Fellowship in Special Education

The Fellowship in Special Education is an educator licensure program accredited by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Designed for current educators across various roles, the Fellowship offers a pathway for individuals to expand their understanding and expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Upon successful completion of program requirements, Fellows become eligible for a Non-Categorical Special Education (PK-12) educator license.

Ideal Candidates

The Fellowship is intended for instructional staff who wish to acquire and integrate new knowledge and skills, while increasing their effectiveness at supporting the needs of a wide range of students.

It is ideal professional development for:

  • Educators and instructional leaders who are committed to inclusive practices and ensuring all students, including those with disabilities, have access to equitable learning opportunities.
  • New teachers eager to build their capacity to support diverse learners in any classroom setting.
  • General education teachers wanting to enhance their ability to adapt instruction, collaborate with colleagues, and meet the needs of students with diverse abilities.
  • Special education teachers seeking certification to strengthen their impact and refine their expertise.
  • Instructional aides, dedicated aides, and assistant teachers* who are aspiring to advance their careers and become licensed special educators (*bachelor’s degree required).

Please note: Candidates must be employed full-time at a Washington, DC school and have access to students and student records to fulfill program requirements.

Fellowship Components

Components of the Fellowship include:

  • Attending virtual professional development sessions for three days in July 2025 (full participation in all three days is a mandatory program requirement; exact dates will be announced soon)
  • Attending weekly virtual professional development August through June (Wednesday evenings from 5:15- 8:15 pm)
  • Completing coursework and readings in the form of asynchronous professional development between weekly sessions
  • Completing 5-6 rigorous project-based assignments
  • Participating in coaching cycles with the Fellowship team

Application Process

 Application Window #1 opens Friday, January 17th and closes Friday, February 28th

Join us for a virtual informational webinar to learn more about the Fellowship program and application process. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, January 29th, from 4:30-5:00 PM. Click here to RSVP.

Spots are limited; individuals are encouraged to apply early!

 

Fellowship Tuition

The Fellowship in Special Education is open to participants from all over Washington, DC. Spots are filled on a first come first serve basis. Program tuition is $8,000. See below for discount opportunities.

Some Fellows have part or all of their tuition costs covered by their schools and others pay individually. We encourage you to reach out to your school leadership to see if sponsorship is an option. At this time, KIPP DC covers tuition costs for all accepted employees. Separate applications for KIPP DC staff and external applicants are located below.

Internal KIPP DC Applicants: As part of KIPP DC’s continued commitment to the professional development for its teachers and staff, KIPP DC covers tuition costs for all accepted employees.

External Applicants: The Fellowship in Special Education offers four tuition discounts that participants can take advantage of:

  • Early Bird Discount: Fellows or LEAs who pay their $1,000 deposit by May 30, 2025 will receive a $1,000 tuition discount. The deposit and discount is per participant.
  • Self-Pay Discount: Fellows who are not sponsored by a school or LEA can opt to pay their own tuition and will receive a $500 tuition discount if their tuition is paid in full by July 7, 2025.
  • Capital Teaching Residency Discount: Fellows who have successfully completed the Capital Teaching Residency and have completed or are on track to complete their three-year teaching commitment qualify to receive a $7,500 tuition discount.
  • Group Discount: LEAs who elect to fund multiple Fellows (5 or more Fellows) qualify to receive a $500 tuition discount per Fellow.

Please contact us if you have questions about the Fellowship in Special Education.

 

  • Fellowship in Special Education Application For Internal Applicants

    • Max. file size: 50 MB.
      Resume should be up-to-date to reflect current role.
    • Max. file size: 50 MB.
      Please submit a pdf or screenshot of your unofficial transcript with proof of undergraduate degree conferral.

  • Fellowship in Special Education Application For External Applicants

    • Max. file size: 50 MB.
      Resume should be up-to-date and reflect current role.
    • Max. file size: 50 MB.
      Please submit a pdf or screenshot of your unofficial transcript with proof of undergraduate degree conferral.

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Testimonial Photo

“Having gone through the Fellowship, I feel much more equipped to effectively reach and teach a multitude of students with a variety of needs. The Fellowship has afforded me the opportunity to reshape my pedagogy to best serve all students. I can earnestly say that my classroom will always be a space that fosters curiosity and creativity while simultaneously differentiating skills that promote strong and passionate learners”

Marcus Bailey, Middle School Social Studies Teacher, KIPP DC KEY Academy

Testimonial Photo

"The Fellowship provided me an opportunity to learn about implementing various strategies and methods to teach all learners, not just students with special needs. My experience with the Fellowship in Special Education will enable me to continue reaching my highest potential in my career."

Kamili Miller, Elementary Teacher, KIPP DC Promise Academy

Testimonial Photo

“In the Fellowship, instructors taught the latest evidence-based strategies through real-world projects and coaching. Fellows shared their diverse experiences and novel ways to approach challenges. The Fellowship deepened and broadened my understanding of special education and my appreciation for fellow special education teachers. I recommend it even for licensed special education teachers."

Michael Delgado, Middle School Special Education Teacher, Meridian Public Charter School

Testimonial Photo

"In my current role as a general education teacher, the Fellowship in Special Education has equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively differentiate instruction for students across a variety of academic levels. This has helped to maximize the full potential of all my students."

Brandy Lawrence Winchester, M.Ed., 4th Grade Teacher, Friendship Public Charter School

Testimonial Photo

"This program has been beneficial and essential in my career. All of the information is relevant. At times, I even apply newly learned techniques the very next day. I would recommend the program to people who have decided that they are interested in special education and want to sharpen their effectiveness as special education teachers."

Kendall Thomas, High School Special Educator, KIPP DC College Preparatory