Special Education Administrative Leadership (SEAL) Program
SEAL affords participants opportunities to deepen their knowledge and skills relative to both leadership and special education issues and administration. In addition to traditional coursework, participants receive numerous experiential learning opportunities, including short and long term internships and an action research project addressing an authentic challenge. They also receive follow-up support upon completing the program. SEAL will graduate four successive cohorts totaling approximately 55 participants.
More about the SEAL Program
The SEAL Program increases the capacity of leaders to improve education systems serving children with disabilities.
To prepare more special education leaders to take on their ever-evolving roles and responsibilities, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) received a five-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. DDOE and CDS collaborated to develop the state’s first special education-specific leadership training program. SEAL launched in January 2020 and offers an alternate route to certification for special education administrators.
Administered by CDS, the SEAL Program reflects national standards for both educational leadership and special education administration. The 23-month program offers participants special education coursework, job-embedded internships, external internship experiences, mentoring by special education leaders, and engagement in action research.
Designed for working professionals, the program draws from partner models including UD’s Principal Preparation Program, which serves as an alternative route to assistant principal and principal certification in Delaware.
This UDaily article highlights the SEAL Program.
Anticipated outcomes of the SEAL Program include but are not limited to:
- an increase in the number of Delaware educators qualified to assume special education leadership roles;
- the integration of highly-qualified special education administrators into local education agencies;
- positive changes in the quality, consistency and effectiveness of special education services and supports; and
- improved student and family outcomes.
For more information about the Special Education Administrative Leadership Program, contact Stephanie Kaznica at skaznica@udel.edu, or read more about the program here.
Eligibility Requirements
- Education related master’s degree
- One of the following:
- Undergraduate degree in special education related field
- Master’s degree in special education related field
- Special education related certification in Delaware with 5 successful years of special education related direct services to students in Delaware public schools
- Supervising staff who teach special education students
- Transcripts – Minimum of a 3.0 GPA in master’s program
- Application with a writing sample and resume with evidence of leadership in current role
- Three professional references (including one from a LEA administrator, preferably special education director and one from current supervisor)
- Copy of your most current evaluation
Applicants selected for an interview will meet with the selection committee for discussion and completion of a performance task.