Program Overview

Overview

The Professional Studies Certificates in Special Education K-6 Add-on Endorsement serves licensed teachers who desire to add Virginia Special Education Endorsement at their licensure level.

Special Education Endorsement (K-6)

Special education teachers are in demand, with teacher shortages reported nationwide. A special education teacher is part of a team that plans, delivers, and evaluates specifically designed individual plans of instruction (IEPs) to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. Beyond learning academics, you will learn the socio-emotional and functional skills to help students with disabilities in their daily living, employment, and social relationships.

Program Objectives

The certificate includes the use of the newest instructional techniques, experiential learning, and exposure to information related to classroom management, and instructional strategies for delivery to K-6 grade populations.

Teachers completing this program will meet the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requirements for a grade-banded, add-on endorsement in Special Education Elementary K-6 instruction.

Internship Possibilities

The program works in partnership with local public and private schools that offer special education programs, allowing you to complete real-world field experience practicums and student teaching internships within accredited schools. You will receive individualized attention as a provisionally licensed special education teacher admitted to the MSE program, enabling you to complete your coursework within the timeframe of your licensure requirements.

Career Possibilities

Special education teachers are in demand, with teacher shortages reported nationwide. This program leads to licensure in Special Education Elementary K-6 endorsement in Virginia. Most states will honor a Virginia teaching certificate, allowing you to apply for a teaching license out-of-state by reciprocal agreement.

Classes

To complete an add-on endorsement in Special Education Elementary K-6, teachers must earn 15 credits.

• SED 565 Foundations/Legal/Medical Aspects of Special Education
• SED 533 Language Acquisition & Reading Methods
• SED 537 Instructional Strategies in Mathematics for Students with Disabilities
• SED 567 Special Education Instruction, Behavior Management, and Assessment
• SED 573 Curriculum, Instruction, & Service Delivery for Students with Disabilities

The certificate requirement is 15 semester hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Meet the Faculty

Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate educator, critical thinker, and ethical leader. You will benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.

Application Information

Shenandoah University’s Division Of Education & Leadership provides inquiry-driven, problem-oriented examinations of public education and organizations.

Program entry requires that the applicant possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college and an initial teaching license. Completion of this add-on endorsement requires successful completion of the courses listed. As part of the individual coursework, field experiences are embedded and required in certain courses as noted in the course syllabus.

State Reciprocity – SARA

Shenandoah University is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. View the licensure requirements for out-of-state students enrolling in Shenandoah programs leading to licensure. Note that these requirements are subject to change. Please contact your program with questions.

Program Locations

• Bowman Building