SMU offers new full-tuition scholarship to Dallas ISD teachers
Dallas ISD teachers can now apply for the SMU Simmons Scholars program, which was established in the Simmons School of Education to provide full tuition for a master’s degree program.
The scholarship will provide eight educators with full tuition for a two-year, 36-hour master’s degree program with a dual focus on STEM and special education. The combination of these key instructional areas will address the needs of diverse students and provide strong content-focused instruction that encourages students to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
Ideal candidates include:
- Special education teachers who are looking to gain an enhanced understanding of STEM-focused instruction
- STEM teachers who are seeking to better support the needs of their diverse students
- Teacher leaders who are working to spread high-quality special education techniques and STEM instruction throughout Dallas ISD
“This dual-focused Master of Education program is a signature program at SMU,” said Dr. Amy Gillespie Rouse, an associate professor in the Simmons School of Education. “We have talented faculty with expertise in SPED and STEM who are committed to working together to facilitate teacher learning in ways that allow teachers to not only integrate what they learn in SPED and STEM classes but also to apply what they learn directly to their own teaching.”
Interested Dallas ISD teachers are invited to participate in an information session on May 31 or June 2 at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about the Simmons Scholars program and other scholarship opportunities. The registration information can be found here.
All Dallas ISD kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers are invited to apply. The program is an incredible opportunity not only to further develop a teacher’s skills but also to strengthen equity across the district.
“Ultimately, whether you’re a science teacher who wants to better serve your SPED students or a special education professional who wants to have more content knowledge, it’s about increasing the capacity and efficiency with which we are serving a currently underserved population,” said Michael Ruiz, Dallas ISD’s executive director for STEM.
Applicants must complete this form—which includes an essay and a video component—by Thursday, June 9, at 5:00 p.m.. If you have any additional questions, please contact Special Services Coordinator Courtney Cummings at cocummings@dallasisd.org.
