Education Commons^™

Building Quality And Capacity In Rural Areas, Nedra Atwell, Janice Ferguson, Judy Pierce

Kentucky Teacher Educator

This article will provide readers an overview of the program Western Kentucky University is using to promote quality training and promote professionalism in special education teachers. This program incorporates collaboration with local school districts, a cohort approach, field-based practitioners, online delivery of a research-based curriculum and demonstrated pedagogical knowledge with practical skills relevant to the targeted student population. The intent is to meet the demand for highly qualified special education teachers, not merely to decrease the shortage of teachers.