Memo Text
In an effort to assist local
educational agencies in meeting personnel shortages and to promote successful
outcomes for students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, or Visually
Impaired, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Special
Education (DESE-OSE), has established Memorandums of Understanding with Stephen
F. Austin State University, Texas Tech University and Texas Woman’s University
for eligible individuals to complete the necessary coursework to attain licensure
as Special Education Vision or Hearing Specialists.
Subject to funding availability,
DESE-OSE will make available stipends to educators who attain licensure as a
Special Education Vision or Hearing Specialist. The eligibility criteria for
receiving a stipend is attached in the Program Information document.
Instructions for applying for the stipend, as well as information about the
payment of stipends, is included in the same document.
For FFY23, the stipend amount will be
$4,005.00. Educators wishing to participate in the program must submit a Notice
of Intent to Participate form to DESE-OSE six months prior to submitting a
Statement of Assurance and Request for Stipend. Both forms are attached to this
memo. Applications for stipends for FFY23 must be completed and submitted to
DESE-OSE prior to July 30, 2023.
This program will be funded solely
with federal funds. No non-governmental sources will be used to finance the
cost of the project. Please be advised that stipends are subject to the
availability of funding.
For more information, please review
the Program Information document attached or contact Jeff.Adams@ade.arkansas.gov