Professional Learning and Sustainability
PD INFO: Encourage your staff to register for Spring 2027 SELECT courses!
Are your staff looking for new professional learning on current special education topics? We have an excellent opportunity for them!
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING INFO: Free K-12 Assertiveness Curriculum Now Available
ADE/ESS is pleased to announce the release of a free K–12 Assertiveness Curriculum for Arizona educators. Developed by Drs. Gaumer Erickson and Noonan and disseminated in collaboration with ADE, the curriculum provides lessons and resources to help students develop assertiveness skills that support respectful communication, openness to constructive feedback, improved confidence, increased self-expression, and improved conflict-management skills.
SPED DATA UPDATE: FY27 Teacher Attrition Survey Opens November 1
ESS collects data annually through the Teacher Attrition Survey to support informed decision-making related to special education workforce recruitment and retention efforts in Arizona. Participation in the survey is mandatory for all public education agencies (PEAs) in Arizona.
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION INFO: ADE Awarded $5 Million Grant to Expand Special Education Teacher Apprenticeships
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has been awarded a $5 million federal grant over five years to expand pathways into the special education teaching profession through registered teacher apprenticeship programs.
SPED UPDATE: Joint Guidance Memo on Personnel Requirements
Please see the attached joint memo from the ADE Exceptional Student Services (ESS) and ADE Educator Preparation and Certification sections. The memo provides guidance to PEAs regarding federal requirements for special education personnel and Grow Your Own (GYO) programs. The memo will also be...
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION INFO: Reserve your spot for the 2026–2027 Special Education New Director Symposium (SENDS) today!
Are you in your first or second year as a special education director? If so, don’t miss this opportunity to register for the 2026–2027 Special Education New Director Symposium (SENDS)!
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION REQUEST: Brief Survey to Identify Lead Related Service Providers
The ADE/ESS is requesting your assistance in completing a brief survey to help us identify lead related service providers within your public education agency, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and assistive technology specialists.
INTERNAL PD INFO: Last Call to the Campfire—Registration is Closing Soon!
Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up your new special education teachers for Teach Camp!
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION INFO: Registration for the 2026–2027 Special Education New Director Symposium (SENDS) is now open!
ADE/ESS is pleased to announce that registration for the 2026–2027 Special Education New Director Symposium (SENDS) is now open!
INTERNAL PD INFO: Reserve Your Spots for Teach Camp Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up your new special education teachers for Teach Camp!