What is the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification? 

The​ ​Post​ Bachelor’s​ Baccalaureate​ ​Teaching​ ​Certification​ ​program​ ​in​ Elementary Education​ ​(grades​ ​PreK-4)​, Middle Level (grades 4-8), ​and​ Secondary​ ​Education​ ​(grades​ ​7-12)​ ​are​ ​designed for​ ​professionals​ ​who​ ​hold​ ​a​ ​bachelor’s​ ​degree​ ​and​ ​who​ ​seek​ ​to​ ​qualify​ ​for Pennsylvania​ ​state​ ​teacher​ ​certification​ ​at​ ​the​ ​elementary, middle,​ ​or​ ​secondary​ ​level. Students take courses online that satisfy Pennsylvania teaching certificate requirements while completing the required number of weeks of students teaching. Pennsylvania has reciprocation agreements with nearly every state in the U.S. meaning you can transfer your teaching certificate to another state. 

What ​Can ​You ​Do ​with ​a ​Post ​Baccalaureate ​Teacher Certification?

The​ ​curriculum​ ​for​ ​this​ ​teacher​ ​certificate​ ​program​ at Drexel University ​is​ ​designed​ ​for​ ​those​ ​changing careers​ ​into​ ​the​ ​education​ ​field,​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​those​ ​who​ ​already​ ​serve​ ​as​ ​temporary, emergency,​ ​or​ ​substitute​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​earn​ ​a​ ​formal​ ​teaching​ ​credential.

Students​ ​who​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​complete​ ​a​ master’s​ ​degree​ ​in​ ​Teaching,​ ​Learning​ ​and Curriculum​ ​have​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​transfer​ ​the​ ​credits​ ​earned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Post​ ​Bachelor’s Teaching​ ​Certificate​ ​into​ ​the​ ​MS​ ​in​ ​Teaching,​ ​Learning​ ​&​ ​Curriculum program.

The​ PA teacher​ ​certification​ program​ requirements at​ ​Drexel​ ​University’s​ ​School​ ​of​ ​Education​ prepares ​students​ ​for​ ​a​ ​Pennsylvania​ ​Instructional​ ​I​ ​Certificate.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Teaching Certification?

A commonly asked question regarding our programs, is "how long is the teacher certification program"? If you already have a bachelor's degree, the elementary, middle level and secondary education programs typically take two years to complete. Drexel also offers a dual certification option for secondary and special education. A bachelor's degree program typically takes up to 4 years to complete.

How to Get a Teaching Certification

1. Earn your bachelor's degree

The first step towards becoming a K-12 teacher is to earn a bachelor’s degree. If you earn a bachelor’s degree in a program that leads to teaching certification, such as elementary education or teacher education, you will graduate with all the requirements necessary to become a licensed teacher. If your bachelor’s degree is in a non-teaching program, you will need to follow the next steps on this list to complete your educator certification program..

2. Decide what subject and/or grade level you want to teach

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can become a teacher through our teacher certification program. The first step is to determine what subject you would like to teach. Some students choose a subject that reflects their bachelor’s degree experience while others may choose a new subject that they are passionate about.

3. Complete a certification program

Once you have decided on a subject, you should enroll in a teacher certification program and focus on your chosen subject. You will complete required coursework for certification and gain the knowledge needed to complete the required Praxis exams.

4. Gain student teaching experience

While you complete your required coursework, you will also gain the required hours of student teaching experience. Most teacher certification programs require 12 weeks of student teaching experience. The School of Education’s Field Placement Office assists students with identifying student teaching opportunities in school districts close to where they live, anywhere in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

5. Pass your certification exams

Once you have completed your required courses and student teaching experience, you will schedule and sit for your Praxis exams. Passing the required exams is a critical final step to become a certified teacher. Passing the exams will allow you to begin teaching in classrooms on your own. Some school districts may allow emergency certifications to allow teachers who have not completed their exams to teach in their schools for a certain period of time until they can pass the required exams.

6. Become licensed

Once you have passed the required exams, you will be issued an Instructional I teaching certificate in the state where you took the exams. As a certified teacher, you will be eligible for teaching positions in the subject in which you are certified. You can add additional certifications or complete requirements for an Instructional II teaching certificate as you advance in your career.

