Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure - Special Education

Program Overview

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The Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure - Special Education at Wilmington University prepares non-licensure Education Studies graduates for initial teaching licensure in Delaware. Through coursework, practicum, and student teaching, the program empowers graduates to meet the requirements set by the Delaware Department of Education. The program offers a pathway to teaching positions in public schools and provides a foundation for further education in special education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure - Special Education at Wilmington University is designed for graduates of Wilmington University's non-licensure Education Studies degree programs. This certificate program provides the coursework and clinical experiences required by the Delaware Department of Education to earn an initial teaching license.

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Objectives:

• Empower graduates to complete the coursework and clinical experiences required for initial teaching licensure in Delaware.
• Gain access to teaching positions in the public school system.
• Provide a pathway for graduates of Wilmington University's Education Studies program to return and complete the coursework and Praxis exam required for teaching licensure in Delaware.

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Description:

The program consists of:

• Three (one-credit) practicum courses, each requiring 60 hours of supervised classroom experience in an approved setting and supported by 30 hours of practicum seminar sessions conducted by faculty.
• Three credits in performance assessment.
• Nine credits in student teaching, requiring 80 consecutive days of student teaching in a setting aligned with the candidate's declared major.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Pedagogical principles and practices
• Classroom management techniques
• Assessment and evaluation methods
• Special education law and ethics
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Collaboration with parents and other professionals

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Structure:

• The program is part-time and can be completed in one year.
• Courses are offered online and in person.
• The program culminates in a student teaching experience.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered on a rolling schedule, with new sections starting every eight weeks.
• The program can be completed in as little as one year.

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Assessment:

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Methods:

• Coursework assessments (e.g., exams, papers, presentations)
• Practicum and student teaching evaluations
• Praxis exam

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Criteria:

• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the program.
• Students must pass all coursework and practicum/student teaching requirements.
• Students must pass the Praxis exam in the subject area for which they are seeking licensure.

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Teaching:

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Methods:

• Online and in-person instruction
• Lectures, discussions, workshops, and simulations
• Guided practicum and student teaching experiences

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Faculty:

• Experienced and certified special education teachers
• Faculty with expertise in curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Special education teacher in public schools
• Special education teacher in private schools
• Special education consultant
• Educational diagnostician
• Educational therapist

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Opportunities:

• There is a high demand for special education teachers in Delaware.
• This certificate provides a pathway to a range of teaching positions in the public school system.
• Graduates can apply their certificate credits to a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education.