KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage College and the Racine Unified School District have established the Racine Initiative for Special Education (RISE), a program designed to address the critical shortage of special education teachers in Racine.
Through this partnership, RUSD is sponsoring a cohort of teachers in Carthage’s post-baccalaureate HyFlex Accelerated Certification for Teachers program. The coursework is tailored to prepare educators for cross-categorical special education licensure, aligned with the district’s staffing needs.
This agreement is open-ended, reflecting a shared, long-term commitment to developing and sustaining a high-quality special education workforce. The first cohort consists of 12 RUSD teachers who are seeking to add a special education license to their existing credentials.
“By growing our own educators and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed, we’re strengthening the pedagogy of special education programs in Racine,” said Soren Gajewski, Racine Unified superintendent.
Courses will be offered as a mix of online meetings and in-person sessions held at the RUSD district office, creating a seamless integration of academic study and professional practice. As part of the agreement, the district will provide participating teachers with paid release time during the work week for coursework, tuition reimbursement, and guaranteed employment upon program completion.
By investing in the professional development of its current educators, RUSD is ensuring that students with special learning needs receive high-quality, consistent instruction from teachers who are both skilled and deeply connected to their school communities.
“I am delighted that Carthage’s programs in education remain at the forefront of understanding and meeting the needs of students and teachers,” said Carthage President John Swallow. “Our ongoing relationship with RUSD is an excellent example of shared commitment and partnership.”
Across the nation, school districts face a persistent shortage of licensed special education teachers. In Racine, as in many urban districts, the need is particularly urgent due to the increase in students with individualized education programs (IEPs), evolving instructional demands, and the growing complexity of student needs.
