Governor Walz Announces $10 Million to Train Special Education Workforce

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced nearly $10 million to support Minnesota’s special education workforce. The Education Pipeline grants awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will support and train special education teachers in over 35 districts, charter schools, and cooperatives.

“As a former classroom teacher for over 20 years, I understand the impact a dedicated teacher can have on their students’ lives,” said Governor Walz. “By investing in our special education workforce, we can help ensure every student in Minnesota receives the support they need to thrive in their education.”

“We are committed to building an education system that gives every child in Minnesota a world-class education,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “By helping more Minnesotans enter the special education workforce, we can build school environments that meet the unique needs of each student.” 

“Students in special education deserve great teachers, and this grant will help prepare teachers with the skills they need,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “We are working to create the best education workforce in the nation, and special education teachers are an important part of making sure every student in Minnesota receives a quality education.”

The Special Education Teacher Pipeline grant program was established in 2023. MDE awarded the first round of $20 million in funding to 25 grantees, benefiting more than 160 joint partners in March 2024.

Grantees include:

• Bemidji Independent School District, serving as a fiscal host for a joint grant with:
  • Area Special Education Cooperative
  • Crookston Public Schools
  • Northwest Regional Interdistrict Council
  • Northwest Service Cooperative
  • PAWN Special Education
  • Red Lake Public Schools
  • Special Education Cooperative 382-52
• Eden Prairie
• Lakes International Language Academy
• New Century School, serving as a fiscal host for a joint grant with:
  • Ubah Academy
• Noble Academy
• Southern Plains Education, serving as a fiscal host for a joint grant with:
  • Blue Earth Area School District
  • Fairmont Area School District
  • Granada Huntley East Chain School District
  • Martin County West School District
  • Southern Plains Education Cooperative
  • United South Central School District
• Spero Academy
• Saint Paul Public Schools
• Saint Paul School of Northern Lights, serving as a fiscal host for a joint grant with:
  • Academy for Sciences & Agriculture (AFSA) Elementary and High School
  • Athlos Leadership Academy and Athlos Academy of St. Cloud
  • Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School
  • Community of Peace Academy
  • Cornerstone Montessori Elementary School
  • Cyber Village Academy
  • Great River School
  • La Crescent Montessori & STEM School
  • Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy
  • North Metro FLEX Academy
  • Northern Lights Community School
  • Northwest Passage High School
  • Paladin Career & Technical School
  • Terra Nova School
  • Schoolcraft Learning Community
  • Sejong Academy
  • St. Paul City School
  • Technical Academies of Minnesota
  • TrekNorth High School
  • Venture Academy
  • Vermilion Country School
  • Voyageurs Expeditionary School

Grantees and partners will use the funds to support teachers, paraprofessionals, or other staff to become fully licensed special education teachers. This support may include providing tuition assistance or stipends, participant recruitment, and providing supports for participants including mentoring, licensure test preparation and technology support.