Special education certification online programs are designed for teachers who have already completed a bachelor’s degree, and who are looking to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to start their careers as certified special education teachers. The majority of these programs are offered as Master’s degrees, although some schools offer a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program in Special Education.
Students enrolled in these programs typically complete coursework that focuses on providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the education process, as well as a more specific understanding of how to implement state-specific curriculum standards and learning objectives into their instruction. Additionally, students will learn about the most common disabilities that special education students may face, including autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, and behavioral disorders. Finally, most programs require students to complete student teaching hours under the supervision of an experienced special education teacher.
Special education certification online programs are offered at the master’s degree level and prepare educators to teach students with special needs. Students learn about the unique needs of special education students and how to tailor their teaching to meet these needs. The programs also focus on working with other educators and parents to create individualized education plans for each student.
Special education certification online programs provide aspiring teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to work with learning disabled students. These programs are typically available at the bachelor’s and graduate level, although certificate programs are also common. They prepare students for licensure exams that are required by all states.
Online programs are most successful for those who are self-motivated, flexible and able to manage their time wisely. Students must be able to complete assignments on their own without much direction or supervision from teachers or other educators. Most online classes utilize discussions boards, emails and Skype sessions as means of communication between teachers and students. Students will also need access to a computer, an Internet connection and specific software that may be required by the course instructors. Some courses require a standard textbook whereas others provide all of the course materials online.
Online special education certification programs are a relatively new option for aspiring teachers to obtain their license. What makes these programs so advantageous is that they allow students to earn their certification from home. This flexibility can be especially convenient for individuals who are currently employed or have other family obligations. However, there are some things you should know before enrolling in one of these programs.
To begin with, the state you live in may have different requirements for obtaining a teaching license. For example, some states require a face-to-face internship while others only require online coursework. You’ll want to find out what your state requires before enrolling in an online program so that you can make sure it meets all of their requirements.
In addition to this, not every program will be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). If this is important to you then you’ll want to make sure that your program has been approved by NCATE before enrolling in it. There are also some states which don’t accept credits from every college or university so if you’re interested in transferring schools at some point during your education then this might not be an issue either way. The requirements for certification vary by state. Generally, you will be required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher preparation program, pass the Praxis I and II exams (or equivalent), show proof of student teaching hours, and complete an application process with the state department of education.