Stonehill College's Project CAPE (Credentialing, Advancing and Preparing Educators in special education) provides full tuition support to pursue a teaching license and/or master’s degree or autism graduate certificate at Stonehill on Cape Cod. Take in-person courses without needing to cross the bridge.
Project CAPE* is designed to build a sustainable local educator pipeline rather than rely on recruiting teachers from outside the region, recognizing the unique challenges of the Cape's proximity to higher education institutions and serving geographically isolated/rural communities.
Through Project CAPE, eligible residents of Cape Cod and the Islands can receive full tuition support to earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, Massachusetts licensure or graduate certificate at Stonehill and conveniently take in-person courses one weekend a month at Stonehill's off-campus instructional site, Stonehill on Cape Cod, in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Stonehill's teacher preparation programs combine rigorous coursework, an extended clinical experience, a researcher-developed competency-based assessment, one-on-one coaching and residency-style learning to prepare special educators who are ready to succeed and serve their community.
* Project CAPE (Credentialing, Advancing, and Preparing Educators in Special Education) is funded by a grant through the U.S. Department of Education and designed to expand and strengthen the special education workforce on Cape Cod and the Islands by licensing new special education teachers and providing advanced special education credentials for early career teachers.
Stonehill's teacher preparation programs are distinguished by a 100% school-partner model that immerses candidates in authentic classroom experiences from the outset, providing extended clinical placements and residency-style learning that bridge theory and practice. Recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as one of four Massachusetts institutions demonstrating promising educator preparation practices, the programs combine rigorous coursework, researcher-developed competency-based assessments, individualized coaching, MTEL test support, and deep collaboration with PK-12 school partners.
Stonehill’s programs are led by nationally recognized, award-winning faculty whose work has garnered multiple competitive grants and philanthropic gifts that have been leveraged to support innovation in teacher preparation. This distinctive approach prepares special educators who are exceptionally classroom-ready, justice-oriented, and equipped to make an immediate impact in their schools and communities.
Stonehill's M.Ed. in Special Education, PreK–2 and Postbaccalaureate Licensure in Special Education, PreK–2 programs prepare educators to create and lead inclusive learning environments. These programs lead to Massachusetts initial licensure in special education, PreK–2.
Applications for our 2027-2029 cohort are due August 1, 2027. Learn more about how to apply.
Stonehill's M.Ed. in Special Education, PreK–8 and Postbaccalaureate Licensure in Special Education, PreK–8 programs prepare educators to create and lead inclusive learning environments. These programs lead to Massachusetts initial licensure in special education, PreK-8.
Applications for our 2027-2029 cohort are due August 1, 2027. Learn more about how to apply.
Stonehill's M.Ed. in Special Education, 5-12 and Postbaccalaureate Licensure in Special Education, 5-12 programs prepare educators to create and lead inclusive learning environments. These programs lead to Massachusetts initial licensure in special education, 5-12.
Applications for our 2027-2029 cohort are due August 1, 2027. Learn more about how to apply.
Stonehill's Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Autism* and Understanding Autism Graduate Certificate programs prepare educators to support the complex needs of autistic students using democratic education, self-advocacy and social justice as a critical lens in their work. Candidates who qualify with state requirements can also earn the Massachusetts Autism Endorsement for Educator Licensure upon completion of the program.
Applications for our 2027-2028 cohort are due March 1, 2027 with classes starting March 15. Learn more about how to apply.
*Please note, tuition support covers up to 18 credits for the graduate certificate program. If a student wishes to pursue their M.Ed., they will receive 20% off the remaining graduate tuition through the Skyhawk Rate.
The Understanding Autism Graduate Certificate program includes a mix of online courses and in-person courses delivered approximately one weekend per month. All in-person courses meet over two weekends at Riverview School's location in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Certificate/endorsement candidates also complete a hands-on practicum experience and seminar that provides the opportunity for them to deliver effective instruction in a clinical setting to synthesize course content.
This program can be completed in one year and classes begin March 15, 2027.
| Course | Dates |
|---|---|
| TED 660: Neurodiversity, Collaboration & Allyship | Spring 2027 dates to be announced soon |
| TED 664: Autistic Behavior, Sensory Needs & Self-Regulation | Online (May 8–June 23, 2027) Tuesdays, 4:30–8 p.m. |
| TED 663: Self-Advocacy, Quality of Life & Transition | Online (June 26–August 11, 2027) Tuesdays, 4:30–8 p.m. |
| TED 661: Communication & Competence | Fall 2027 dates to be announced soon |
| TED 662: Social Understanding: Stress, Anxiety & Trauma | Spring 2028 dates to be announced soon |
| Practicum | Spring 2028 In-field Supervision |
Courses for Stonehill on Cape Cod's M.Ed. and licensure programs are delivered on weekends, approximately one weekend a month, during fall, spring and summer terms. Each course meets in person over two weekends at Riverview School's location in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
All licensure students are also required to complete a yearlong graduate practicum in a Massachusetts public or approved private special education school. This full-time field experience can often be completed in a student’s place of employment. It is an opportunity for students to observe, assist and teach in an educational setting.
