The University of New Mexico College of Education & Human Sciences has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs to start the E3 Program (Effective Evidence-based Education). This initiative aims to address the shortage of special education teachers in New Mexico by providing fully funded graduate education for 28 students over five years.
The grant will cover tuition, stipends, professional development, and licensure preparation for the selected graduate students as they prepare to work with students with disabilities across the state. Teacher shortages, especially in special education, remain a significant issue both in New Mexico and nationally.
“This is a powerful example of how UNM is stepping forward to meet the needs of New Mexico’s schools through innovative, evidence-based educator preparation,” said COEHS Dean Kristopher Goodrich. “By equipping new teachers with exceptional preparation and support, we are directly addressing one of the state’s most critical workforce challenges.”
The E3 Program is led by Principal Investigator Allison Nannemann, assistant professor in the Department of Special Education. It offers a two-year master’s and licensure pathway for individuals new to teaching. The program recruits both pre-service and in-service professionals who have not yet received initial licensure but hold a bachelor’s degree. Many participants are expected to be mid-career professionals, parents, or school staff entering the teaching field for the first time.
“We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about working with students with disabilities and who are excited about teaching in New Mexico,” said Nannemann. “Many of our candidates will be people making a meaningful career shift into education. This grant allows us to provide them with all the supports they need to succeed as graduate students and special educators.”
Coursework for the program is available both online and in-person and is structured for part-time study to accommodate participants statewide. The curriculum focuses on literacy and mathematics instruction for students with disabilities.
Each cohort will include seven students and will begin annually in January. Scholars will receive full tuition and fees, a $1,200 stipend for technology and materials, two years of membership to the Council for Exceptional Children, faculty and peer mentoring, and support to attend a professional conference during their second year. Additional support includes licensure exam preparation and flexible course schedules.
Students complete licensure coursework in their first year, enabling them to enter classrooms as licensed special education teachers within one to two years. The program’s per-student investment is estimated at $14,000 to $15,000 annually.
The proposal was developed by faculty including Nannemann, Dr. Yen Pham, Dr. Sarah Carlson, and Dr. Aimee Hackney, with support from Dean Goodrich, Project ECHO at UNM’s Health Sciences Center, and several local school districts.
“This award reflects the strength of our faculty, our community partnerships, and our shared commitment to ensuring that every child in New Mexico has access to a well-prepared special education teacher,” said Goodrich. “It’s also a testament to the urgency and alignment we’re seeing across federal, state, and local levels to address these shortages strategically.”
Recruitment for the first E3 cohort is now open with classes beginning in January 2026. Prospective applicants must meet admission requirements for the Special Education master’s program and are encouraged to apply by November 7, 2025. Virtual information sessions will be held throughout October and early November.
“We were awarded this grant at the end of September and are moving quickly to recruit our first cohort,” said Nannemann. “It’s a fast turnaround, but we’re excited to hit the ground running and bring new, passionate teachers into classrooms where they’re needed most.”
For more information or to apply, interested individuals can contact Dr. Allison Nannemann at nannemann@unm.edu or visit coehs.unm.edu.
