Bucks IU Apprenticeship Program for Special Education Teacherslearn_specialeducation.jpeg

To address a critical shortage in special education teaching, GMercyU, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU), and Bucks County Community College have partnered to launch Pennsylvania’s first undergraduate apprenticeship program designed specifically to train and certify PK-12 special education teachers.

The program offers a pathway for Bucks IU paraprofessionals without a bachelor’s degree to earn their Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification and a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full-time.

Participants will complete at least 60 credits through Bucks County Community College, and their remaining credits at GMercyU. Their on-the-job experience will satisfy field experience requirements, and student teaching will take place within the Bucks IU system. The GMercyU courses are offered fully online to accommodate the needs of working professionals. 

If you were selected by the Bucks IU to participate in this program, here are your next steps.*

Next Steps

Step 1: Please apply to GMercyU's B.S. in Special Education program as a transfer student, selecting the "2025 Transfer" option when you begin the application. Please be sure to check YES in this box: "Are you an employee of Bucks County Intermediate Unit?"

The only admissions materials you need to submit are any college transcripts. You do not need to submit letters of recommendation, etc. In the essay field, please write "Bucks County Intermediate Unit". 

Apply here 

Step 2: Once GMercyU has reviewed your application and official transcripts, you will receive an email notification that your application has been updated. Please log back into your application to view your official admissions decision.

Have Questions?

Admissions Contact
Wivina Chmura, Associate Director of Admissions
215-641-5541
chmura.w@gmercyu.edu 

Academic Contact
Deborah E. Schadler, PhD, PRSE, Program Coordinator of Undergraduate Education
schadler.d@gmercyu.edu 
 

*Weren't selected for the Apprentice Program? As a Bucks IU employee, you are still eligible for a 10% tuition discount for the online B.S. in Special Education.