Last month, Southern Connecticut State University’s College of Education celebrated its first graduating class from the Residency Educator Program in Special Education, with five students receiving their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees.
This innovative program creates a pathway for aspiring educators, particularly current paraeducators within New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), to earn both a master’s degree and state certification while continuing to work and earn an income. Launched three years ago in partnership with NHPS, the program addresses the local shortage of qualified special education teachers in schools.
“The ultimate goal is not just to fill vacancies, but to cultivate a homegrown team of educators who are committed to our district, our students, and our community,” said Christopher E. Trombly, dean of the College of Education.
For graduates like Dana Griffin Jr., who completed the program in May, the experience has been both transformative and empowering.
“As someone who initially faced obstacles in my education path—specifically, having a low undergraduate GPA—I was apprehensive about my ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program,” he said. “The supportive community at SCSU has not only helped me achieve academic success but has also instilled in me a deep sense of confidence and purpose.”
The program’s structure allows candidates like Griffin to develop their confidence and skills gradually, supported by strong mentorship and financial sustainability.
“Achieving a 3.9 GPA was not just a personal milestone,” he added. “It’s a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment that SCSU fosters for its students.”
New Haven Superintendent Madeline Negrón emphasized the program’s role in strengthening the district’s educator pipeline.
“This program is an excellent example of how we can invest in our dedicated paraeducators, helping them grow professionally while simultaneously ensuring the staffing of our schools,” Negrón said.
The program was co-designed by Marie Nabbout-Cheiban, associate dean of the College of Education, and Typhanie Jackson, executive director of student services for NHPS. Their goal was to make the program manageable for full-time working professionals. Regular feedback from participants has helped refine and improve the experience over time. Judith Terpstra, chair of the Special Education Department, serves as the program advisor.
NHPS selected the inaugural participants from a group of exceptional paraeducators committed to remaining in the district. One participant, Genith “Geri” Hemphill, had already served NHPS for 20 years. After enrolling in the program, she discovered that one of her former students, Russhell McDuffies-Vines, had joined the second cohort, providing an inspiring example of the program’s full-circle impact.
“Being a part of this program has been very rewarding,” Hemphill said. “Many of the students in the cohort have become a support system. I appreciate everything this program has taught me and the opportunity it’s given me to grow into a more effective teacher.”
New cohorts begin each fall. Learn more about the Residency Educator Program.
