Professional Learning Opportunity for Early-Career Special Ed Teachers
Hello Minnesota Special Education Leaders,
Minnesota CEC, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), is excited to offer a new professional learning opportunity for early-career special education teachers through the CEC High-Leverage Practices (HLP) Deep Dive Series.
Applications are due November 15, 2026
This opportunity is designed for early-career special education teachers, particularly those who have completed at least one year in the classroom.
The cohort will run from January through June 2027, with learning activities that include:
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Six interactive, self-paced modules covering the four HLP domains: Collaboration, Assessment and Data-Driven Planning, Instruction for Behavior and Academics, and Intensify and Intervene.
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Four live virtual sessions with CEC content experts on January 12, February 9, April 13, and May 11, from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Recordings will also be available.
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One-year CEC Early Career Basic Membership, including Minnesota CEC membership, access to the CEC Learning Library, journals, and an online peer community.
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The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers, third edition.
Funding Opportunity
Through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), MDE and Minnesota CEC have set aside $6,000 to support district participation, with up to four awards anticipated.
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The cost is $199 per teacher, with a 50/50 cost share between MDE and the district.
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Two awards of up to $1,000 are planned for smaller districts.
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Two awards of up to $2,000 are planned for larger districts and cooperatives.
Get additional details about funding, district commitments, and participation expectations in this downloadable flyer.
Applications are due November 15, 2026, with award notifications anticipated by November 20.
We encourage you to review this opportunity and consider how it could support your early-career special education teachers. Our goal is to provide meaningful professional learning, practical classroom strategies, and connections that help teachers continue growing in their practice.
Questions: Contact Christian Wernau at cwernau@zumbroed.org.
Thank you for your continued support of Minnesota's special education teachers!
Christian Wernau
MNCEC President