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Early Childhood Special Education Leaders in Social Emotional Learning (EC-SEL2)
The University of New Mexico has been awarded a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education to train early childhood special education leaders in New Mexico. The grant began October 1, 2024 and continues through August 30, 2029.
Scholars who participate receive tuition, fees (including health insurance), mentoring/advising, and an annual stipend. Scholars also recieve travel support and all related training fees. Flexibility in grant funding allows Scholar funding to meet individual needs. Participation includes five graduate semesters (two academic year semesters and one Summer semester). Cohorts will be admitted for Fall 2025 start and Fall 2027 start.
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Click Here (or Scan Below) to Complete an Interest Form
Overview
This project, Early Childhood (EC) Special Education Leaders in Social Emotional Learning (SEL2), proposes to address the critical need for preparing diverse, multilingual, highly qualified early childhood special education (ECSE) professionals that can effectively work with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children with disabilities who live and work in Tribal, rural, and multilingual populations within New Mexico (NM).
Scholars who participate in the project will:
- Complete all requirements for a New Mexico teaching license in early childhood and special education.
- Complete a Master's degree in Special Education
- Develop social-emotional promotion and prevention skills
- Develop transformational leadership skills
- Participate in community-partnered early childhood special education opportunities
- Participate in state-level policy and change events
Selection Criteria
We are seeking candidates who are interested in becoming a leader in the New Mexico early childhood special education workforce. Applicants should have ambitious career goals and a strong desire to work with state organizations and early childhood programs to improve outcomes for young children with disabilities. Scholars who enter this program will graduate with both an NM early childhood teaching license and a NM special education teaching license, as well as their Master's degree in special education. Priority will be given to applicants who represent Tribal, rural, or multilingual populations and have a desire to impact Tribal, rural, or multilingual populations.
Apply Now!
For consideration, applicants must first Complete an Interest Form. A member of our project team will receive the form and email you with additional information.
Contact
Roberto Martinez, Project Coordinator, ecsescholars@unm.edu
Chelsea T. Morris, Project Lead ctmorris@unm.edu
Additional Notes
Post-graduation requirements: Funded students must sign an OSEP exit service obligation agreement indicating the total amount of funds received by the scholar through the grant and the total number of years of service expected to complete.
The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
