Special Education Tuition Reimbursement
Two tuition reimbursement programs are available. DESE has established contracts with the institutions of higher education that have DESE approved teacher certification programs in one or more of the following special education certification areas:
Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical
Visually Impaired
Hearing Impaired
Severe Developmentally Disabled
The institutions of higher education that are currently participating are listed at the end of this document. Contracts are in place to support tuition reimbursement for courses completed for the following two groups of individuals:
1) Paraprofessionals, including paraprofessionals who are minorities or individuals with disabilities
Paraprofessionals who are eligible for tuition reimbursement must have successfully completed approximately 60 hours of college coursework, have a letter from their current district of employment which confirms at least two years of successful employment as a special education paraprofessional and contains either the superintendent's or director of special education's recommendation. The letter must also indicate the ways in which the district will support the paraprofessional to reach the goal of certification in special education. Support must include release time, when necessary, for travel and class time. Other support offered by the district could include support for travel, books or other related expenses, a mentor within the district or either full or partial tuition reimbursement if the total statewide tuition reimbursement costs exceed the funding available.
2) Teachers, including teachers who are minorities or individuals with disabilities and who hold Missouri Certification in any area of general education
All general education teachers, including first year teachers, are eligible for tuition reimbursement and must have a letter from the superintendent or director of special education which indicates their recommendation for the individual to obtain certification in an area of special education. The letter must indicate the reasons for the recommendation and, as stated above, include the ways in which the district will support the teacher in obtaining the goal of special education certification.
Paraprofessionals and general education teachers who have a letter of recommendation from their district should contact eligible colleges/universities in their geographical area. The letter of recommendation will serve as authorization to participate in the tuition reimbursement program. Participants must obtain a B or better grade in each course to be eligible for tuition reimbursement.
Questions regarding Special Education