This program can be completed in 18 months and classes begin August 23, 2027.
| Course | Dates |
|---|---|
| TED 609: Educational Equity & Inclusivity | August 28, 29, 2027 October 2, 3, 2027 |
| TED 610: Contemporary Issues in Education | October 30, 31, 2027 December 4, 5, 2027 |
| TED 630: Assessment for Special Education | January 22, 23, 2028 February 26, 27, 2028 |
| TED 611: The Individualized Education Program | March 25, 26, 2028 April 29, 30, 2028 |
| TED 510: Teaching Multilingual Learners | Online Thursdays, 4:30–8 p.m. |
| TED 631: Curricular Innovations & Assistive Technology | May 6, 7, 2028 June 10, 11 OR 17, 18, 2028* *final date to be announced soon |
| TED 612: Positive Behavior Supports & Strategies | July 8, 9, 2028 August 5, 6, 2028 |
| TED 640: Principles of Pedagogy | Online Thursdays, 4:30–7 p.m. |
| TED 620: Striving Readers & Writers or TED 622: Literacy for Adolescent Students with Disabilities |
August 26, 27, 2028 September 30, 2028 October 1, 2028 |
| TED 621: Mathematics for Diverse Learners or TED 623: Teaching Content Math to Diverse Middle & High School Learners |
October 28, 29, 2028 December 2, 3, 2028 |
| Practicum | Spring 2029 In-field Supervision |
| TED 641: Reflective Seminar: Professional Practice |
February 3, 4, 2029 |
Reflecting their expertise and leadership in teacher preparation, Stonehill College Associate Vice President/Dean of Graduate & Professional Studies Elizabeth Stringer Keefe and Director of Graduate Teacher Education Rebekah Louis secured the $1,106,348 grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will support Project CAPE. The goal of this initiative is to improve educator effectiveness and retention through extended clinical experience and other supports while expanding access to qualified special educators and improved inclusive opportunities on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Grant-funded tuition support is available to eligible residents of Cape Cod and the Islands interested in pursuing careers/career advancement in special education, regardless of prior experience, with award amounts based on demonstrated financial need and recipients agreeing to a service commitment in the profession following program completion.
Project CAPE invests in evidence-based teacher preparation, removes barriers and strengthens outcomes for students with disabilities by expanding access to qualified special educators and improving educational opportunities across the region.
Join us for a virtual information session or drop-in session to learn more about our master’s degree and certificate programs.
Join Stonehill Graduate & Professional Studies for an Open House on Saturday, November 14, to learn more about our programs and the admission process, receive personalized application guidance, and tour campus.
Join us for a virtual professional development seminar on Thursday, November 19, that will discuss strategies for critical literacy instruction, as drawn from Gholdy Muhammad's "Unearthing Joy." It will highlight key strategies for building students' critical reflection skills and, indeed, returning joy to learning.
Stonehill College's graduate teacher education programs prepare educators to lead inclusive learning environments. The College offers master's degree, teacher licensure, community education and graduate certificate program options.
Stonehill’s graduate teacher education programs recognize the challenges graduate students face in prioritizing work, family, personal and graduate school commitments. Our Graduate Student Support, Access and Success (SSAS) Framework is designed to support students’ success from program start to finish.
Specifically, this approach provides:
From the admission process to graduation, students have a clear understanding of both expectations and the support available to help them achieve their goals.
Stonehill College's graduate teacher education programs prepare knowledgeable, reflective, compassionate and adaptable educators committed to continuous learning, scholarly inquiry, professional excellence, and service to their communities. Through rigorous coursework, extensive clinical practice, and strong K-12 school partnerships, candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to support the success of all learners.
Our programs are grounded in the belief that effective educators create engaging, supportive, and accessible learning environments where every student has opportunities to achieve their full potential. We prepare educators to work collaboratively with students, families, colleagues, and communities while responding thoughtfully to the diverse strengths, experiences, and learning needs present in today's classrooms. Our graduate learning environments are justice-oriented and promote academic excellence, professional collaboration, critical reflection and meaningful engagement.
Graduate & Professional Studies Admission assists students as they explore graduate and professional opportunities offered at Stonehill College.
