for immediate release

June 19, 2007

The Collaborative Urban Educator special education licensure program continues at the University of St. Thomas

MINNEAPOLIS -- The St. Thomas School of Education is excited to continue offering the Collaborative Urban Educator (CUE) special education licensure program, a partnership with Minneapolis, St. Paul, and metro area schools. This program encourages people from underrepresented populations, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and other unique urban backgrounds to engage in the teaching profession. Through funding supported by the state of Minnesota, tuition and fees are waived for these CUE licensure courses in exchange for graduates to hold teaching positions in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or selected suburban public schools.

This part-time program is offered to individuals that hold bachelor’s degrees and are looking to enrich their lives by helping children with special needs. Completion of this program allows for licensure in learning disabilities, developmental disabilities or emotional behavioral disorders. Individuals with racial, cultural, and/or experiential backgrounds that will help make them effective special educators are encouraged to apply for this rewarding possibility.

Since 1991, CUE has granted 340 licenses in either elementary education or special education. Over 160 of these graduates went on to obtain master’s degrees and more than 20 went on to earn education specialist degrees. Bernadeia Johnson, the current chief academic officer for Minneapolis Public Schools, earned her licensure through the CUE program before pursuing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of St. Thomas. Johnson is accountable for the district’s academic division while working alongside superintendents and principals to improve academic achievement. 

CUE is a rewarding program that allows people who represent unique backgrounds to connect emotionally and intellectually with children or teens from urban settings. The application deadlines for this exciting opportunity are July 20 and November 1, 2007. CUE participants will start in September 2007 or January 2008, depending on their licensure area of interest. For more details visit us at www.stthomas.edu/education/cue or contact Dr. Jeanne Mortinson at (651)962-4659 or at jmmortison@stthomas.edu.

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