Purdue University Calumet’s School of Education is offering a tuition-free program for teachers to become licensed in intense intervention.

The program is being funded by a $769,555 grant Purdue Calumet received from the U.S. Department of Education.

“The grant was awarded to Purdue Calumet to address the critical need for teachers in northwest Indiana who are licensed to serve K-12 students with intense intervention needs,” Purdue Calumet Program Director and Associate Professor of Education Rita Brusca-Vega said. “Having educators with expertise in autism spectrum disorders and other significant disabilities will benefit the children, their families and school programs in our region.”

The two-year, part-time program begins this fall and will provide instruction on characteristics and issues relating to students who have significant cognitive, behavioral and /or physical disabilities. More specifically, the program also will focus on autism and working with diverse families.

Admission is competitive, and applicants must have a valid teaching license in general or special education, a 3.0 / B grade average in undergraduate and/or graduate course work, and current experience or plans to serve students with intense intervention needs. Applicants also must meet requirements for admission to the Purdue Graduate School.

Brusca-Vega said there are about 20 openings for teachers this fall and an additional 20 openings anticipated when the program is offered again in fall 2011.

Interested teachers should e-mail a letter of interest and current resume, attached as a single document and labeled with the applicant’s name, to Brusca-Vega at vegar@calumet.purdue.edu. The review process begins June 19 and will continue until openings are filled.