Program Overview

Program Overview

The PK-12 Special Education program at Penn State Harrisburg is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified special education teachers. The program is based on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Guidelines for Special Education Teacher Certification.

Program Requirements

• The program requires a minimum grade of C in all courses for certification.
• A 3.0 grade-point average is required to be eligible for student teaching.
• Candidates who are following Pathway #1 and hold an Instructional 1 or 2 teaching certificate have already attained professional status as a teacher, and their required coursework addresses the Special Education domain as addressed in the PDE Guidelines for Special Education certification.
• Candidates who are following Pathway #2 and do not hold a PA teaching certificate will take coursework that addresses the PDE Guidelines for Special Education Certification and foundational courses that address the domains for becoming a certificated teacher.

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the PDE Guidelines for Special Education Teacher Certification, and courses are designed to address the competencies outlined in the guidelines. The program includes an Internship (EDUC 495) with a certified special education teacher, which requires a suitable arrangement for candidates to participate fully in the management and instruction of special education at their schools of employment or another placement when possible or necessary.

Master’s Degree Track

All post-baccalaureate candidates have the option of placing themselves on track to earn a Master of Education degree in Teaching and Curriculum while concurrently working toward Pennsylvania certification. If this path interests candidates, they may seek more information during their initial intake meeting with the program coordinator.

Program Notes

• Candidates who are not employed in a school will be placed under the supervision of a certified special education teacher.
• The program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified special education teachers.
• The program is based on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Guidelines for Special Education Teacher Certification.