Post ​Baccalaureate ​Teacher ​Certification ​Program Options

Post Bachelor's Middle Level Teaching Certificate (Grades 4-8)

Drexel's Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate in Middle Level (grades 4-8) is ideal for students who would like to teach middle school students in the areas of Math, Science, English, and Social Studies. In addition to gaining knowledge of effective teaching methods, students will also learn how to create culturally responsive pedagogy and create a safe, productive, and positive classroom environment that facilitates learning for all students.

The coursework for a certificate for middle level education consists of 33 credit hours (13 courses) and includes mandatory field-based experiences and 12 weeks of student teaching.

The Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate for Middle Level (Grades 4-8) curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the Drexel Online Course Catalog.

Post Bachelor’s Secondary Education Teaching Certificate (Grades 7-12)

The Post Bachelor’s Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and who seek to qualify for PA state teacher certification at the secondary level. The curriculum is designed for those changing careers as well as those who already serve as temporary, emergency, or substitute teachers and wish to earn a formal teaching credential.

The coursework for a general certificate of secondary education consists of 30 credit hours (11 courses) and includes mandatory field-based experiences and 12 weeks of student teaching.

The Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate for Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the Drexel Online Course Catalog.

Teacher Certification Specialties

The School of Education offers eight content-specific areas of study each leading to their own certifications with required courses and Praxis exams:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Space Science
• English
• General Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Social Studies

Pennsylvania ​Teaching ​Certification ​Requirements

Once​ ​a​ ​student​ ​has​ ​successfully​ ​completed​ ​their​ ​course​ ​of​ ​study​ ​and​ ​all​ ​exams required​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Pennsylvania​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Education​ ​(PDE),​ ​Drexel​ ​recommends the​ ​student​ ​to​ ​PDE​ ​for​ ​issuance​ ​of​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​teaching​ ​certificate.

Instructional​ ​I​ ​Teacher​ ​Certification Requirements

Pennsylvania’s​ ​initial​ ​state​ ​certification​ ​is​ ​known​ ​as​ ​“Instructional​ ​I”​ ​and​ ​is​ ​valid​ ​for​ ​a total​ ​of​ ​six​ ​years ​(the​ ​six​ ​years​ ​need​ ​not​ ​be​ ​continuous).​ ​To​ ​continue​ ​teaching​ ​after six​ ​years,​ ​teachers​ ​must​ ​receive​ ​an​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​Certification.

Instructional​ ​II​ ​Teacher​ ​Certification Requirements

The​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​Certification​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​a​ ​“permanent”​ ​certification.​ ​(It​ ​must, however,​ ​be​ ​renewed​ ​every​ ​five​ ​years​ ​through​ ​the​ ​fulfillment​ ​of​ ​continuing​ ​education requirements.)​ ​A​ ​teacher​ ​applying​ ​for​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​Certification​ ​must​ ​have:

• Instructional​ ​I​ ​Certification
• A​ ​minimum​ ​of​ ​three​ ​years​ ​and​ ​a​ ​maximum​ ​of​ ​six​ ​years​ ​of​ ​teaching​ ​experience on​ ​an​ ​Instructional​ ​I​ ​Teaching​ ​Certificate
• 24​ ​semester-hour​ ​(or​ ​36​ ​quarter-hour)​ ​credits​ ​beyond​ ​a​ ​bachelor’s​ ​degree Completion​ ​of​ ​an​ ​induction​ ​program​ ​(generally​ ​provided​ ​by​ ​a​ ​teacher’s​ ​school of​ ​employment)

Required​ ​Exams​ ​for​ ​a Certificate of Elementary​ ​Education​ ​(Grades​ ​PreK–4)

The​ ​PA​ ​Educator​ ​Certification​ ​Tests​ ​(PECT)​ ​are​ ​required​ ​for​ ​Elementary Certification​ ​(Grades​ ​PreK–4).​ ​Students​ ​are​ ​required​ ​to​ ​take​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​exam for​ ​each​ ​area​ ​of​ ​certification​ ​sought.

For​ ​more​ ​information​ ​about​ ​examinations​ ​and​ ​registration,​ ​visit​ ​the​ PA​ ​Educator Certification​ ​Tests​ ​(PECT)​.

