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Abstract

The state of New Hampshire has developed a unique outreach program to meet the special challenges faced by rural states in training and retaining qualified special educators. Through inter-agency collaboration, afield-based, competency-based program of independent study has been created. Individualized assessment and training under the supervision of experienced mentors have qualified many teachers for special education certificates. This method of providing training and the opportunity for hands-on experience to professionals in a rural state has helped to solve the problems of isolation, commuting distances, and retention of experienced personnel in less accessible areas. It is a program worth emulating and adapting to other states with similar concerns.

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Training and Retaining Rural Special Educators

Abstract

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References