KUTZTOWN, Pa., May 27 -- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania issued the following news release:

KUTZTOWN, Pa.- Across Pennsylvania, school districts are facing critical shortages of certified special education teachers - impacting students who rely on specialized support to thrive. Kutztown University is taking action to address this need with the launch of an accelerated, tuition-free certification pathway designed to prepare more highly qualified educators - faster.

The new initiative, ASPIRE (Accelerated Special Education Program for In-Service Resident Educators), enables certified teachers and recent graduates who have passed student teaching to earn their PK-12 special education add-on certification in just 15 months.

Kutztown Univ...