Special Education Teacher Certification
Filling vacancies in teaching positions could be a challenge, especially when it comes to special education. When it comes to certification, charter schools must go by their approved charter EXCEPT when it comes to ESL and Special Education teachers. SPED and ESL teachers must be certified in all charters, so obtaining permits while teachers are completing certification requirements is an important topic. Know the options before hiring to ensure a path to certification.
CSS can advise our partner schools about certification requirements for SPED and direct them to resources available to assist with fulfilling certification requirements.
Candidates with Bachelor’s Degree and Other Certification
Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and is certified at the appropriate grade level can obtain an emergency permit for SPED, but they must have:
- completed six semester credit hours directly related to teaching children with special learning needs, OR
- have one credible year of classroom teaching experience.
These candidates would have until the expiration date of the permit (generally only one year) to pass all required certification exams.
Candidates with Only a Bachelor’s Degree
Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education but do not hold any teaching certification can obtain an emergency permit for SPED through university coursework as follows:
- meet requirements for the level of assignment and have completed 18 semester credit hours of coursework directly related to teaching children with special learning needs (EC-grade 6), OR
- have completed 24 semester credit hours of such coursework for secondary assignments (gr 7-12).
These candidates would need to be enrolled in an educator preparation program or alternative certification program and pass all exams prior to the expiration date of the permit (generally one year to complete both the program and exams).
Resources
Need help?
Please contact Charter School Success:
- Dr. Sheila K. Sherman ssherman@charterschoolsuccess.com
Have questions?
Ask questions, get answers, and discuss this topic on the Charter School Community Roundtable now.