The Integrating Scientifically-Based Practices in Reading Education (InSPIRE) Project is designed to provide an opportunity to earn a master's or specialist’s degree in special education with an emphasis on improving literacy skills of students with mild disabilities. This project will serve both to prepare new teachers and to enhance the knowledge and skills of existing teachers.

The program will include six semesters (36 credit hours) of coursework and field experiences, which will be organized and scheduled to meet the needs of full-time professionals in education. The satisfactory completion of the full sequence of courses and field experiences, along with any necessary prerequisites, will lead to a master's or specialist’s degree in special education.

The cost of returning to school is a primary barrier to graduate education for many teachers and prospective teachers. This project seeks to alleviate the costs associated with graduate education by providing the following benefits to project participants:

1. Tuition waivers for up to 36 credits of project coursework
2. A stipend each semester to offset the costs of textbooks and materials
3. A stipend for travel for students who travel to classes from outside Alachua County

Project participants must agree to a minimum of two years of teaching students with disabilities in public schools upon project completion. Teachers and prospective teachers who wish to become project participants must complete the application process. Information about the application process, course requirements, and project personnel is available on this web site. For additional information, contact the Department of Special Education at (352) 392-0701.