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Home Online Secondary Teaching Certificate

Spark change with an online secondary teaching certificate in special education.

Be confident that you’re setting every student up for success in the classroom. With our Online Post-Professional Certificate in Special Education (6-12),* you will develop the experience needed to educate students with disabilities and promote successful outcomes after graduation. At William & Mary, you’ll better understand instructional design and methods, assessment practices as well as classroom management.

Gain the tools to navigate the unique challenges special education teachers navigate every day. Through coursework, you will build a foundation in:

Individualized planning
Collecting and using assessment practices to create change
Reading and language education
Teaching mathematics
Behavior management

About the Certificate

Classes Begin Spring 2022
15 Credit Hours
100% Online

Professional License Required
Complete in as Few as 10 Months
View Application Requirements

Help build stronger futures.

Secondary educators specializing in special education are critical for student success. With our online secondary teaching certificate, you will learn from faculty dedicated to instruction and research—while still keeping your full-time career.

Through this program, you can earn an additional endorsement in Special Education General Curriculum Secondary Education 6–12 from the Virginia Department of Education. Our certificate provides the necessary coursework to earn this add-on endorsement in the state, but you must already be a licensed teacher with an endorsement in English, history and social sciences, mathematics, biology, chemistry, Earth science, or physics.**

Specialization Courses (3 Credit Hours Each)

To earn a standalone Online Special Education (6-12) Certificate, you will need to complete the following 15 credit hours.

To earn a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Special Education 6-12, you must complete the following 5 courses and an additional 15 credit hours in core curriculum courses.

All online students will be required to complete a 0-hour orientation course to familiarize themselves with the online learning environment.

CRIN X33: Assessment and Instruction in Math for Students with Disabilities

This course will engage participants in the study and implementation of evidence-based assessment and instruction in mathematics for students with disabilities in grades K-12.

CRIN X51: Language Development and Reading Instruction for Exceptional Students

A course which focuses on normal language development and language communication disorders in exceptional children and youth. Topics discussed include language acquisition in the normally developing child contrasted with developmentally disordered children diagnosed with mental retardation, emotional disturbance, visual and hearing impairments, aphasia and autism. Emphasis is placed upon development, teacher assessment and classroom techniques in teaching reading and written language.

CRIN X52: Instructional Design/Methods for Students with Disabilities in the General Curriculum

This course develops content knowledge in fundamental teaching methods (instructional assessment, instructional design, evidence-based instructional methodology, universally designed instruction, accommodations/modifications, data-based decision-making and individualized planning) necessary for successful instruction and support of students with disabilities in the general standards-based K-12 curriculum.

CRIN X56: Classroom Management and Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Disabilities

This course explores models, programs and interventions for meeting the behavioral needs of students with disabilities in the general education curriculum. Classroom organization and management, functional behavioral assessment, behavioral interventions, social skills instruction and the role of the teacher in designing and delivering classroom management and behavioral supports are stressed.

CRIN X83: Individualized Education Program Transition Planning & Services

An examination of individualized education program (IEP) transition planning and services that promote positive post-school outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities. Topics include legislative requirements, transition IEP assessment, writing measurable transition goals, infusing transition competencies into the general curriculum, identifying appropriate programs and transition services, and collaborating with community agencies.

*Certificate courses begin Spring 2022. Pending SCHEV approval

**Students are responsible for confirming the Online Post-Professional Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction will meet the requirements to earn an endorsement in their state or region. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Virginia or a U.S. territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. This website provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Virginia: nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory

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