FAQ

1. How do I get information about the Stipend?

Shortly after receiving the admission letter, new students will be given a packet in the mail with the Commitment Letter, WH-1 tax form, and Conditions and Criteria form. This will explain the stipulations of the contract and details concerning the stipend.

2. What does the stipend cover?

The stipend covers the amount of tuition incurred for Special Education courses only.

3. What if I decide to accept the stipend after I've been in the program for awhile?

Students may apply for the stipend at any time during their program. The initial stipend will include retroactive payments for tuition expenses.

4. Once I submit the paperwork, when will I get the stipend?

The stipend will likely be dispersed 6 weeks from the time you submit the paperwork. Your initial stipend will come once the semester has already started. You may need to pay "out of pocket" for the tuition expenses at the time of registration, but you will be reimbursed once the stipend is dispersed.

5. When will I receive the next stipends?

Once you've received the initial stipend, you will be given concurrent stipends at the end of each semester. It will come before the start of the upcoming semester in order to help you cover the tuition expenses.

6. How much money will I receive each semester?

The amount of each check is determined according to the current tuition rates and the extent of your program. We multiply the total number of SPED credits by the tuition rate for the upcoming semester, and then divide by the total amount of semesters you'll be in the program. The amount of the stipend is adjusted according to the influx of tuition. (EX: 43 [credits in the M.Ed. program] X $329 [cost of tuition] / 7 [semesters of the program] = $2,021.00)

7. What if the stipend is not enough money to cover tuition for this semester?

Because we average the stipends over the course of your program, you may have a semester that exceeds the amount of the stipend. You will have to pay "out of pocket" under this circumstance. However, in subsequent semesters, you will receive enough money to cover all SPED tuition and reimburse yourself.

8. Does it matter how I spend the stipend?

We do not keep track of how your stipend is used. It is up to you to use it for tuition, rent, books, etc. However, the amount of money is meant to cover your tuition expenses for SPED courses.

9. What if I decide to switch from one program to another (like Post Bac to M. Ed.)?

If you decide to switch programs, we will total the amount you have received so far and subtract it from the total you should receive from entering the new program. You will receive one final large check for the remainder of your tuition that will cover all SPED courses in the program.

10. How will I receive the stipend?

Once the Stipend check is dispersed by the fiscal office, it is held by the Department of Special Education in Wist Annex 1-103. Office staff will notify you via phone or e-mail once the check is ready. You must physically come to this office with a valid ID to sign out your check. (Special Note: Statewide students receive stipends by certified mail.)

11. Can someone else sign out the check for me?

For your own safety and protection, no substitute may sign out the check for you. You must personally retrieve the monies.

12. If I teach during the program, does that count toward my contract commitments?

While students are in the program, teaching for the DOE does not count toward the 3-5 year commitment to pay back the stipend. The purpose of the stipend contract is to commit "licensed" teachers to work in the DOE system. Students are not allowed to receive stipends if they already have a license, and therefore cannot start paying back the DOE while in the program.

13. What if I decide to withdraw from receiving stipends or quit my program?

Students who should no longer receive the stipends--for whatever reason--should complete an official withdrawal form. This form, along with the amount of stipend received, will be submitted to the DOE. They will contact you concerning a payment plan to collect the money owed.

14. How many years do I commit to the DOE to teach Special Education if I take the Stipend?

For the M. Ed. Program, you will commit to teaching 5 years once you graduate.
For the B. Ed. and Post Bac program, you will commit to teaching 3 years once you graduate.

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1. How many more courses will I have to take in the Dual Prep program than in the Elementary Education program?

You won't take more total courses. The Dual Prep program requires some different courses than the Elementary Education program. Two of these emphasis courses may be taken prior to admission to the dual prep program. The total program equals 124 credit hours (including your Manoa core) which is exactly enough to qualify for graduation.

2. Will it take me longer to complete the Dual Prep program?

No, both the Elementary Education and Dual Preparation programs require 2 years to complete. Summer coursework is required between year 1 and year 2.

3. Will I spend more time in the field?

No, field experiences are variable credit courses. Although you register for 2 field experiences (ITE 317/SPED 400) you actually spend the same amount of time in the field (2 days a week) as students in the Elementary Education program.

4. How many days will I be required to attend courses at UH?

Coursework requires 2 days at UH Manoa per week during the academic year. You will have one day a week free just like students in the Elementary Education program.

5. Won't it cost me more for the Dual Prep program?

Full time students only pay for the first 12 credit hours. Credit hours beyond that are free. Dual Prep students are eligible to receive a tuition stipend for 33 credit hours, if they agree to spend 3 years teaching special education in the Hawaii Department of Education following program completion. This stipend decreases the cost of your teacher licensure program from approximately $12,000 to less than $5,000.

6. Will I have to take a special education position if I complete this program?

No, graduates of the Dual Preparation program are hired into general and special
education positions. In fact, because of their diverse training, they are highly recruited by principals for both types of positions.

7. If I complete the Dual Preparation program will I automatically be licensed in special education?

Graduates will be eligible for licensure in both elementary and special education. Students decide which license(s) to apply for: Elementary, Special Education, or both.

8. What is the advantage of completing the Dual Prep program?

You will be better prepared to teach all students. The Dual Prep program includes courses focused on behavior management, differentiated instruction, and collaboration.

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