Project SAIL: School Leaders Advancing Implementation across the Lifespan
Join Project SAIL to earn a PhD with an emphasis in special education (from the Department of Educational Psychology) and a Minnesota director of special education license (from the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development). SAIL blends these two programs to support working school professionals to engage in knowledge and skills-building experiences while continuing to work in school systems.
On completion, these school administrative leaders will be well qualified to plan and supervise the provision of effective instruction, interventions, and services for students with disabilities through their unique understanding of implementation science.
The SAIL leadership training program will meet a critical need for administrative leadership development in special education focused on improving the adoption, implementation, and sustained use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) with individuals with disabilities across the varied settings and transitions that span the 0-21 scope of special education.
Financial support
- $25,000 per year as a scholarship for tuition (includes summer tuition)
- $1,600 per year for supplies (laptop, books, professional development)
- $1,100 per year for travel to local or national conferences
Program expectations
- Attend classes that are in-person and online on or around the Twin Cities campus
- Maintain employment with a school system for up to 75% time in a non-classroom role (e.g., instructional coach, supervisor)
- By completion, must have at least 3 years of special education experience as a teacher or comparable school-based service delivery experience to be eligible for MN Director of Special Ed license
- Engage in 10 hours/week of school-based implementation efforts
- Remain working in special education after completion as part of the funding service agreement
Eligibility
- Experience with individuals with disabilities in or outside of school systems (e.g., special education teacher, social worker, school psychologist, community-based service provider)
- Committed champions seeking to become change agents who will fuel systemic coalitions to support sustained impact for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan
- Must meet admission criteria for the special education PhD program and the director of special education licensure program. Note that we do not currently require the GRE
How to apply
- Apply by March 15
- Join us for an information session via Zoom on Friday, January 30, from 12:00-12:45 p.m.
- Note: We are anticipating filling all eight openings for SAIL funding for students to start fall 2026. Following screening of applications, those being considered for SAIL funding will be invited to provide additional information.
Contact: SAIL Project Director, Dr. LeAnne Johnson, leannej@umn.edu
SAIL Leadership Team:
LeAnne Johnson
Rachel Freeman
Chris Sonenblum