FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The College of Education and Health Professions special education program will host a reception on Friday, April 26, to recognize their partners in the Springdale school system and the special education program alumni. More than one hundred special education graduates of the Master of Arts in Teaching program have interned in Springdale schools since 1994.

"Our cooperative relationship with Springdale schools has been an effective way to address the critical shortage in special education teachers," said Reed Greenwood, dean of the college. "We appreciate the countless hours people in the public schools have invested in the success of this program."

"At the culmination of the special education MAT program, we want to express our gratitude to the teachers, principals and administrators in the partner schools and our pride in the accomplishments of our graduates," said Elizabeth Jordan, UA instructor in special education.

Jordan reported that special education MAT graduates teach in many school systems throughout the state. In response to changes in state licensure requirements, the MAT in special education will be replaced by a certification endorsement.

Jordan praised the responsiveness of everyone in the Springdale school system, from classroom teachers to top administrators. She noted that they "did everything they could do to make things run smoothly," including opening space in their special education administration building for UA classes. In return, Jordan said, student interns brought new theories and practices to special education classrooms.

The reception will be held on Friday, April 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Graduate Education Building Auditorium. Invited guests include partner teachers, principals, and administrators from Springdale; current interns and MAT graduates; and faculty and administrators from the College of Education and Health Professions. For more information, call 575-6210.

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