators the opportunity to earn an endorsement in one of these areas over the course of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.  

As a recipient of the special funding, Trevecca’s School of Education will offer flexible, fully online training to help fill demand for teachers statewide in the two specialty areas. Teachers accepted in the program will be able to work at their own pace in earning the endorsement, preparing for roles as special education or ESL classroom teachers.

“We are honored by this opportunity to serve our state educators and help meet an important need in our schools,” said Dr. Patrick Osborne, executive director of Trevecca’s Institute of Professional Development. “Teaching educators and providing online instruction are both areas where Trevecca has developed a great reputation statewide, and this program allows us to use those strengths for a great cause.”

To be considered for the program, a licensed teacher must be nominated by the director of schools in his or her district. Courses will begin in October 2021.

Teacher Participation Information

In order to register for participation in one of these additional endorsement opportunities, currently licensed Tennessee educators should complete one of the relevant forms below by Thursday, September 30, 2021. 

Special Education Nomination Forms:

• Special Education Interventionist K-8 Additional Endorsement Participant Registration Form 
• Special Education Interventionist 6-12 Additional Endorsement Participant Registration Form
• Special Education Comprehensive K-12 Additional Endorsement Participant Registration Form

English as a Second Language Forms:

• English as a Second Language Participant Registration Form

Seats in each endorsement pathway will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, until all seats are filled.  

Please note: those individuals who have already been nominated by their LEAs for this opportunity, or for another additional endorsement opportunity being offered by TDOE, will not be eligible for self-registration at this time.

With questions, please contact Ben.Gagne-Maynard@tn.gov.

Information about degree and post-baccalaureate programs offered through Trevecca’s School of Education can be found here.

Media Contact: Brian Bennett