Required​ Exams​ ​for​ ​a Certificate of Secondary​ ​Education​ ​(Grades​ ​7-12)

All​ ​Post​ ​Bachelor’s​ ​students​ ​seeking​ ​certification​ ​in​ ​Secondary​ ​Certification​ ​(Grades 7–12)​ ​are​ ​required​ ​to​ ​pass​ ​the​ ​Praxis​ ​II​ ​Series.​ ​Students​ ​must​ ​pass​ ​the​ ​appropriate Praxis​ ​II​ ​Content​ ​Knowledge​ ​test(s)​ ​for​ ​each​ ​area​ ​of​ ​certification​ ​they​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​obtain.

For​ ​more​ ​information​ ​about​ ​examination​ ​and​ ​registration,​ ​please​ ​visit​ ​the​ Praxis Series​.

How​ ​to​ ​Maintain​ ​a​ ​Valid​ ​Teacher​ ​Certification​ ​through​ ​Act​ ​48

To​ ​maintain​ ​Instructional​ ​I​ ​and​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​Certifications​ ​in​ ​Pennsylvania​,​ ​the PDE​ ​requires​ ​a​ certified​ teacher​ ​to​ ​complete​ ​the​ ​minimal​ ​equivalent​ ​of​ ​six semester-hour​ ​(or​ ​nine​ ​quarter-hour)​ ​credits,​ ​180​ ​professional​ ​development​ ​hours, or​ ​a​ ​combination​ ​of​ ​credits​ ​and​ ​professional​ ​development​ ​hours​ ​every​ ​five​ ​years. College​ ​credits​ ​must​ ​be​ ​acquired​ ​from​ ​an​ ​accredited​ ​four-year,​ ​degree-granting college​ ​or​ ​university.

Note:​ ​For​ ​those​ ​working​ ​to​ ​acquire​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​Certification,​ ​the​ ​24​ ​semester credits​ ​or​ ​36​ ​quarter​ ​credits​ ​needed​ ​to​ ​apply​ ​for​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​may​ ​also​ ​count toward​ ​Act​ ​48​ ​requirements.​ ​Undergraduate​ ​credits​ ​from​ ​a​ ​community​ ​college​ ​may not​ ​be​ ​counted​ ​toward​ ​Act​ ​48​ ​credits​ ​for​ ​Instructional​ ​II​ ​Certification.

For​ ​more​ ​information​ ​and​ ​to​ ​apply​ ​credits​ ​to​ ​your​ ​state​ ​record,​ ​visit​ ​the​ PA Department​ ​of​ ​Education​ ​Act​ ​48​ ​Continuing​ ​Professional​ ​Education​.

How ​to ​Apply ​to ​the ​Teacher ​Certification ​Program

Drexel University's Post-Bachelor's Teacher Certification courses are offered 100% online. You can get started by filling out the appropriate Drexel Online Application for an online Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification:

Teacher Certification

UAB will only recommend students for certification if they have successfully completed a State-approved teacher education program and other University requirements. Each student is responsible for submitting a completed certification packet to the Office of Student Services during the semester they intend to finish their approved program. A student who does not apply for their Professional Educator Certificate within five years (60 months) after completing a state-approved program may be required to fulfill additional requirements (i.e., testing and/or coursework).

The Office of Student Services will verify that each student meets all degree and certification requirements after graduation and submit completed certification packets to the Alabama State Department of Education.

Timeline

When to Apply

The best time to apply for your Professional Educator certificate is during your last term of enrollment. This timeline will ensure that your paperwork will be submitted to the Alabama State Department of Education(ALSDE) on time.

Deadlines

Completed certification application packets are processed and mailed to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)in the order they are received.

Recertification of an Alabama Teaching Certificate

Please call the Alabama State Department of Education at 334-694-4557.

The level of courses you take (300, 400, 500, 600, etc.) will be dependent on your last certification, so communicating with one of our program directors is essential.

Important: You are responsible for sending the needed documentation to the state to complete the recertification process.

A significant demand for well-trained English as a second language (ESL) teachers exists throughout the United States. In areas such as education, business, hospitality and many more, the opportunities to teach English as a Second Language abound.

Drexel’s Certification in Teaching English as a Second Language* (also referred to as a TESL or ESL Certification), approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides a strong foundation for second language acquisition.

ESL Certification Courses & Curriculum

The 13.5-credit English as a Second Language (ESL)​ teaching certification program is taught by expert faculty who integrate readings, discussion, practicum, and case study experience throughout the program.

Curriculum covers the theory and practice of second language education, the structure and sound of English, the design and assessment of ESL course materials, as well as broader issues in intercultural learning. It does not require that the instructor speak another language.

