PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (October 22, 2025) – Beverly Sande, Ph.D., associate professor in the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education at Prairie View A&M University, has secured $1,246,910 for five years from the U.S. Department of Education to launch Project SpEED-EI (Special Education Enhanced Degree–Early Interventions). She is joined by Charlotte Fontenot, Ed.D., and Ms. Chris Bryan, also from PVAMU, as co-principal investigators. Together, the team will strengthen the university’s capacity to prepare and certify more special education teachers to serve infants and young children with high-intensity needs—particularly in underserved Texas communities.

Headshot of Beverly Sande

Beverly Sande, Ph.D., P.E.

Through Project SpEED-EI, PVAMU will expand its infrastructure to address the state’s critical shortage of qualified special education teachers. The initiative introduces an evidence-based model that includes:

  • Recruiting paraprofessionals and career changers through “Grow Your Own” programs in high-need school districts.
  • Developing a robust curriculum that prepares candidates to support children requiring early intervention.
  • Offering a yearlong residency program to ensure graduates are classroom-ready from day one.
  • Building professional learning communities and induction programs to provide ongoing mentorship for new teachers.

Partnering with Hempstead ISD, Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Royal ISD, and Maxwell House of Abilities, the program will prepare educators who are not only skilled but also culturally responsive to the communities they serve.

This grant strengthens PVAMU’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence and access. It empowers the university to expand research and training opportunities within the College of Education, enhance collaboration with local school districts, and establish sustainable teacher-preparation pipelines that meet the needs of Texas’ student populations. By investing in the development of special education professionals, PVAMU reinforces its mission to transform communities through innovation, service, and leadership—demonstrating that Excellence Lives Here in every classroom and every child’s potential.

By Joe McGinty, with contributions from Dr. Beverly Sande