UVM Receives Grant to Train Special Educators in Vermont
The federal funding aims to boost the number of specialists available to help local students with disabilities transition.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Special Education
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The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $1.25 million grant to the University of Vermont to address the statewide shortage of licensed secondary special educators. This initiative, known as Project STEPS, will provide scholarships and specialized training for 27 graduate students over the next five years.
Why it matters
This grant aims to close a critical gap in Vermont's education system, where students with disabilities often face uncertainty regarding services as they prepare to transition out of high school. By funding additional licensed staff, the program seeks to provide more consistent support for families navigating post-secondary transitions.
The grant supports 27 graduate students over five years, with eight students expected to join the first cohort. Participants must complete accredited online coursework and a 600-hour student teaching internship.
The players
University of Vermont
A public research university providing statewide teacher education programs and professional development.
U.S. Department of Education
The federal agency responsible for setting education policy and administering grant funding for state-level initiatives.
Vermont Agency of Education
The state entity overseeing curriculum standards and teacher certification for local schools.
Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
A research and outreach unit focused on enhancing the integration and support of individuals with disabilities.
The details
Project STEPS is designed to prepare graduate students for licensure specifically in special education transition planning. The curriculum combines remote academic work with an intensive 600-hour hands-on student teaching internship to build practical experience. The program further bolsters professional development through the Annual Vermont Transition Summit and twice-yearly networking sessions hosted in collaboration with state and disability advocacy agencies.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Federal grant awarded to the University of Vermont.
Early 2027: Applications open for the first year of graduate funding.
Five years: Total duration of the federal grant program.
The Home Front
This initiative arrives as Vermont faces a documented shortage of licensed special education personnel necessary to maintain federally mandated support levels. It reflects a growing state-level effort to bridge the gap between high school completion and adult services for students with disabilities.
Families with students nearing high school graduation should inquire with their local school district about how transition planning services are currently being staffed. Residents can monitor upcoming Vermont Transition Summit events for new opportunities to engage with the developing special education workforce.
The takeaway
Project STEPS provides a pipeline for teachers to specialize in the complex legal and logistical requirements of transition planning. Families should track these developments as they prepare their student's individualized education program (IEP) for the upcoming transition years.
What happens next
Applications for the first year of funding for graduate students open in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on local resources and educational support, visit the Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Burlington Free Press.
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