King’s College and Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 Launch Dual Special Education Master’s Degree and Certification Program

Multi-faceted Alternative Teacher Program to Improve Access and Address Teacher Shortages in Special Education

King’s College and Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 (LIU18) today announced a joint alternative teaching program that allows an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree in any field to complete both the College’s Master of Education in Special Education and LIU18’s state-approved teaching certification programs simultaneously.

The partnership is designed to make special education career pathways more accessible and affordable while helping address the national teacher shortage in this field. The new program begins January 2024 and is available to both new students and those currently pursuing a LIU18 certification.

The curriculum is tailored to working professionals who can transfer their LIU18 coursework for graduate credits and complete their advanced coursework online, all of which saves them time and money. In addition, the partnership gives students the ability to leverage grants and financial aid, as well as access specialized training and networking opportunities from experienced faculty and seasoned practitioners at both organizations.

The organizations are hosting a virtual information session for prospective students on Dec. 13, 2023, at 5 p.m. For more information on the joint program and to register for the informational session, visit www.liu18.org or contact certificationprogram@liu18.org.

“This partnership is an innovative solution that creates a ‘win-win-win’ solution to address the teacher shortage crisis, creates an affordable pathway for individuals interested in entering the teaching profession, and develops highly qualified special education teachers to support students across the Commonwealth,” said LIU18 Executive Director, Dr. Anthony Grieco.

“Excellent teaching education has been at the heart of the College’s mission since its founding,” said King’s College president Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D. “This partnership is a creative and effective way to connect qualified teaching candidates with the training they need to best serve their communities throughout Luzerne County and beyond.”