Chairperson: Jody Jessup-Anger, Ph.D.
Special Education Grades K-12 Certificate website

Degree Offered

Certificate

Program Overview

The cross-categorical special education K-12 certificate is a post-baccalaureate program that expedites course work to support practicing teachers in completing the program in 14-months and receiving endorsement for licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Course work for this stand-alone, financial aid eligible certificate include foundational and developmental knowledge, classroom management and collaboration, and curriculum methods while providing candidates with multiple classroom opportunities and clinical experiences that are aligned to Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Special Educators (Council for Exceptional Children). 

Learning Outcomes

• Understand and address each student’s developmental and learning needs.
• Demonstrate subject matter content knowledge and specialized curricular knowledge.
• Use assessment to understand the learner and learning environment for data-based decision making.
• Facilitate learning by using effective instruction.
• Support social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
• Collaborate with team members. 

The cross-categorical special education grades K-12 certificate helps to meet the high demand for licensed special education teachers. Course work for this stand-alone, financial aid eligible certificate include foundational and developmental knowledge, classroom management and collaboration, and curriculum methods. EDUC 5001 Introduction to Special Education and EDUC 5002 Advocacy through Pro-Social Behavior Support and IEP Writing each include a 20-hour field experience.

This post-baccalaureate certificate requires 15 credits taken over 14 months, and when completed, provides endorsement for licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). 

Required Courses

University Policies

Graduate School Policies

Master's Programs

The goal of the master’s programs is to engage the professional educator in extended critical reflection on the principles, practices, and rationales of human-service leadership in contemporary society. Specifically, the programs seek to develop educational leaders in K-12 schools, colleges, universities and educational organizations with expertise in the historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of educational policy issues. The programs are designed to accommodate the working professional, and program content is composed to reflect student backgrounds, interests and professional objectives.

Certification Programs

The College of Education offers a variety of certification programs which prepare students to obtain state certification and licensure. Certification program requirements are in alignment with requirements for educational licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Certificates are granted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The university’s decisions on recommendations for certification are made by its licensing officer after appropriate consultations and requirement reviews.

Doctoral Program

The EDPL doctoral program develops educational scholar-practitioners, researchers, and leaders who possess the commitment, perspective, and skills to implement strategies for greater equity in a variety of educational settings. Students inquire deeply into the foundational knowledge of education, exploring how the organization of schools, institutions of higher education, and society shape educational processes. Students gain theoretical knowledge in specific disciplinary/topical concentrations, enabling them to further examine educational practice in a chosen context.  Finally, students acquire expertise in research methods which equip them to advance and enact educational knowledge. The program supports EDPL Ph.D. graduates to work actively to create a more just society.