Special education teacher apprenticeship and induction retention system in wisconsin (stairs-WI) building and sustaining the special education workforce through registered apprenticeship and induction

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction $2.1 million on October 1, 2026, under the Special Education – State Personnel Development program (CFDA 84.323) to build and sustain the special education workforce through registered apprenticeship and induction.

The award funds the Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship and Induction Retention System in Wisconsin (STAIRS-WI), which develops personnel preparation and professional development systems for special education teachers, regular education teachers, principals, administrators, related services personnel, paraprofessionals, and early intervention personnel serving children with disabilities. Work is performed in Madison, Wisconsin, with a period of performance from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The program supports infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with disabilities, as well as their families and parents, by improving results through enhanced personnel systems in early intervention, educational, and transition services.