Create a More Accessible Learning Environment for all Students in Your District
The Bookshare Educator Cohort (BEC) is a free, transformative program designed to empower educators like you to make learning accessible for every student.
We are excited to invite passionate teams of educators to participate in this impactful initiative. If you’re committed to creating an inclusive learning space and enhancing accessibility for all students, this program is for you!
Through the BEC, you will:
- Gain in-depth knowledge: Deepen your understanding of accessible educational materials (AEM) and discover the full potential of Bookshare.
- Develop practical skills: Learn proven strategies to foster student independence and offer more choices in learning.
- Receive expert support: Get personalized guidance from Bookshare staff and leading accessibility experts.
- Build sustainable solutions: Implement best practices to ensure long-lasting accessibility improvements in your district.
- Connect with a supportive community: Collaborate and share insights with like-minded educators facing similar challenges.
BEC Program Overview
The BEC is a year-long, hands-on program where selected participants will:
- Develop and execute a customized Bookshare implementation plan within their K-12 district during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Receive continuous support and mentorship from Bookshare staff and the cohort community.
BEC Program Goals:
- Integrate Bookshare seamlessly: Ensure that all eligible students in your district have consistent access to Bookshare through clear policies and practices.
- Increase accessibility awareness: Foster a deeper understanding of accessibility needs and best practices across the district.
- Promote Assistive Technology (AT) utilization: Strengthen the use of assistive technology tools to support and enhance learning for students who need them.
Ready to transform your district’s learning environment? Apply now before the deadline on February 28th.
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Important Dates
Note: Application deadline extended to March 10th, 2025
Benefits of Program Membership
In addition to improving your district’s accessibility efforts there are many benefits to participating in this program:
- Dedicated Bookshare and BEC program implementation support from Bookshare staff.
- Expense-paid trip to a 2-day kick-off meeting in July 2025 for one team member.
- Access to an online community of past and present program members.
- Curated Reading Lists of your district’s core curriculum and required texts.
- Title II Compliance support
- Sneak previews of new Bookshare features and opportunities for pilot testing.
- Customized Bookshare usage reports
- Training from accessibility industry experts and access to program implementation toolkit
Program Expectations
Once accepted, members will:
- Complete pre-work tasks (3-6 hours)
- Attend an expense-paid 2-day in-person kick-off meeting (1 team member)
- Attend one all cohort meeting and one team meeting a month.
- Connect Benetech staff with Data Privacy Officer and/or District Purchasing Officer to ensure Bookshare is an approved resource in your district.
- Report on program activities and implementation plan progress
- Work with Bookshare to identify FERPA-compliant student outcome data.
Eligibility Criteria
Please review the eligibility criteria before applying. Team members must:
- Complete the application and district readiness check.
- Directly or indirectly support students who qualify for Bookshare within a K-12 district.
- Have access to educators and departments across your district.
- Have an existing school or district Bookshare Account
- Obtain approval from supervisor or department head to participate in this program.
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Review the Program FAQs
Please contact the BEC team with any further questions.
Bookshare would like to thank you for your continued dedication to bettering the lives and outcomes of all students.Applying to this program aids in the call to action to bring about a more accessible educational environment and to create a brighter future.
Thank you to the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs for 17 years of support for Bookshare and Bookshare programs.