Courses include:

• EDUC 602 - Language Learning & Teaching (3 credits)
• EDUC 604 - Structure and Sound System of English (3 credits)
• EDUC 606 - Design and Assessment (3 credits)
• EDUC 608 - The Intercultural Leader (4.5 credits)

In addition to coursework, students are also expected to complete field experiences ranging from 10-30 hours per course.

C​redits earned through this online TESL certification program may be applied toward the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Advanced Teaching Track​.

Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog​.

How Long Does It Take to Complete ESL Teaching Certification?

The program can be completed in as little as 6 to 12 months. Students typically take two classes per term. Drexel University utilizes a quarter system with each academic term lasting 10 weeks plus an additional week for final exams.

ESL Teaching Certification Program Requirements

Teaching English as a second language in Pennsylvania requires the Program Specialist: ESL certificate.

The Teaching English as a Second Language certification is a Pennsylvania add-on certificate available to students who currently possess a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate. This online ESL program satisfies PA State of Education requirements for certification in Teaching English as a Second Language. Upon completion of the program, the student may then apply for PA ESL Specialist certification on Pennsylvania​'s TIMS system to obtain an ESL position.

Teaching English as a Second Language requirements vary state by state; applicants from outside PA should consult with their state Department of Education prior to enrolling in our program for specific interstate agreement requirements.

How to Apply to the ESL Teaching Certification Program at Drexel University

The Teaching English as a Second Language Certification program is taught 100% online. You can get started by filling out the Drexel Online application. To review additional program information, visit Drexel Online, or request information.​ Students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and hold a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate.

To complete you application to the program, you will need to provide a following materials:

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• Resume
• Essay (1000 to 1500 words) describing why you're interested in pursuing the program

ESL Certification Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ESL Certification?

English as a Second Language (ESL) certification is an add-on certification for licensed teachers that allow them to help non-English speakers to learn, speak, read, and write in English. Certified ESL teachers apply best practices in helping students understand the complexities of the English language and communicate effectively in English.

What is the difference between ESL and TEFL?

The main difference between ESL and TEFL is location. Teachers who are teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is the primary language spoken are known as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. An English teacher who is teaching English to non-native speakers in a country where English is not the primary language spoken would be referred to as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) educator.

Do you need a degree to be an ESL teacher?

Most states require ESL teachers to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, English or a field related to teaching English to non-native speakers. In Pennsylvania, ESL is an add-on certification for licensed teachers, meaning you must first obtain teaching certification before you can add ESL certification.

Are ESL teachers in demand?

With more and more children speaking languages other than English in the home, the need for ESL teachers has risen. Currently, there is a national shortage of ESL teachers.

What can I do with an ESL Certification?

ESL certified teachers can teach English to non-native speakers in grades K-12. They may teach classes in public, private and parochial schools or in organization/government settings.

*NOTE:The Drexel TESL credential is designed as an add-on credential for certified teachers working in U.S. elementary and secondary schools. It is not designed for teaching English outside the United States and may not be modified to do so.

While some of the theory and pedagogical approaches for teaching English language learners is the same, the school contexts and the experience of students and their families is very different in an immigrant context such as the U.S. as opposed to an international setting where English is a foreign language.

Further, the course curricula, readings, and assignments in the Drexel TESL credential assume the U.S. school context, including current standards, testing mandates and curricular approaches.

TO QUALIFY FOR AN ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY TEACHING CERTIFICATE*, YOU MUST:

1. Complete all general education requirements for the B.S., B.A. or B.M. degree at Hope College.
2. Complete the Teacher Education Program coursework and field/clinical experiences, including student teaching.
3. Complete the requirements for a major and minor for Secondary Teaching Certificate and Elementary Teaching Certificate before admittance in Fall of 2021 approved by the Education Department and affirmed by the Michigan Department of Education.
4. Complete the requirements for primary and secondary grade bands for Elementary Certificates for Fall 2021 and after.
5. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in:
   1. Overall coursework at Hope College
   2. Coursework in major area of study
   3. Coursework in minor area of study
   4. Coursework in the Teacher Education Program
6. Pass the required Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in appropriate areas.

*State of Michigan requirements for teacher certification are subject to periodic change. Students must meet all requirements in effect at the time of application.

