SEEDS
What is SEEDS?
The Seawolves to Education Specialists (SEEDS) Project aims to increase the number of diverse credentialed special education teachers with the knowledge and skills to serve children and youth with disabilities (ages 5-22). SEEDS provides financial assistance, sustained advising, advanced coursework, and first-year teaching support.
Who is eligible for SEEDS?
Students enrolled in the Education Specialist credential program, including those in the ECS-ITEP major, at SSU are eligible to become SEEDS scholars in their last year of the program. Interns do not qualify for SEEDS.
What does it mean to be a SEEDS scholar?
SEEDS Scholars hold shared values and priorities for individuals with disabilities. SEEDS Scholars:
- Understand there are many facets of diversity (e.g., race, ethnicity, language, disability status) and recognize the multiple social identities of their students
- Value the funds of knowledge students bring to the classroom and use student skills, knowledge, and abilities to support student success
- Recognize that all students benefit from having diverse teachers and from teachers who engage in culturally sustaining and trauma-responsive ways
- Utilize high-leverage practices and evidence-based interventions to support the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of their students with disabilities, and advocate for inclusion in schools and communities
- Respect the perspectives of their students' families, and strive to build equitable partnerships with parents built on trust
- Appreciate that learning occurs best within a community and actively engage with a community of fellow SEED scholars, students, current teachers, family members, and university faculty.
What are the benefits of SEEDS?
SEED Scholars Receive:
- Up to $5,500 in financial assistance each semester. This assistance will be applied to registration/fees, purchasing texbooks, and fees for mandated assessments (like CalTPA and RICA)
- Individual and group advising sessions
- Access to CSET online tutoring program
- Support their first year of teaching including professional development sessions designed to maintain community and further refine teaching skills
What are the requirements of SEEDS?
SEED Scholars Must:
- Have an approved FAFSA on file with SSU financial aid
- Participate in the SEEDS First-year teaching enhancement experience
- Attend Fall & Spring meetings
- Take EDSP 522A (online with synchronous meetings) in the Fall
- Teach special education for two years for every one year of funding
How do I apply for SEEDS?
Email Elizabeth Ducy [email protected] for an application.
