TJEEI

The University of Central Florida is accepting applications for its PhD in Education – Exceptional Education track.⁠
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This rigorous doctoral program prepares highly qualified professionals to conduct cutting-edge research, implement evidence-based practices, and assume leadership roles in special education in academia, policy, and practice.⁠
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What to Expect:⁠
- 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree⁠
- Core focus on research, best practices & program evaluation for students with disabilities⁠
- Funding available
- Faculty and scholars backed by $82M+ in external research funding since 2017⁠
- If you're a high-achieving educator or researcher ready to advance your career and expand your impact then you need to apply today.⁠
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👉 Learn more: ccie.ucf.edu/tjeei⁠
Contact us to schedule a 20 minute information session.
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The scholars who earn a Ph.D. in Exceptional Education through the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute at UCF are the ones who find those answers — through rigorous research, evidence-based practice, and an unrelenting commitment to students with disabilities.

This isn't just an academic milestone. It's a decision to dedicate your career to the learners who need it most. If you have the drive, the qualifications, and the calling — we're ready for you.

Apply to the Ph.D. program at TJEEI
ccie.ucf.edu/tjeei

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1ST, 2026

This week, the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute was honored to host the SPARC Spring 2026 conference on the campus of the University of Central Florida!

Project SPARC provides 22 scholars from six different universities with fully funded doctoral degrees in exceptional student education, preparing them to lead the next generation of educators serving students with high-intensity needs.

We were honored to support both our doctoral students and the students from FSU, NCSU, Texas A&M, UNC, and GMU! Keep up the amazing work!

What if your research could change the life of a child with a disability — and the thousands of teachers who serve them? 💙

At UCF's Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute, our doctoral students do exactly that.
Our PhD in Exceptional Education develops highly qualified scholars and practitioners — people who turn rigorous research into real-world results for students with disabilities, their families, and the educators who serve them.

With over 1.5 million scholars already impacted by TJEEI initiatives, the work is real. The need is growing. And we're looking for the best candidates to carry it forward.
Admission is competitive and merit-based. If you have the drive and the qualifications, we want to hear from you.

Apply today. 🔗 Link in bio.

Dr. Kenneth Holeman. Six years ago, a classroom teacher and support facilitator. Five years ago, started a fully funded Ph.D. with TJEEI. Now: Assistant Professor of Special Education, working on a grant to build AI tutors.⁠
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This is the path the program is built for. Practitioner to scholar. Educator to researcher. The research Dr. Holman does every day touches students with disabilities at scale.⁠
Apply today for the next cohort. Fully funded. Apply by May 31.
Comment or DM, and we'll schedule a 20-minute info session.
Apply here: https://graduate.ucf.edu/applying-to-ucf/ -your-application

TJEEI had an incredible turnout for a team-building event, bringing together a vibrant mix of staff, partners, and students for an afternoon of sports and connection. It was wonderful to see members from the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute, Unlimited Potential Initiative, Inclusive Education Services, Knights Exemplar, Best Buddies, and Special Olympics at UCF all sharing the courts in such a positive environment. Everyone brought so much energy to the gym, showing great teamwork while playing games of volleyball and pickleball.

A huge thank you to everyone who assisted with the equipment and helped make the day run smoothly. We can’t wait for the next opportunity to get active together!

Our Ph.D. in Exceptional Education is recruiting. Fully funded. Collaborations with Exceptional Education leaders around the country. Apply by May 31. https://graduate.ucf.edu/applying-to-ucf/

For the past two years, our doctoral students have been studying how technology, including AI and accessibility features, can support students with intellectual disabilities. We research what works, for whom, and under what conditions. We want you to become the next doctoral student working on transformative projects.

We have funding for full-time admission, stipend, tuition, fees, and conference travel. This is a complete package for doctoral students in exceptional education.
Applications close May 31.

Comment or DM, and we'll schedule a 20-minute info session.
https://graduate.ucf.edu/applying-to-ucf/ -your-application

Twinning Tuesday in the Toni Jennings office!

Our team had the honor of presenting at the Florida Visions Conference this week! We got to connect with passionate educators and advocates from across the state, and walk away more inspired than ever.
Huge thanks to our amazing Project FOCUS team for representing with such energy, expertise, and dedication. 💙 ,