Online certificates in special education are
available to those who already hold a bachelor's degree in special
education. These certificate programs teach students how to work with
children who have special needs and prepares them for professional and
state examinations. Special education teachers must also seek
certification from the state in which they plan to work.
Online Special Education Certificate and Certification Overview
Certificates in special education are available through entirely online programs and are usually conducted at the graduate level. The certificate program is meant to be taken following completion of a bachelor's degree in education, which is the minimum requirement held by most states for special education teachers. A certificate in special education is designed not only for special education teachers, but also for regular classroom teachers and school administrators who seek to improve their special education knowledge. People enrolled in this program develop skills and strategies necessary to properly instruct students with moderate to severe learning disabilities. This certificate program qualifies graduates to pass state licensing exams, such as the Praxis exam, and become licensed special education teachers.Program Information and Requirements
A certificate in special education program consists of 12-27 credit hours and typically lasts about one calendar year. An online certificate program generally has no on campus components, though some courses incorporate field experiences. Students access the online materials using Centra, Blackboard Vista or a similar online content management system. Some schools utilize DVDs to present information. Distance-learning students interact with their instructors and peers by using online message boards, chat rooms, e-mail and phone.Common Special Education Courses
Often, the curriculum of a certificate in special education is a condensed and more focused version of a master's degree in special education. Schools that offer the certificate also usually offer a master's degree which has a few more courses and elective credits, but certificate programs concentrate on the basics.Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Children Course
This course examines the different methods and instruments used for assessing exceptional learners to decide on effective teaching strategies. Students are familiarized with the various tests used to assess learning abilities as well as how to properly administer the tests and translate the results into an informed decision. Emphasis is placed on legislative, moral and regulatory issues involving the assessment of students from different cultures and backgrounds.Behavioral Intervention and Classroom Management Course
Students learn how to control the special education classroom and foster positive behavior in students with special needs. Techniques of reinforcement, applied behavior evaluation and problem solving are discussed. Various patterns of behavioral problems are identified and methods for deterring such behavior are discussed.Reading Instruction for Special Needs Children Course
The different types of reading instruction used for children are examined as well as why these can sometimes fail with certain students. Corrective methods are developed to help improve phonics and literacy. Problems in comprehension, vocabulary development and fluency are also addressed.Career Information
Following completion of the certificate program, students must pass a professional assessment exam such as the Praxis as well as gain state certification. Licensing requirements vary widely between different states, so it is advised that prospective special education teachers consult their own state's board of education to determine the specific requirements. Additionally, some states require special education teachers to receive specialized licenses to work with students with specific disorders such as hearing or vision impairment, mental retardation and emotional disabilities.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May of 2009 there were 477,310 special education teachers at all school levels nationwide from preschool to secondary school (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported an average yearly salary of $54,980 for special education teachers at all school levels. The BLS predicted an occupational growth of 17% for special education teachers between the years 2008 and 2018.
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