Overview
The Advanced Certificate in Special Education Leadership will engage candidates through intellectual inquiry on the role of special education leadership, and educate them on civic engagement in areas of law, instruction and curriculum design, and behavioral interventions and supports through field- and coursework. The program emphasizes culturally responsive and inclusive practices indicating that diversity and service to others is valued.
The Advanced Certificate in Special Education Leadership consists of 12 credits (four 3-credit courses). It is designed for a) certified teachers and b) either current or prospective administrators interested in additional education and experience in special education leadership.
The coursework is delivered in a distance education format and emphasizes: special education law and regulations; curriculum design and instruction; professional development for inclusive classrooms; NYSED regulations on discipline of students with disabilities; and relevant interventions and supports for students with disabilities from prekindergarten through grade 12.
Candidates also will participate in a 50-hour fieldwork experience in a school district with a supervising special education administrator as part of a seminar course. This program is designed to facilitate growth in topics pertinent to special education to support certified teachers/administrators in positions of case managers, CSE chairs, teacher leaders, or other school leadership roles.
Admissions Requirements
- An applicant must have completed, at a minimum, an undergraduate education degree leading to teacher certification or an undergraduate degree in a related services field (such as school counseling, speech and language, or physical therapy), or be a current student in a master's degree program in education, including master's programs leading to initial teacher certification or related services field.
- An applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree with a grade-point average of at least 3.0. Applicants whose undergraduate grade-point averages are below the minimum of 3.0 may submit a letter of appeal to the program director, and may receive an interview to determine candidacy into the program. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be enrolled on a conditional basis, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA for the first semester of the program to remain in good standing.
- Two professional letters of recommendation.
- Current resume detailing all relevant past and present professional employment, experience, memberships, and related service.
- A cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience as well as the reason and motivation for applying for the advanced certificate. (College admissions and School of Education).