This emphasis is supported by a systematic program of studies and an extended clinical internship experience, where progress is evaluated through a structured performance based assessment procedure. Over the course of the first year, each student serves in the role of an instructional assistant, while participating in selected coursework. This extensive internship experience provides students with the opportunity to work with accomplished special education teachers in a variety of instructional settings, while receiving intense university supervision and support. Upon successful completion of the first year, students will meet the requirements for provisional licensure in Virginia and are therefore eligible to be hired as full time special education teachers in Fairfax County during their second year of study. The university supervision component extends into the first semester of each student's provisional teacher year.
Students are responsible for the tuition costs during the second year of the program.
Two thirds of the coursework is completed during the first year of the program. But if you should have any questions about the application process for the Fairfax Partnership program, feel free to contact us. Juliana M. Taymans, professor of special education, Ph.D., University of Maryland.