Bill & Jean Dunn
Masters of Arts in Special Education Scholarship
Investing in Teachers. Empowering Students. Strengthening Catholic Education.
A fully funded scholarship for Catholic school educators in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to earn a Master of Arts in Special Education from Benedictine College.
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Key Dates for the next Cohort
Letters of Interest Due
January 29, 2027
Applicants Notified By
March 12, 2027
For scholarship information or questions, contact Kim Hammers, Executive Director.
What it covers
100% of tuition, fees and required books, so cost is never the reason a teacher can’t take this step.
Who can apply
Current teachers in Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
What we ask in return
Recipients commit to teaching in an Archdiocesan Catholic school for five years after completing the program.
If you've felt that too, this is for you
The program gives you specialized knowledge, practical strategies and effective instructional approaches you can use in your own classroom right away, so you can serve students with disabilities and learning differences with confidence.
About the program
Degree
Benedictine College
Credits
30 credit hours
Format
Fully online, with live virtual classes and self-paced work
Outcome
High Incidence Endorsements for grades K–6 and 6–12
What you'll study
- Understanding and assessing individuals with exceptionalities
- Instructional methods, interventions and positive behavior supports
- Classroom management and special education strategies
- School, family and community partnerships
- Special education practicum and supervised teaching experiences
- Transition services and special education administration
The program is designed so you apply what you learn directly to the students and school community you serve.
How to apply
Two steps: first the EMBRACE scholarship, then admission to Benedictine College.
Apply for the EMBRACE scholarship
- Your name and contact information
- Your current school and position
And your answers to these questions:
- Why is the inclusion of students with disabilities and learning differences important in our Catholic schools?
- How would this degree benefit the students you teach?
- How would this degree benefit your school community?
- How do you plan to use your degree upon completion?
Also include a letter of recommendation from your school administrator.
Apply for admission to Benedictine College
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 undergraduate credit hours
- Evidence of certification for a K–12 school role
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- A written essay on your K–12 teaching experience and Benedictine’s program outcomes and mission
- Evidence of current employment in a Catholic school
Benedictine College’s graduate admission requirements and deadlines also apply.
The story behind the scholarship
Named for Bill & Jean Dunn
Bill and Jean’s daughter, Mary, was born in 1967 with Down syndrome. Their sons received a Catholic education, but Mary could not. This scholarship honors their legacy by investing in Catholic school teachers and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to better serve students with disabilities and learning differences, like Mary.
Scholarships
program began
since 2020
What the degree makes possible
Investing in the Future of Catholic Education
Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their God-given potential. Through the Bill & Jean Dunn Masters of Arts in Special Education Scholarship, EMBRACE is helping Catholic schools build the knowledge and expertise needed to welcome, educate, and support all learners.
Together, we are EMBRACEing ALL students.