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PK-12 Special Education Certification

Immaculata’s graduate-level PK-12 special education certification prepares teachers to serve others through work in the education profession, fostering positive, inclusive learning environments for all students.

The 24 credits of coursework and six credits of student teaching will help you think critically about special education and use best practices effectively in your classroom. This certificate does not require certification in an additional content area.

You will be prepared to serve as a special education teacher who effectively:

  • Integrate research to make curricular and instructional decisions based on the needs of students.
  • Identify individual and school-wide needs.
  • Lead instructional accommodations and modifications in both general education and special education classrooms.
  • Designs instruction for students who needs special education services.
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of special education and how to best meet the diverse needs of students in special education.
  • Lead other educators with integrity and ethical behavior as they plan for their students’ educational programs

After successful completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the PECT examination for certification as a special education teacher for students in pre-kindergarten to 12th grade or up to 21 years of age. This program aligns with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements in the field.

Program Facts

You will become competent in field of special education and qualified to teach students prekindergarten through grade 12 or up to 21 years of age.

  • Accelerated seven-week courses
  • Nine master’s-level courses (24 graduate credits)
  • 12-week student teaching in a placement or 6-week modified student teaching if adding special education onto another certification.
  • Earn your Master of Arts in educational leadership with just 5 additional master’s level courses (15 additional graduate credits)

Program Availability

This program is available in a hybrid format, with some courses offered fully online and others a combination of face-to-face and online

Curriculum

  • EDL 644 Language Arts Methods
  • EDL 645 Language Arts Methods, 5-12
  • EDL 614 Instructional Needs of English Language Learners
  • EDL 629 Introduction to Special Education
  • EDL 640 Instructional Accommodations
  • EDL 651 Procedures/Process in Special Education
  • EDL 652 High Incidence Disabilities
  • EDL 653 Low Incidence Disabilities
  • EDL 592 Student Teaching (6 credits)

At A Glance

Program: Graduate Certification
Audience: Graduate students

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