Newswise — January 8, 2016 (Baltimore, MD)- Kennedy Krieger Institute, an award-winning and nationally recognized leader in special education, is now accepting applications for its Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education fellowship program. The program is designed to empower leaders in special education to develop effective teaching practices, learning methods, curricula and educational policies to optimize learning for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Participants in the one-year, full-time fellowship will be exposed to Kennedy Krieger’s nationally recognized and innovative models of education for children with intellectual disabilities, autism, brain injury or other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Through a mentored program including didactic learning, interdisciplinary clinical experiences, and immersion in cognitive and behavioral research and neuroscience, fellows will acquire skills in evidence-based best practices involving independent research, teach¬ing, supervision, advocacy, law and translation of neuroscience and behavioral principles to the classroom.

“The learning and experience this program offers will prepare educators to provide the best education for their students,” said Nancy Grasmick, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education at Kennedy Krieger Institute. “Those that complete the program will be sought after for leadership positions in special education.”

The Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education is accepting applications for its first class of fellows until March 1, 2016. Teachers and administrators, including superintendents and assistant superintendents, as well as leaders within related disciplines, such as school psychology and speech/language pathology, are invited to apply. Graduates will receive the Administrator I certification through the Maryland State Department of Education and Towson University. To learn more about the fellowship and how to apply, visit http://kennedykrieger.org/professional-training/training-disciplines/special-education-fellowship.

About the Kennedy Krieger InstituteInternationally recognized for improving the lives of children and adolescents with disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system, the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD, serves more than 20,000 individuals each year through inpatient and outpatient clinics, home and community services and school-based programs. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children with developmental concerns mild to severe, and is home to a team of investigators who are contributing to the understanding of how disorders develop while pioneering new interventions and earlier diagnosis. For more information on the Kennedy Krieger Institute, visit www.kennedykrieger.org.