LEND Special Education Fellowship

About the program

The Special Education Program is designed to serve as a unique resource for special educators interested in training in an interdisciplinary setting. The program offers one-to-one mentorship and experiential learning in the following areas:

  • Interdisciplinary Clinical Experience
  • Leadership Development
  • Policy and Advocacy
  • Mentored Research Project and Presentation
  • Family Mentorship
  • Community Engagement
  • Weekly Interdisciplinary Seminar

Special educators interested in the relationship between medical and educational settings and supporting families as they navigate the complexity of both, are encouraged to apply. Trainees will learn about neurodevelopmental disabilities (autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, learning disability, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, etc.), the process of diagnosis, and appropriate therapeutic and educational interventions. Special emphasis is given to the perspective of advocates (those experiencing disability themselves), the family (those who have a child that experiences disability), and the various disciplines represented in the cohort.

Full-time trainee position

The Special Education full-time trainee position is designed for 16 hours per week for 10 months (September-June), and includes a modest stipend. Those interested in applying must be in the process of completing a master’s degree, post-masters, or Ph.D. Early career special educators who meet the above criteria and have the flexibility to dedicate 16 hours per week for 10 months, are also encouraged to apply. Participation at a distance is viable (currently required) for much of the program. However, there is clinic-based experience that will occur in person for much of the year. For more information please view this 5 minute clip from the Special Education Training Coordinator.

Close captioning available by clicking the CC icon at the bottom right of the video.

How to apply

Applicants should submit the materials listed below by March 31st. Virtual interviews will be held in April and May. Official placement will be announced in June.

Materials to submit:

  • A Personal Statement that includes your interest in pursuing the LEND Special Education Fellowship and potential goals for the training year.
  • Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (include contact information for references)
  • Official transcripts of your graduate work
  • There is not an application form required as mentioned in the video clip. Submission of the materials listed above is sufficient.

Persons with disabilities and/or diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. No participant, employee, student, beneficiary, or potential beneficiary of the OHSU shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other applicable basis in law.

Electronic submission of materials is preferred. Please send to Hilary Mahon at mahonh@ohsu.edu. If you need to send materials via US mail they can be submitted to the address below.

All letters and inquiries should be addressed to:

Hilary A. Mahon, MS.Ed., B.C.B.A.
LEND Special Education Training Coordinator
OHSU Institute on Development and Disability
707 S.W. Gaines Street
Portland, OR 97239