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Grants for Educators
Porto Charities has launched two initiatives to empower teachers in the Diocese of Arlington who complete graduate courses to instruct students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: The Special Education Scholarship Program and the Tuition-free Intro to Special Education at George Mason University. Learn more about these initiatives below.
Porto Charities' mission is
that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to reach their full
potential by receiving an enriching Catholic education.
These initiatives are a meaningful step toward achieving our vision.
Tuition-Free Intro to Special Education at GMU
Summer 2025
​In collaboration with George Mason University, Porto Charities will financially underwrite a graduate program titled “Introduction to Special Education.” This is the second semester that Porto Charities will be offering this course. Class begins in May 2025 and will be available to 25 diocesan employees. This three credit graduate level course provides an overview of the foundations, laws, and types of disabilities recognized by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and will be delivered in a fully asynchronous online format. Participants will receive three graduate level credits. Educators, administrators, catechists, clergy and religious working/volunteering in the Diocese of Arlington are eligible to apply.
If you would like to be one of the 25 educators to participate in this course, please sign up below to receive more information regarding enrollment.
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Below you may also download the course syllabus. Please note that while the content in this course syllabus is the same that will be covered under the course sponsored by Porto Charities, the timeline will be different. The course dates for the summer semester are May 19 -August 18th. The last day to register is June 23.
Special Education Scholarship Program
Program Highlights:
Criteria
The scholarship program offers financial assistance to teachers pursuing advanced education in special education by obtaining a Special Education Certificate or a master’s degree in special education.
Methodology
Teachers must submit a completed application to Porto Charities and be approved for the program before they start their course work. Teachers who enroll in a certificate program must complete their course work within 18 months. Teachers who enroll in a master’s program must complete their course work within 36 months.
Grant Awards
Subject to available funding, tuition reimbursement for the Special Education Certificate Program will be a maximum of 50% of tuition paid by the participant not to exceed $ 5,000. Tuition reimbursement for a master’s program will be a maximum of 50% of the tuition paid by the participant not to exceed $ 10,000.
Reimbursement Process
Scholarships will be awarded to teachers after they provide confirmation (proof of payment and copy of their official transcript) to Porto Charities that they have satisfactorily completed all of their course work.
There are several universities in the metro area that offer graduate programs in special education. Below are a few options to obtain your Special Education Certificate or master's degree.
George Mason University
A variety of options are available at George Mason for students to learn more about working with individuals with disabilities, including undergraduate and graduate programs, teacher licensure and non-licensure options, and online and on-campus options.
Marymount University
Marymount University’s master’s in Special Education degree is designed for those dedicated to teaching children and teens with diverse learning abilities in a K–12 classroom setting. Marymount also offers a Special Education Graduate Certificate. For more information about this Certificate, please contact Marymount directly.
Notre Dame PIE Program
The Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) is an 18-credit hour program for educators employed in Catholic schools/(arch)dioceses. The program offers a licensure track for eligible teachers who wish to pursue additional licensure in Mild Intervention upon program completion.
Online Application and Deadlines
Eligibility
Applicants must be employed by and in good standing with an accredited Catholic elementary or high school recognized by the Diocese of Arlington.
Deadlines
The application window for Fall 2024 enrollment is open until 7/31/24. The application window for Spring 2025 enrollment will be from 10/1/24 to 11/15/24. All applications must be received by Porto Charities on or before the last day of the enrollment period (7/31/24 or 11/15/24).
Agreement
While participation in this program does not guarantee a job/teaching position, awardees who accept scholarship funds to complete a certification program must agree to continue to work for the Diocese of Arlington for a minimum of twelve after they have completed their course work, or twenty four months after completing their master's degree.
Questions?
For questions please contact our Education Committee Chair, Carmen Chiappetta at education@portocharities.org