The Wheeler Foundation's Transformational Gift for Special Education Paraprofessionals
By Aubrey Henson
ISU celebrates the Wheeler Foundation's transformational gift during the Gratitude Gala in May 2024. From left, Melissa Ramirez, Stacy Armstrong (student recipient), Bob Swires (Wheeler Foundation), Yojanna Cuenca-Carlino, Wilma Bates, and Todd McLoda.
Over the past two years, the Wheeler Foundation has gifted just over $2.1 million to support 60 students over four cohorts in the Department of Special Education’s (SED) innovative Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education (PULSE) program.
This substantial gift provides vital support for students, enabling working paraprofessionals to pursue a bachelor’s degree in special education and earn their teaching license with a Learning and Behavioral Specialist endorsement. The PULSE program aims to equip these dedicated professionals with the necessary skills and qualifications to make a lasting impact in the field of special education.
Driven by a commitment to empowering individuals with special needs, the Wheeler Foundation dedicates its efforts to supporting impactful projects through strategic grant-making. Its mission is rooted in providing vital resources to organizations operating within east central Illinois and west central Indiana. The foundation’s support encompasses a diverse range of initiatives, from equipping classrooms with essential learning tools like manipulatives, to facilitating access to specialized equipment in schools, and enabling the establishment of vocational training facilities designed to foster skill development and independence.
The Wheeler Foundation’s generous gift will have a profound impact as Illinois State strives to address the pressing needs of school districts by equipping paraprofessionals, who are already immersed in classroom settings, with the necessary tools to become certified special education teachers. These dedicated professionals have already demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their schools and communities, making them ideally positioned to seamlessly transition into critical special education teaching roles upon completion of the program. Their familiarity with the educational environment and deep ties to their communities will undoubtedly contribute to a seamless and impactful transition, ultimately enhancing the quality of support provided to students with special needs.
Laura Reiss Class of 2025 Unity Junior High, Tolono, Illinois
“Being a Wheeler Scholarship Recipient has been very impactful for me. The Wheeler Scholarship has helped by allowing me the ability to only focus on the academic side. It has taken the financial worry out of the equation, which has allowed me to be able to breathe a little more freely and give 100% focus to my classes.
I will always be grateful for this opportunity and thank you for this amazing gift that you have given me. I will continue to work hard and give my all in every class. Being able to continue my work within special education is something that makes me excited for the future.”
Tara Dyer Class of 2025 Montessori Academy for Peace, Decatur, Illinois
“I feel very grateful for being a recipient of the Wheeler Scholarship. There aren’t enough words that I could say to describe the gratitude I have for them. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity and amazing gift. This not only helped me in pursuing my career, but it also helped me by providing a better life for my family.
The impact it has had on me has helped fuel my drive to give 150% toward my classes and my schoolwork. This opportunity didn’t just help me, but it also helped my district by helping provide them with a future special education teacher, which we so desperately need for our growing Special Education Department.”