Ph.D. in Special Education

Purpose of the grant

Preparing Research Intensive Special Educators (PRISE) is a collaborative grant project with George Mason University, through the Office of Special Education Programs (U.S. Department of Education) to prepare future faculty with expertise in research, teacher education certification and accreditation, teacher education preparation and policy. A key outcome is to support future faculty members who can translate policy and research to make a positive contribution to the teacher preparation environment.

Our PRISE scholars will be the first responders to translate and effectively teach, conduct new research, and learn from experts in the field new knowledge to answer questions relating to the teacher shortage. PRISE scholars will learn the skills to translate that research to the state and national level and create sustainable and meaningful impact for future generations.

Funding information

This grant funds seven (7) VCU scholars for a four-year program that includes a generous annual $28,000 annual stipend for the 20 hrs./week GA position, in addition to the cost of tuition and fees for full-time enrollment. Technology and professional development travel included for all PRISE scholars. Support for relocation available upon request and approval.

Program highlights

• Opportunities to learn from the leading teacher shortage policy experts including Dr. Jane West
• Partnership with the federally funded innovative teacher preparation centers including the CEEDAR Center, AACTE, and IRIS Center
• Engagement with renowned teacher residency program, RTR, housed in the Center for Teacher Leadership, and other VCU/School of Education affiliated centers
• Connection to multiple teacher preparation pathways, including undergraduate, innovative early childhood cross-disciplinary initiatives, alternative pathways and residency models that engage with high needs populations across the state
• Join the R1 research university population that includes medical, policy, social science and arts experts to engage in cross-disciplinary research and policy advocacy

Application process

• Interest in completing the full-time in-residency cohort program in Richmond, Virginia starting summer 2020
• Completed application of the Ph.D. in Education, Special Education and Disability Leadership program at the VCU School of Education
• Recommend 3 or more years of teaching experience
• U.S. citizenship status
• Contact institutional representative to complete required grant application

Shadow a VCU Student: PhD in Education - Special Education and Disability Leadership
After you learn more about our program and research, email soeinfo@vcu.edu if you would like to do any of the following:

• Visit one of our required track classes
• Tour one of our Research Labs in Oliver Hall to see research in action
• Review the collaborative Cognition and Learning research lab page to learn more about current projects and research being done in special education
• Review Dr. Sutherland’s BEST in CLASS grant research page to see our research in action in our local communities
• Review Dr. Xu's RAMS Lab for opportunities to conduct research on the nature and needs of academically diverse learners
• Meet one-on-one with our program coordinator
• Connect with a current Ph.D. student

• Chin-Chih Chen, Ph.D.
• Serra T. De Arment, Ph.D.
• Donna L. Gilles, Ed.D.
• John Kregel, Ed.D.
• LaRon A. Scott, Ed.D.
• Christine Spence, Ph.D.
• Kevin Sutherland, Ph.D.
• Colleen Thoma, Ph.D.
• Paul Wehman, Ph.D.
• Yaoying Xu, Ph.D.