Dear Special Education Director,
As you may be aware, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) is one of the disciplines affected by the special education teacher shortage. In fact, TVI had one of the sharpest increases in unfilled positions in Arizona schools according to the 2017-2018 ESS Teacher Attrition survey.
Beginning this fall, Arizona State University is launching a new undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Education, Special Education (Visual Impairment). This degree will lead to dual certification in Visual Impairment (birth–grade 12) and Mild-Moderate Special Education (K–12). This will be the only undergraduate degree in Arizona that leads to certification in Visual Impairment.
ASU is currently recruiting for their first cohort. Because students need to begin courses at the 300 level, ASU is particularly interested in prospective students who currently work in schools as paraprofessionals or in some other capacity and who have completed their associate’s degree. Classes will be offered in the afternoon or evening with some instruction online and some face-to-face instruction on the Tempe campus.
Please see this flyer for additional information.