Improving Access to Evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis in Schools

Across Texas, there is a critical shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) qualified to provide high-quality, evidence-based behavioral and educational services for school-age children with disabilities. The ABA TEACHER Project at The University of Texas at San Antonio was created to address this workforce need by preparing graduate students to become skilled behavior analysts who can support students, teachers, and schools through the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the ABA TEACHER Project provides tuition and stipend support to selected scholars pursuing the Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (MSBA). Through rigorous coursework, supervised fieldwork, and mentored research experiences, scholars gain advanced competencies in behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation all focused on needs of schools and school-age children with autism.
Graduates of the program meet all requirements to sit for the BCBA examination and to qualify for state licensure in behavior analysis. Scholars also complete a service obligation following graduation, working for at least two years in educational or clinical settings that serve children with disabilities.

ABA TEACHER Program


What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
A BCBA is a graduate-level professional certified in behavior analysis who is able to practice independently and provide supervision for other professionals in the field. For more information on the BCBA Credential see BACB's website 

 Funding Package and Service Obligation

The ABA TEACHER Project provides a comprehensive financial support package designed to reduce barriers for graduate students pursuing certification and licensure in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Funding is provided through a personnel-preparation grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Each ABA TEACHER scholar receives financial support that may be applied toward:
  • Tuition and university fees for required coursework in the MSBA program
  • Fees for Supervised fieldwork and thesis supervision 
  • Educational and research materials
  • Cost-of-living to offset personal expenses while enrolled full-time
  • Professional development activities, such as conferences, workshops, or other approved training opportunities
Funds are distributed directly to scholars at specific points during the academic year in accordance with federal and university regulations. Scholars are responsible for managing funds to ensure tuition and fees are paid on time.
All financial support is contingent on maintaining good academic standing, consistent progress toward degree completion, and adherence to all UTSA, departmental, and federal program requirements.
 
Service Obligation Requirement:
As a condition of receiving this federal support, ABA TEACHER scholars agree to complete a service obligation after graduation. Each scholar must work for a minimum of two years in an educational setting that serves school-age children with Autism (for example, as a school-based BCBA, autism specialist, clinic-based BCBA serving school-age children, or behavior consultant).
To verify compliance, scholars must maintain updated records through the federal service-tracking system. Failure to meet the service requirement may result in repayment of a portion or all the federal funding received.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates are individuals who:
  • Have a strong interest in applying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to improve outcomes for school-age children with disabilities
  • Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to ethical, evidence-based practice
  • Are prepared to engage in full-time graduate study (three courses per semester across two academic years)
  • Are motivated to complete an intensive supervised practicum integrated with coursework and research
  • Are willing to fulfill the two-year service obligation following graduation by providing behavioral or educational services to school-age students with autism
Ideally, scholars will have backgrounds in education or special education. However, a teaching certificate and work history in school settings are not required. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in psychology, child development, communication disorders, education, and other related fields are encouraged to apply!
 
Program Commitments
All ABA TEACHER scholars must commit to:
  • Full-Time Enrollment: Three graduate courses per semester following the prescribed two-year sequence outlined in the MSBA Handbook.
  • Supervised Fieldwork and Practicum: Completion of 2,000 hours of supervised experience serving school-age children with disabilities. Practicum placements are arranged by program faculty and occur at the San Antonio ABA (SAABA) Clinic and approved school or community sites.
  • TEACHER Institute: Participation in professional development summer seminars focused on school-based ABA, consultation, and collaboration.
  • Thesis Project: Completion of a mentored research project related to school-based ABA.
  • Service Obligation: Upon graduation, scholars must work for at least two years in an educational setting serving school-age children with Autism, as required by the U.S. Department of Education (OSEP).
Cohorts for Project ABA TEACHER begin each Fall semester through 2027!

Program Contact 

For information on ABA TEACHER requirements and curriculum, please contact the Project Director Dr. Russell Lang at [email protected]
For questions and assistance related to applying for the program, please contact MSBA Graduate Advisor Dr. Hannah MacNaul at [email protected]
The contents of this website were developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education, #H325M230029. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Program Officer, Tracie Dickson
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