The certification only track of the Special Education Teacher Preparation program prepares qualified applicants to obtain the Pennsylvania Special Education Pre K – 8 Instructional Certification. Teachers with this certificate may provide specialized support and instruction to eligible students between the grades of pre-kindergarten and eighth, in a variety of settings. These include special education classrooms and resource rooms, general education classrooms and settings. Special education teachers may assist in the assessment and identification of students in need of special education services, coordinate the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs, and collaborate with or provide consultative support to general educators.
Special Education Pre K-8 certification program students must complete 30 credits beyond the prerequisite course work. Most certification candidates complete the program in 3 full-time semesters (Summer II, Fall and Spring). Typically a new cohort of students begins the program together, starting in late June and finishing in late April the following year. With the exception of the summer term, Special Education courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening. Most students enter the Special Education Pre-K-8 specialization on a full-time basis; however a part-time option is also available.
Students are required to complete two different full-time student teaching practica, each of eight weeks duration. During the student teaching experiences, teacher candidates are closely supervised by both a University supervisor and an experienced mentor teacher. Prior to student teaching, students are required to spend time in schools with children with disabilities to complete coursework assignments. The School of Education Office of Clinical Practice at the University of Pittsburgh will arrange these placements for students.
Admission follows successful completion of an initial teacher certification program (i.e. Elementary, Pre-K-4, Grade 4-8, Reading Specialist), undergraduate degree, and selected prerequisite courses.