Special Education Teacher of Students with Disabilities (15 credits)

Admission Requirements

1. Submit a completed Wilmington University Graduate application
2. Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
3. Submit a valid and active US teaching license
4. Submit a current résumé including number of years' teaching experience
5. International students must provide results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) that meet the current minimum score requirements.**
6. Complete a program planning conference with Graduate Advisor or Program Chair

*In addition to general admissions requirements, admission to this program/certificate requires applicants to have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework completed during the most recent two years of the applicant’s general education, whether secondary or post-secondary, OR approval from the Program Chair.

After completing all of the above requirements, register for MED 6102 (E-Folio) along with other appropriate courses.

Purpose

The purpose of this Certificate in Special Education Teacher of Students with Disabilities is to prepare educators to teach students with exceptionalities in grades K-12. Students with exceptionalities must be taught by professionals who are trained in the identification, assessment, and teaching of individuals with exceptionalities. The goal of this Certificate is to provide candidates with the opportunity to complete research-based coursework with assignments and performance tasks aligned to the appropriate subject area and grade level. Candidates will gain the skills and knowledge to complete formative and summative assessments, use data to differentiate and deliver instruction, develop and implement Individualized Education Programs and Behavior Intervention Plans, and collaborate with IEP/504 teams, parents and professionals to meet the needs of all students.  

Fieldwork/clinical experiences are embedded across the coursework, enabling the teachers to demonstrate mastery of the CEC Specialist Standards through performance based tasks.  

Students who satisfactorily complete the coursework described below will qualify (on application to the Office of the Registrar) for a Wilmington University Graduate Certificate in that topic area.  This is not to be confused with a Delaware Department of Education endorsement or certificate to teach exceptional children in any category.  Such endorsements may only be granted by the Delaware Department of Education after all state-mandated requirements are met (e.g., candidates must have passing scores on all tests required by the DE Professional Standards Board; must hold a current Initial, Continuing or Advanced License and DE certification to teach in a specific subject area or grade level).

Please note that Delaware requirements for public school educators are subject to change by the Delaware Department of Education.  Wilmington University makes no guarantees that students who complete the coursework outlined below will qualify for state licenses, certificates or endorsements.  Candidate seeking such credentials must submit an application through DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System).

The most recent information about Delaware licensure and certification requirements can be accessed at the Delaware Department of Education/Professional Standards Board website.  Wilmington University has not made determinations for licensure in states outside of Delaware. For state-by-state contact information for inquiring about individual state licensure requirements, please visit NC-SARA's Professional Licensure Directory.

Candidates must have a valid and active teaching license and a Special Education certificate in order to enroll in this program.

*This certificate is available both through the traditional program and the ARTC program. ARTC can be added if a certificate of eligibility is required for employment.

Special Education Teacher of Students with Disabilities Courses (15 credits)

and one of the following: