Gwynedd Mercy University, Bucks County Community College, and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (IU) have collaborated to create Pennsylvania’s first undergraduate apprenticeship program designed to certify and train prekindergarten through 12th grade special education teachers.
The program enables Bucks IU paraprofessionals who don’t possess a bachelor’s degree to earn their Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification and a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work for Bucks IU full time.
According to a Gwynedd Mercy University news release, participants will need to complete at least 60 credits through Bucks County Community College and the remaining credits at Gwynedd Mercy University. On-the-job experience satisfies field experience requirements; student teaching will be hosted within the Bucks IU system. Gwynedd Mercy University’s courses are offered fully online.
More information about this apprenticeship program is available online. Bucks IU employees not selected for the apprenticeship program are still eligible for a 10% tuition discount for Gwynedd Mercy University’s online Bachelor of Science in Special Education program.
