The Bridges Program

The Bridges Program at the University of North Texas at Dallas School of Education is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Personnel Development Program grant. The goal of the Bridges Program is to increase the number of Early Childhood through 12th grade special education teachers while promoting post-secondary opportunities for individuals from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities. 

With a commitment to building a community of excellence in special education, the UNTD Bridges Program is working to empower EC-12 special education teachers to not only meet but exceed their professional goals while enriching the learning experiences for students with disabilities.

The Bridges Program provides:

• Financial assistance for UNTD teacher candidates seeking a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a certification in EC-12 special education to help fund tuition, living expenses, schoolbooks, and supplies, as well as dependent care expenses, 
• A collaborative program with district-based and university-based mentors working together to provide tailored guidance, practical insights, and social-emotional support systems for beginning EC-12 special education teachers alumni during their first three years in the classroom, and 
• Establish a network of professional EC-12 special educators dedicated to the continuous improvement of their instructional methods and services to support the unique academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities in the surrounding school districts. 

Contact Dr. Julie Southward for more information  Julie.southward@untdallas.edu