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, the Office of Special Education (DESE-OSE), has established Memorandums of Understanding with the following established licensure programs for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, or Visually Impaired certification for eligible individuals to complete the necessary coursework:  Stephen F. Austin University, Texas Tech University, and Texas Woman’s University.

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 FY25, the stipend amount will be $6,765.00.  The total stipend amount is not to exceed the total credit hour cost of the program.  Educators wishing to participate in the program must submit a Notice of Intent to Participate form to DESE-OSE five (5) months prior to submitting a Statement of Assurance and Request for Stipend.  Both forms are attached to the memo.  Applications for stipends for FY25 must be completed and submitted to DESE-OSE prior to July 31, 2025.

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.

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