online special education courses free

Building communities of support for individuals with disabilities

Special Educator Training Modules

Supporting students with special needs:, online training modules for school-based professionals who support students with disabilities.

The following series of open-access training modules, developed by Hussman & Holman (2018) in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, has been developed to offer systematic training and support for school-based professionals who work with students with disabilities. They include essential content and skills intended to advance the professional development of school staff, and to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes of students with disabilities.

These comprehensive, user-friendly modules cover topics including disability awareness, essential dispositions such as the presumption of competence, individualized education plans, least restrictive environment and other central concepts in special education, key roles and responsibilities, student engagement, communication strategies, positive behavior supports, instructional adaptations, sensory accommodations, strategies to support meaningful inclusion and relationships, and more.

School systems and families are encouraged to share these online training modules with any of their school-based faculty and staff. Schools are encouraged to incorporate the training modules as part of their orientation programs for new faculty and staff, as well as review for veteran teachers. Since adult support professionals play a vital role in supporting students with disabilities throughout their entire school day, these modules offer a greatly needed resource of knowledge, dispositions, and skills.

Jump to modules

Principal investigators:.

Dr. John P. Hussman – Hussman Institute for Autism: Content development, research, module programming & integration Dr. Katherine C. Holman – Towson University: Project management, grant coordination, focus group moderation & beta-testing, follow-up support

Special thanks to Marcella E. Franczkowski of the Maryland State Department of Education for supporting this project.

Programming Team:

John P. Hussman: Content, programming, scripting, narration, animation Colleen George: Content, programming, focus group liaison Emma Blass: Video and photo asset creation, focus group and school-based filming Patti Mackie: Content, schools liaison

We are grateful to our focus group participants, the staff and students of Maryland public schools, Paula Kluth, Mary Schuh, Grant Blasko, Brooke Steinau, Lisa Crabtree, Beth Benevides, Fernanda Orsati, Ashlyn Smith, Casey Woodfield, and Tress Flynn for helpful content suggestions, examples, narration, and administrative support.

Non-Profit Use:

These training modules are provided free of charge. Module slides may be freely reproduced for non-profit use , provided that each slide is properly attributed with the reference below, including the address or link to the full set of training modules. Use of this content without attribution is prohibited. To copy a slide, use your Print Screen key, then paste into any graphics editor.

Reference: Hussman, J.P. & Holman, K.C., 2018, Supporting Students with Special Needs: Online Training Modules for School-Based Professionals who Support Students with Special Needs, Hussman Institute for Autism & Towson University, www.scaffolds.org/learn/special-educator-training-modules

Click below to access each module

Resource Packet:

Supporting Students with Special Needs: Resource Packet (PDF)

48 thoughts on “Special Educator Training Modules”

It helps me to open my vocabulary and understanding.

I have much clearer understanding and some excellent strategies supporting engagement with peers in young students. Great information!

These online training modules for school-based professional supporting students with disabilities. I have learned so much about autism. Now I know what to do to a person who experiencing it. I will never judged because it was too hard for them to have that kind of situation.

Very educative indeed this will be of great help and will be more knowledgeable and have skills to give aid to special learners we interact with . Hopefully am ready to hear more .

very informative

“Special Educator Training Modules offer a comprehensive approach to staff development in the field of special education. These modules provide educators with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively support students with diverse learning needs. The focus on individualized instruction and inclusion ensures every student receives the quality education they deserve. Kudos to the team behind this valuable training resource!”

I absolutely love the idea of online training modules for school-based professionals supporting students with disabilities. These modules provide a convenient and accessible way to enhance their knowledge and skills. By equipping educators with the necessary tools and strategies, we can create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students.

These online training modules for school-based professionals supporting students with disabilities are a game-changer in the realm of Project management . The seamless integration of specialized content, interactive exercises, and user-friendly interfaces ensures efficient learning and effective application. Kudos to the team behind this project for empowering educators to make a real difference in the lives of these students.

