Description:

This workshop will provide information about how to recruit and grow your special education teaching staff at a district level. Dr. Nancy F. Molfenter will discuss a variety of innovative ways to partner with local colleges and universities to provide training to individuals who are interested in becoming special education teachers. Specific strategies described will include the following, Student Services Grow Your Own program, partnership with Edgewood College to reduce the cost of obtaining special education licensure, and the Accelerated Licensure in Special Education (ALSE) partnership with UW-Madison.

Presenter:

Dr. Nancy Molfenter is the Associate Superintendent of Student Services with the Madison Metropolitan school district. Nancy holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from UW-Madison. Prior to working at the Madison school district, Nancy was a special education teacher, case manager, and transition teacher. Nancy also worked as a special education teacher supervisor and on the Special Education team at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In addition, Nancy serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching courses to aspiring special educators. Nancy is passionate about inclusive special education and efforts to reduce disproportionality in special education and discipline in schools.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about different types of partnerships between local school districts and universities.
• Learn about finding mechanisms through local partnerships and district funds to provide affordable pathways to achieve licensure and post-secondary degrees.
• Learn about potential challenges that may arise when creating partnerships with outside organizations.