Advanced Certificate in Special Education (All Grades)

Take your teaching expertise to the next level. Our Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades) empowers you to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Designed for licensed teachers with master's degrees, this 26-credit program expands your capabilities to support students with disabilities, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This advanced certificate enables you to meet the NYSED certification requirements and expand the grade levels you currently teach and teach in any grade across  pre-K-12. 

Tailored for working professionals:

• Flexible online courses
• Full-time and part-time options.

In this program, you'll develop strategies to maximize every child's potential, learn to navigate complex special education systems, gain skills to support and advocate for families, and enhance your ability to create inclusive learning environments.

As an experienced educator, you understand the importance of adaptability. This certificate provides the specialized knowledge to address the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities across all grade levels.

Transform your classroom. Empower families. Become the advocate your students need. Enroll now and make an even greater difference in the lives of all your learners.

Why Should You Earn an Advanced Certificate in Special Education?

As a licensed teacher who has completed master’s level study within any of the classroom grade bands, this advanced certificate program allows you to expand your teaching credential by meeting the needs of all learners in grades pre-k-12, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, in self-contained, inclusion, or resource room settings.

In alignment with NYSED Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Framework, you will be provided with the skills to build caring, nurturing communities focused on equity and inclusion that value the unique strengths of students with disabilities and build success for all learners.

The advanced certificate program also provides you with the knowledge and skills to help families advocate for their children and navigate the complex systems of special education to maximize their child’s development and success.

The advanced certificate will provide post master’s coursework that may allow candidates to earn additional compensation (verify the requirements with your current employer).

The Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Disabilities, All Grades is a 26-credit, flexible online teacher education program with both full-time and part-time study options. Candidates will engage in high-level coursework in subjects that include:

• Foundations and Contemporary Issues of Urban & Special Education
• Foundational Literacy for Students with Disabilities
• Classroom Management Through Positive Behavior Supports
• Teaching Math and Science for Elementary Students with Disabilities
• Collaborative Partnerships and Inclusive Practices in Special Education

Candidates are required to attend a series of three workshops: (1) Content Specialty Test (CST) in Special Education, (2) Career Planning, and (3) Autism Spectrum Disorders.
 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Special Education?

The Advanced Certificate program consists of 23 credits and can be completed in one year (3 semesters) of full-time study; candidates may prefer to complete the program part-time.

Note: up to 6 credits of previously completed coursework may be transferrable, upon transcript review.

Learn more about the requirements for the advanced certificate Program for special education teachers.

Candidates for the Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Disabilities, All Grades program must have an earned NYS Initial Teacher Certification (or other state reviewed by NYSED) and a master’s degree in education.

Along with a completed application for admission, they must submit:

• Official transcript from an approved undergraduate program (Education studies not required)
• Official transcript of earned Master’s from an approved graduate program with a major in Education
• GPA of 3.0 or better
• Copy of NYSED teaching license (or other State reviewed by NYSED
• Resume
• Personal statement describing why you want to attend the program
• Two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one professional)
• Ability to meet special education fieldwork/practicum and assessment requirements (50 hours)

How Much Does the Advanced Certificate Program Cost?  

Monroe University’s King Graduate Schools offers affordable tuition and fees with a dedicated team of financial aid officers who will work with you to secure any and all eligible grant or loan options.