I have learned so much about autism. Now I know what to do if I see some people who experiencing it. I will never judged them if I might see an autism person I have learned so much of this presentation excellent.

Lovely and enjoyable lesson

Hi! Can someone tell me how long each module is? Thanks!

Hi. I found two things in Module 5, in the Scenario, the scenario is about “Ethan” but one of the choices names “Cameron”. The other thing is in Supporting Participation, the question reads: “Can participation by increased by changing the lesson format?” I think it should read: “Can participation be increased….” Sorry. I just really love these modules and am sharing them with my district so I want them to stand for the quality they represent.

Thank you for this wonderful tool. I am using it to develop a training model for our district. I had my paraeducator use it when we had a shelter-in-place. They really enjoyed it and learned a lot! I’m going through them now myself and I noticed that in Module 4, at the end in “Check for Understanding” question #4 is a drag and drop matching question. There seems to be something wrong with it when you submit. It corrects you on topics from a different module. You might also want to look at question #8, maybe I was reading it wrong, but the statement seems awkward.

Hello, can I have a certificate after finishing the modules?

very good course! learned a lot of new and useful information!

All people deserve to be treated equal no mattter of their color visual disabilities and. Physical disabilities Everybody learns on different levels and ways but all can be taught to learn. Also you must have Patience Be kind and have compasion along with heart full of LOVE

I enjoyed the modules they gave me the opportunity to reevaluate my skills.

This was so informative. I have a much clear view.

This was so informative

This was so informative speaking from a former long term sub. to a reading IA’s. This helped me understand the students I work with more. I can honestly say I can teach with a better approach or understand students needs clearer. I honestly think we all could benefit from this every year. Thank you

These courses were refreshing and informative. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to review this information again. I have gained additional information on autism and how to support each student, in inclusive environments.

Very good course

Definitely a keepsake and a “ go to manual “ for future reference. A great reminder of our calling to our students and what we as general and special educators can do to help our students excel in spite of differences. “Empathy “ on a whole new level. Thank you.

Helpful refresher. Very informative.

Highly informative material! I learned important information that has definitely helped me to understand my students better and gave me a better much needed respect for them and their disability! I luvd my students before but I luv them so much more now! Thank You so much!

Very informative and allowed me to know that I knew more about some modules than I thought as well as gave me knowledge to strengthen areas that I thought I knew well. I use a lot of this things in my classroom and have never really give thought to what the full bulk is because I just know what my students need and give to them without thinking about all of the textbook savvy terms and terminology. There are also many things that I will begin to use in my classroom to assist with more learning disabilities and behavior. Very Informative and Wonderful take-aways from the modules!

These are great refresher courses

Each modules was very informative. Learned to information .

The information in each modules were very helpful in my daily teaching.

It was very useful to me. I learned many new things. It was a great course to do.

These modules not only highlighted skills I have learned and used, but added to my knowledge that will be put to use!

This course was very informative !

A.Bray That was a wealth of incredible information. I will be preferring back to it. Thank you for this opportunity.

Great information. Give clarity and insight into the students ability over disabilities.

GREAT INFORMATION ON PRESSUMMED COMPETENCE

Very informative information and some excellent strategies for supporting and engaging with disability students

Very informative and some excellent strategies for supporting engagement with peers in young students!

These resources are very beneficial; we would like to embed a video (properly attributing with the correct reference) from the Positive Behavior Support module to use in our Proactive Behavior Strategies PowerPoint resource for special educators. Could we have access to the video (first video in Module 3)? Thank you for your consideration.

Yo tengo un hijo con autismo leve pero el diagnóstico es autismo nunca he podido encontrar a yuda y mi hijo le cuesta a prender solo quisiera que porfabor me ayudarán porque yo no sé qué hacer espero por el a mor de Dios me den a yuda gracias

Donde vives? Puedes encontrar ayuda con Partner for Success en su county. Mary Barbera es una madre y professional con un podcast y recursos para ayudar madre and padre como usted. Tambien puede encontrar ayuda com el Autism Society en su county.

was a very good course

I have learned so much more about autism. I had a non-verbal student with autism. This module gave me much more insight into what his thoughts were. I learned many new sensory reports. I truly enjoyed this module!

