The mission of SpedUP is to recruit and support BIPOC students as they pursue the first two years of a special education degree.
SpedUP will confront the educational equity gaps in K-12 classrooms, specifically by addressing disparities in the composition of the special education workforce.
Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2023-24 SpedUP cohort. The application for the 2024-25 cohort will open in January 2024.
Kenny Chan is the program coordinator for Normandale’s SpedUp program, which is designed to recruit and support BIPOC students as they pursue the first two years of a special education degree.
He has over 15 years of experience in the field of Special Education. Chan was previously the Director of Special Education at Yinghua Academy in Minneapolis, where he also previous served as Special Education Coordinator and Special Education Teacher. He was also a Special Education Teacher at Emmet D. Williams Elementary School in Roseville, Minn.
Chan is very familiar with Normandale’s Education program having graduated with associate degree from Normandale in education before getting his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching at Minnesota State University, Mankato through Normandale’s on-campus partnership program.
“We are excited about the opportunity the SpedUp program provides to remove barriers for people of color who are passionate about going into special education,” said Chan. “This program has a great opportunity to play an important role in diversifying the next generation of special education teachers in Minnesota.”
Chan is excited for students and future special education teachers to have that opportunity to go into an incredibly rewarding field.
“I believe a special education career is very rewarding,” said Chan. “To get the opportunity to work with the students year to year and see the progression they make is extremely satisfying. This program is a great opportunity to help create a great foundation for students to start in the field, and I am excited to be part of that process.”
To apply for SpedUP, fill out the application form. You will need to give contact information for one reference.
Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2023-24 SpedUP cohort. The application for the 2024-25 cohort will open in January 2024.
Students do not need to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for the SpedUP scholarship. However, we do encourage students to fill it out to see if they are eligible for any other financial aid.
SpedUP students take courses that meet the requirements of the Special Education Foundations Transfer Pathway. Students will work with their academic advisor to register and make sure the courses will ensure transfer into their bachelor's program.
Normandale offers a variety of course delivery methods. SpedUP students can take courses that work best in their schedule.
To be a part of the SpedUP program, students need to take a minimum of 9 credits per semester.
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