Longmeadow, Mass. — Bay Path University is now accepting applications for the third cohort of a scholarship program leading to a Master of Science in Education with licensure in both Massachusetts severe and moderate disabilities. Supported by a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the program is open to educators working in public school districts and private special education schools across Massachusetts.
“This is an incredible opportunity for Massachusetts educators who want to advance their careers while making a real impact on special education learners,” said Kristen Lech, Ed.D., program director of Bay Path’s graduate program in special education and English as a Second Language and project director of the initiative. “Most participants receive 75-100% of their tuition covered, and all costs related to student support are also covered. They’re able to earn a graduate degree from a highly regarded program, while benefiting from a supportive cohort, experienced faculty, and ongoing mentoring and professional development.”
Students in the first and second cohorts are currently employed as special education teachers under provisional licenses or as paraprofessionals. They represent a wide range of schools and districts, including Fall River, Westborough, Northshore Educational Consortium, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, and Crossroads Educational Center, helping to address critical workforce shortages while completing their advanced preparation.
In addition to covering tuition, MTEL preparation, licensure fees, and mentoring, the OSEP grant extends professional learning beyond the program itself. Professional development opportunities are available to entire districts where scholarship recipients work, and educators are invited to attend Bay Path’s Hot Topics webinars. Recent webinar topics include: “Addressing Disproportionate Special Education: Identifying and Supporting English Learners with and without Disabilities” and “Sustaining Special Education Through Connection: Teacher Well-Being and Family Partnerships”.
Approximately 170,000 students in Massachusetts have special education needs, even as demand for trained special education teachers continues to grow.
“I had been working as a paraprofessional in a preschool special education classroom for about a year when my supervisor shared information about this grant,” said Leanna Tassinari of Medford Public Schools. “Financially, it was the perfect opportunity. Nearly two years into the program, I’ve been able to combine hands-on classroom experience with practical skills like doing assessments, creating lesson plans, and learning how to differentiate, modify, and adjust the curriculum so the kids will love what they’re learning. It’s only February, but seeing the progress my ELL students have made has been amazing, and it’s really fulfilling knowing that you play a part in that progress.”
The application deadline for Summer 2026 is March 16, 2026. The Summer 2026 semester begins May 11, 2026.
A Virtual informational meeting about the OSEP grant will take place Tue, Mar 3, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Register here.
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About Bay Path University
Bay Path University is a private, comprehensive university known for its bold, innovative spirit and commitment to career-focused education. Bay Path offers a women-only residential undergraduate experience in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for all genders across campuses in East Longmeadow, Boston, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and online. In 2024, Bay Path expanded its reach and impact through the acquisition of Cambridge College, serving approximately 5,000 learners worldwide.