This modules are really essentials to the teachers and staffs who worked with disabilities, where they can acquire additional references and resources and support academically. It adds more knowledge even inclusions where there skills and idea will be broaden.

I have a much clearer understanding of the neurological aspects related to Autism after viewing this presentation.

We’re excited to make these open-access modules available to schools, families, and communities. This comment board is moderated, and we’ll be creating more tools to answer questions and offer useful information. We’re also working on additional resources, references, key idea sheets, and supports that can be laminated. Meanwhile, please feel free to distribute this link to anyone who might benefit from the trainings: https://www.scaffolds.org/learn/special-educator-training-modules Speaking for Kay Holman at Towson University and our team at the Hussman Institute for Autism, we hope you’ll find these useful. Thanks! – John

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Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Financial aid available

20,901 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Instructor: Judith McKenzie

Included with Coursera Plus

(594 reviews)

What you'll learn

To use disability inclusion principles to describe the support needs of learners with disabilities.

To identify the systemic support structures available to teachers within the education system.

To recognise the impairment specific support needs of learners with disabilities.

Skills you'll gain

• teaching activities
• Building Systems of Support
• classroom strategies
• Disability Inclusion

Details to know

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There are 5 modules in this course

Worldwide millions of children are not able to fully participate in schooling, and this is especially a problem for children with disabilities. In this course, we explore the support that teachers need in order to meet the needs of children with severe to profound hearing, visual and intellectual disabilities. We consider how this can be done by talking with a range of experts - from teachers to activists - about inclusive education as well as sharing experiences of education.

Inclusive education is only possible if teachers are supported and empowered to make the curriculum accessible to all learners. The topics in this course cover developing disability confidence and what exactly children with specific impairments need to be able to learn. This includes sharing specific classroom strategies and teaching activities for learners who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, blind or have low vision or have a severe to profound intellectual disability. By the end of the course, you will be familiar with the impairment specific needs of learners with disabilities, and how to build systems of support for inclusive education. You will be able to purchase a Verified Certificate if you wish to show evidence of your achievements, but this is optional, and you may apply for Financial Aid if you are unable to pay the certificate fee. This course was developed as part of the project ´Strengthening teaching for Children with profound Hearing, Visual and Intellectual Disabilities in South Africa` co-funded by Christoffel-Blinden Mission (CBM) and the European Union.

Inclusive education and special education: Equality and equity

This week, we consider what disability inclusion means by exploring different models of disability as well as disability rights and policies. Drawing from the history of special and inclusive education we look at how mainstream schools can move towards becoming inclusive schools and how special education can fit into an inclusive education framework. At the end of this week, there is a graded quiz, where you can check your understanding of the key concepts. Every week, you are invited to reflect on the topics in the discussions where you can talk with others about what this means for your practice as an educator.

What's included

8 videos 3 readings 3 quizzes 2 discussion prompts

8 videos • Total 49 minutes

• Disability Inclusion in Education: Building systems of support • 4 minutes • Preview module
• Introduction to the course • 3 minutes
• Introduction to Week 1 • 1 minute
• Social model of disability and disability rights • 10 minutes
• Inclusive education and special education • 11 minutes
• What is inclusive education? • 7 minutes
• Implementing inclusive framework • 9 minutes
• Wrap up • 1 minute

3 readings • Total 20 minutes

• How the course works • 5 minutes
• Podcast: How does special education fit into an inclusive education system? • 10 minutes
• Resources • 5 minutes

3 quizzes • Total 105 minutes

• Week 1: Inclusive education and special education • 45 minutes
• Ways of thinking about disability • 30 minutes
• Inclusive education • 30 minutes

2 discussion prompts • Total 20 minutes

• Introduce yourself • 10 minutes
• Weekly reflection • 10 minutes

Supporting disability inclusion

This week focuses on teacher empowerment and what teachers need to know to better support learners with disabilities. We begin by sharing with you what the Teacher Empowerment for Disability Inclusion (TEDI) project's research findings revealed about teachers’ educational needs. This week we hear powerful personal testimonies of individuals living with disabilities about their schooling which highlights the importance of the empowered teacher in their lives when they were learners. At the end of this week, there is a graded peer review and opportunity for reflection through discussion.

