University of Utah's Partnership
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Partnership Expands Opportunities for
Special Education Teachers
Jefferson Parish Schools is proud to launch a new partnership with the University of Utah to help grow the pipeline of certified teachers serving students with low-incidence disabilities. This opportunity is open to currently certified Early Interventionists and Special Education teachers interested in earning certification in Visual Impairment (VI) or Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) education.
Through this selective program, we will support:
- 5 candidates for the VI cohort
- 5 candidates for the DHH cohort
Two spots in each cohort are reserved for Early Childhood educators
Program Details
Program Overview:
- Start Date: August 2026
- Certification Completion: Summer 2027
- Begin VI/DHH Teaching Roles: Fall 2026
- Course Format: Online learning through the University of Utah, including both live and self-paced sessions
- Ongoing Support: Monthly or bi-monthly cohort sessions and professional development beginning in Fall 2026
- Certification Outcome: Full state certification in Visual Impairment or Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing education
This is a unique opportunity to gain specialized skills, receive support from a cohort of fellow educators, and make a direct impact in a high-need area of special education.
The application window will open on March 16 on our website and close on April 3. Submit your application early, as space is limited and interest is expected to be high.
Have questions? Email studentsupportcohort@jpschools.org for more information.