Great Hearts’ Special Student Services Pathway encourages current Great Hearts teachers to pursue training for a career in special education, ESL, and more. Such careers offer intrinsic rewards and competitive compensation. For participants in our pathway program, Great Hearts pays certification and training costs.
The application process for the Special Student Services Pathway varies by region. See below for more information.
Pathways Overview
| Region |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Point of Contact | Jennifer Ramirez jennifer.ramirez@greathearts.org Diane Jones |
Marla Babcock
marla.babcock@greathearts.org |
| Summary | In Texas, state certification is required in order to work in a SPED or ESL field. Teachers must first earn a general certification, then earn an additional, supplemental certification. Participants must have a bachelor’s degree and the recommendation of their Headmaster and a second person who works in Special Student Services.
For Pathway participants, Great Hearts covers program costs for a 4-12 month online certification program through Texas Teachers of Tomorrow or Region 10. This covers both the initial certification and the supplemental, as well as testing fees associated with both (currently waived by the TEA). |
In Arizona, state certification is required in order to work as an ESS-C. Teachers can earn a special education certification separately from any general education certifications. Great Hearts covers program costs up to $5000 for a two-year program at Rio Salado College. |
| Certifications Covered | EC-6*, 4-8*, Secondary*, Special Education, ESL *Note: only covered if seeking Special Education or ESL pathway |
Special Education |
| Program Details | Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous | Online, asynchronous, and award post-baccalaureate credit |
| Timeframe | Texas Teachers of Tomorrow: 4 months, 6 months, or 9 months Region 10: 10-12 months |
2 Years |
| Recommended Program(s) | Texas Teachers of Tomorrow Region 10 |
Rio Salado College |
| Handbook | Texas Special Student Services Pathway Handbook | Arizona TIR and Post-Bacc Handbook |
| Application | Apply Here | Email marla.babcock@greathearts.org |
Q. How do I apply for the Special Student Services Pathway?
A. Begin by speaking with your Headmaster about your interest. In Texas, click the application link to apply, which will prompt a formal request recommendations from your Headmaster and a second recommender (a Special Student Services staff). If you have questions about the Texas programs, reach out to Jennifer Ramirez (jennifer.ramirez@greathearts.org). In Arizona, email Marla Babcock directly (marla.babcock@greathearts.org) for an application link.
Q. Am I eligible to participate in the Special Student Services Pathway?
A. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible in Texas. Reach out to Marla Babcock for Arizona requirements. The application process includes a recommendation from your Headmaster and a second recommender. The certifying institutions (Texas: Region 10 and Teachers of Tomorrow and Arizona: Rio Salado) have their own admissions requirements as well. Any Great Hearts employee may apply for admission, and we can walk you through the process.
Q. I am a Texas teacher with general certification and only need a supplemental SPED or ESL certification. Can I do that?
A. Yes! Once you’ve earned your initial certification, you need only pass an exam for additional certification areas (e.g. EC-12 Special Education, ESL). Currently, the TEA is waiving certification test fees. There is a partnership with The Learning Liaison that is available to any Great Hearts employee at a 50% discount for assistance with certification test preparation.