MICHIGAN TESTS FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION (MTTC)

In order to meet Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) requirements mandated by the State of Michigan for teacher education candidates,

all elementary track students:

• Must pass the Elementary Education test (Test #103).
• Are encouraged to take relevant major and minor subject area exams. These are optional but are strongly recommended for marketability purposes and in order to earn certification to teach at the middle school level (grades 6–8).

all secondary track students:

• Must pass exams in both major and minor (or double major) areas of study, with the exception of music education, visual arts education and integrated science majors at the secondary level that do not require a minor. View the MTTC list of subject test selections.

Don’t attempt these exams until you’ve completed 90% of coursework in each subject area. Most students take the test immediately preceding or during student teaching. Registration, test objectives and study guides are available on the MTTC website.  Additional study resources can be found on this list of  MTTC Study Guides.

For information on MTTC Waivers, including the department policy on granting waivers, view the Hope College Education Department MTTC Voucher Application .

For information on reciprocity and out-of-state licensure, postgraduate teaching certification, additional endorsements or state testing requirements, please contact: 

Dr. Sara Hoeve
hoeve@hope.edu
616.395.7740

The Hope College certification officer will offer licensure advice based on their knowledge and prior experiences. However, it is the responsibility of the Hope College teacher candidate to double check specific state websites for current testing information and certification requirements given ongoing changes in individual state policies.

In order to be eligible for Alabama teacher certification, the Alabama State Department of Education requires students in undergraduate and Alternative Master's teacher education programs to complete a series of tests. These tests evaluate students' mastery of content knowledge in a specific certification area (Praxis Subject Assessments); and readiness to teach (Educative Teacher Performance Assessment ( edTPA)). These tests are taken at different points throughout the UAB Teacher Education Program. Please consult the guide below to confirm when the tests should be taken.

Praxis Subject Assessments

About the Praxis Subject Assessments

In order to receive teacher certification from the Alabama State Department of Education, undergraduate and Alternative Master's students must receive a passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessment in their given certification area. Praxis Subject Assessments are administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

When do I take this test?

Undergraduate Students: (Prior to Student Teaching)

Undergraduate students must receive a passing score as defined by the Alabama State Department of Education on the Praxis Subject Assessment(s) in their given certification area prior to starting student teaching.

* Students pursuing certification in Elementary/Early Childhood are also required to pass the Praxis Teaching practicing prior to beginning student teaching.

Alternative Master's Students: (Prior to Admission)

Alternative Masters’ students must receive a passing score as defined by the Alabama State Department of Education on the Praxis Subject Assessments(s) in their given certification area prior to beginning coursework.

* Students pursuing certification in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education are required to pass the Praxis Teaching practicing prior to beginning student teaching.

What is a Passing Score?

Qualifying score requirements can be found on the ETS website. To locate the qualifying score for your certification area, follow the steps below.

1. Navigate to https://www.ets.org/praxis/al/al_teacher_ed/
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the section titled Tests Required for Specific Certification Areas
3. Select your certification area and look under the column titled Qualifying Score

Study Resources

Visit the ETS website for information about Praxis study resources.

Register for the Praxis Subject Assessment(s)

Educative Performance Assessment (edTPA)

About the Educative Performance Assessment (edTPA)

edTPA is a pre-service assessment process designed by educators that includes a review of a teacher candidate’s authentic teaching materials as the culmination of a teaching and learning process that documents and demonstrates each candidate’s ability to effectively teach his/her subject matter to all students. Candidates must receive a passing score on the assessment as defined by the Alabama State Department of Education.

When do I take this test?

Undergraduate Students: (edTPA: During Student Teaching)

Undergraduate students must receive a passing score on the edTPA as defined by the Alabama State Department of Education during student teaching.

Alternative Master's Students: (edTPA: During Student Teaching)

Alternative Master's students must receive a passing score as defined by the Alabama State Department of Education during student teaching.

MTTC tests are meant to ensure that each certified teacher has the necessary skills and subject area knowledge to serve in Michigan's schools. These tests are designed and implemented by the Michigan Department of Education.

Save all official MTTC score reports in a safe place because you may need them for employment or teacher certification in other states. If you need new score reports, additional copies may be ordered using these instructions.

In order to be certified, students must pass the MTTC subject area tests that correspond to the major and minor field(s) of study. These tests should not be taken until the final year of the program, but it is highly recommended that students pass their MTTC subject area test(s) before student teaching.

