Utah State Board of Education News Release : Interest in Utah's Alternative Pathway to Educator Licensure for Special Education Exceeds Expectations (March 19, 2024)

Two and a half years ago, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) launched the Alternative Pathway to Educator Licensure for Special Education (APPEL-SpEd), a program for those interested in earning a Professional Educator License in the areas of Special Education (K-12+) or Preschool Special Education. The response has far exceeded expectations, with almost 400 candidates currently enrolled in the program and 13 recent graduates. Interest has been so substantial that USBE has had to increase capacity on several occasions by adding additional staff and contracting out for assistance.