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UNO has launched a new special education masters program to help fill the shortage of special education teachers in grades seven through 12.

This new program, CARES (Certification Alternative Reaching Exceptional Students), started accepting applications on Feb. 15 for area professionals with a bachelor's degree in English, math or one of the sciences because of new regulations for secondary education by the federal No Child Left Behind act. They will accept applications through April 1.

"This shortage is not just local, it is statewide and nationally as well," said Becky Schnabel, coordinator of student services in the College of Education.

Applicants must have their degree in one of the main content areas, math, science or English, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered. After the application has been approved by the College of Education, it is sent to the seven local districts participating in the program.

The districts then decide which student or students they want to interview and mentor throughout the 18-month program, said Larry Heck, CARES project coordinator.

"We are hoping to have at least one candidate from each district for the first class," Schnabel said. "So, if we could get seven to 10, we would feel really good about it."

The school districts participating are excited by the new program because of the quick turnaround.

"We can train some of our own, have them trained within 18 months and into the classroom," said George Spilker, director of Special Education for the Papillion-La Vista School district. "This will really help our students with disabilities."

Students who are enrolled would begin classes in May with a 12-credit-hour course load. They would then take courses continuously for another four semesters, according to the CARES Web site. Throughout the program, the students will be in classrooms gaining experience while earning their degrees. After the 18-month program is finished, the students will have their teaching certification and their special education endorsement.

"We are unique in developing this program," Heck said.

After the first session of classes for the CARES program, the College of Education is hoping to start a new group of students every May, Schnabel said. There will be an overlap during the summer and fall semesters.

Schnabel believes this program is very important.

"Kids are our business," Schnabel said. "If we don't do what is right for our children, we are in trouble."

For more information on the CARES program or to apply for the program visit unocoe.unomaha.edu/cares or call Larry Heck at 554-2733.

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