• Find out which subject tests you need to take.
• Subject area test scores are valid for five years from the date of testing (students need to be recommended for certification within those five years).
• Register at the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification website. 
• The fee for each subject test is $129.
• During the registration process, be sure to identify yourself as a Calvin student and also request that your scores be sent to Calvin.
• Be careful to enter an accurate social security number. It is a huge inconvenience if you enter an incorrect number. Canadians, please register using your U.S. social security number, not your Canadian social insurance number.
• When asked if you are completing an “alternative route” to teacher certification, answer “No” (Calvin’s program is a traditional route).
• Candidates with diagnosed disabilities may register for alternative testing arrangements.
• Candidates who do not speak English as a primary language may request additional time for any MTTC test except world language subject tests.
• Be sure to review the appropriate study guides. Depending on your subject area, you may find helpful practice problems at education.com or 240Tutoring. Curriculum Collection middle or high school textbooks may be used to review content.
• Tests are no longer offered on campus. All MTTC tests are now computer-based only. Test Center locations are available in cities worldwide. 

Elementary Education Students

Students seeking elementary certification must also take the Elementary Education MTTC test #103. Do not take the new Lower or Upper Elementary tests 117-124. When registering for the Elementary Education test, report elementary education as a "major." Take the time to review the online study guide and test objectives. Spend extra time studying for these subareas, which have lower pass rates:

• Social Studies
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Health and Physical Education

Special Education Program Students

Candidates interested in teaching grades 9–12 special education in a Michigan public school may need to take additional MTTC tests later in consultation with the hiring school (mathematics, integrated science, and/or language arts).

If you have questions, contact Calvin's certification and assessment coordinator at (616) 526-6208 or certification@calvin.edu.

The mission of the Dual Special Education Program is to develop competent, caring, and ethical educators who are able to meet the diverse learning needs of all students across a variety of age, grade, and ability levels. The preparation program will facilitate competence in areas of academic, social, and emotional growth, and methods of maximizing a student’s capabilities through diagnostic and instructionally adaptive practices.

The Dual Special Education Certification program prepares candidates to work with special needs populations in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades (PK-12). Students will follow the requirements for an initial certification program in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Middle Level Education, or Secondary Education with a few course substitutions permitted as noted below, in addition to completing the extra requirements for the Special Education program. Special Education is a concentration that students may add to their initial program in order to qualify for dual certification.

Elementary and Early Childhood Education Major with Dual Special Education Certification

Students majoring in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education PK-12 will complete the following courses in addition to the afore-cited Elementary and Early Childhood program requirements (not the course substitutions permitted):

• ED 180 – Educational Psychology (a student must earn a final course grade of 2.5 in ED 180 and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 before proceeding to ED 190 and ED 191)
• EDSP 226 – Special Education Methodology II with Field Experience (20 hours)
• EDSP 227 – Behavior Management with Field Experience (20 hours)
• EDSP 300 – Assessment in Special Education (this course replaces the PK-4 ED 344 – Assessment in Early Childhood and Elementary Education—course)
• EDSP 302 – Special Education Methods
• All EDSP courses, in combination, will substitute for the PK-4 ED 363—School, Family, and Community—course)

Special Education certification candidates will complete half their student teaching in a special education setting and half in a regular education setting.

Middle Level Education Major with Dual Special Education Certification

Students majoring in Middle Level Education with a concentration in Special Education PK-12 will complete the following courses in addition to the afore-cited Middle Level Education program requirements (not the course substitutions permitted):

• EDSP 226 – Special Education Methodology II with Field Experience (20 hours)
• EDSP 227 – Behavior Management with Field Experience (20 hours)
• EDSP 300 – Assessment in Special Education
• EDSP 302 – Special Education Methods (this course replaces the Middle Level ED 375—Middle Level Methods—and ED 380—Content Area Literacy—courses)

Special Education certification candidates will complete half their student teaching in a special education setting and half in a regular education setting.

Secondary Education Minor with Dual Special Education Certification

Students minoring in secondary education with a concentration in Special Education PK-12 will complete the following courses in addition to their specific program in the major:

• EDSP 226 - Special Education Methodology II with Field Experience (20 hours)
• EDSP 227 -Behavior Management with Field Experience (20 hours)  
• EDSP 300 - Assessment in Special Education
• EDSP 302 - Special Education Methods

Special Education certification candidates will complete half their student teaching in a special education setting and half in a regular education setting.