WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) announced a 5-year $1.25 million Preparation of Leadership grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to Florida Memorial University (FMU). The grant will bolster FMU’s efforts to prepare its Masters of Exceptional Special Education (ESE) students to lead high-need classrooms and districts.  

“As a lifelong teacher and former principal, I know the challenges facing ESE teachers and how hard they work to meet them,” said Rep. Wilson. “I am glad that President Obama understands those challenges. More importantly, I commend him for funding the programs that help ESE teachers sharpen their skills, so that they can do what they love more effectively – teaching. I also applaud FMU President Henry Lewis III and his staff for their hard work to secure this competitive grant.”

###


U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.