Project PULSSE Scholarship

The application period is currently closed.

Preparing Urban Leaders in Secondary Special Education (PULSSE) is a special education master’s program that will prepare scholars to become school leaders with expertise in serving secondary students with multiple disabilities. PULSSE scholars will participate in a rigorous series of courses that will develop the ability of scholars to develop educational programs that are both evidence-based and adapted to the needs of individual students. Graduates will acquire the skills to become school leaders who are able to support the academic and behavioral needs of students with multiple disabilities in inclusive settings.

PULSSE scholarships include costs for tuition and university fees. The one year program consists of three primary components:

  1. A rigorous sequences of courses in special education to be completed in across four semesters spanning approximately one calendar year. The coursework will lead to a master’s degree in special education; eligibility to earn a Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS2) endorsement in Multiple Disabilities; and an understanding of the principles and practices associated with leading inclusive programming for students with multiple disabilities in schools and districts.
  2. Participation in an intensive summer workshop in which scholars work directly with experts in educational programming for students with multiple disabilities. This week long summer experience is a cornerstone of the program and will assist scholars extend their knowledge acquired through PULSSE coursework.
  3. Participation in a post-graduation Community of Practice in which individual engaged in special education school leadership can discuss common challenges associated with the implementation, supervision, and evaluation of inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities.

Upon completion of the program, scholars will be prepared to assume school leadership roles to ensure that students with multiple disabilities in secondary settings are ensured the same access to the general curriculum as their peers without disabilities. The program will begin in Summer of 2018 with completion of the program requiring one full year of study that will extend into the following summer. Scholars will take courses across four total semesters. The typical courseload will be three classes per semester. Cohorts will be recruited annually. Scholars are required to complete a service obligation in the field of special education (2 years for each year of support) within schools and districts within the United States.

Eligibility

  • Full Illinois LBS1 endorsement
  • 2 years teaching experience
  • 1-year commitment
  • Service obligation in special education
  • Acceptance into the MEd Special Education program

The scholarship program is only open to individual who have taught for two years as of December 31, 2017 and who have a current full LBS1 teaching endorsement and therefore are able to teach students across all grade levels. Unfortunately, individuals with an LBS1 approval or limited LBS1 endorsement (e.g., only able to teach students with disabilities in certain grade spans) are not eligible for the scholarship.

To be eligible to receive funding from PULSSE, applicants must first be accepted into the MEd Special Education program. The scholarship program will accept no more than 7 scholars for the upcoming year (cohort beginning Summer 2018).

Program Requirements

The program requires 36 credits and is completed in one full year starting in the summer semester.

  • Completion of required coursework.
  • Participation in week long intensive summer experience.
  • Participation in Community of Practice (post-graduation)

Application Process

The application deadline for the Summer 2018 cohort is February 1, 2018.  Applicants must complete two applications including:

  1. Preparing Urban Leaders in Secondary Special Education (PULSSE) application
    The application includes a goal statement and resume.  Submit this application to the project directors following the instructions in the application.
  2. MEd Special Education Application
    Complete the online application for the MEd Special Education program, which includes an application to the UIC Graduate College and uploading transcripts and recommendation letters.  Payment of $70 application fee required.  Individuals with completed applications will be contacted to schedule the required timed impromptu essay and an interview with faculty.

Questions

Have further questions?  Submit a question to the project coordinator at projectpulsse.uic@gmail.com, read through frequently asked questions, or watch this informational video.  (Note:  the video states 36 credits are required to graduate, but for the Summer 2017 cohort, 33 credits are required).