8 videos 5 readings 1 peer review 1 discussion prompt

8 videos • Total 50 minutes

• Introduction to week 2 • 1 minute • Preview module
• Teacher empowerment • 5 minutes
• TEDI research methods • 6 minutes
• Research: Teacher educational needs • 5 minutes
• Supporting learners who are blind or have low vision • 11 minutes
• Supporting D/deaf and hard of hearing learners • 8 minutes
• Families of people with Intellectual Disabilities • 10 minutes
• Week wrap up • 1 minute

5 readings • Total 45 minutes

• TEDI research report • 10 minutes
• More stories of personal experiences • 10 minutes
• Podcast: Disability confidence • 10 minutes
• Disability confidence resources • 5 minutes
• Resources • 10 minutes

1 peer review • Total 60 minutes

• Week 2: Asking educators about disability inclusion • 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt • Total 10 minutes

Systemic support for educators.

This week focuses on the systemic support structures that are available to teachers and educators in order to support learners with impairments. A former teacher and two district officers share their experiences of support structures and the roles they had to shape and implement policies within the spaces they found themselves in. We will also explore some insights from the TEDI research project on how teachers feel they are supported. At the end of the week, there is a graded quiz and optional Honours Peer Review assignment where you can explore these topics further.

9 videos 2 readings 3 quizzes 1 peer review 2 discussion prompts

9 videos • Total 62 minutes

• Introduction to week 3 • 2 minutes • Preview module
• Education support systems and supporting teacher empowerment for disability inclusion • 5 minutes
• How systems of support work • 9 minutes
• How do teachers feel they are supported, or not supported? • 8 minutes
• School and district based support systems • 10 minutes
• Effective support • 11 minutes
• Informal support • 5 minutes
• Family-professional partnerships • 6 minutes

2 readings • Total 20 minutes

• Podcast: Policy approach to support systems • 10 minutes

3 quizzes • Total 70 minutes

• Week 3: Systemic support for teachers • 10 minutes
• Education and support systems • 30 minutes
• Informal support systems for educators • 30 minutes
• Week 3: Systemic support (Honors) • 60 minutes
• What policy documents do you use in your country? • 10 minutes

Principles and approaches for disability inclusion

This week discusses how to make the curriculum accessible for all - particularly focusing on those with severe to profound disabilities. This includes understanding some of the causes of specific impairments (hearing, visual and intellectual) and their impacts on learning. We also have the pleasure of learning from experts who outline which principles and approaches can be adopted to best support learners with these specific impairments. At the end of the week, there is a graded quiz where you can test your knowledge of what you have learnt, and through a discussion reflect on your own teaching practices.

10 videos 1 reading 4 quizzes 1 discussion prompt

10 videos • Total 74 minutes

• Introduction to week • 1 minute • Preview module
• Accessible curriculum • 7 minutes
• Learner support needs • 6 minutes
• Types of visual impairment • 6 minutes
• Expanded core curriculum • 13 minutes
• Effects of severe to profound hearing loss • 12 minutes
• Education for learners who are D/deaf or hard of hearing • 7 minutes
• What is intellectual disability? • 10 minutes
• Education for children with severe to profound intellectual disability • 7 minutes
• Wrap up • 0 minutes

1 reading • Total 10 minutes

4 quizzes • total 50 minutes.

• Week 4: Curriculum accessibility and learner needs • 0 minutes
• Specific impairments - Low vision and blindness • 30 minutes
• Specific impairments - D/deaf and hard of hearing • 10 minutes
• Specific impairments - Severe to profound intellectual disability • 10 minutes

1 discussion prompt • Total 20 minutes

• Weekly reflection • 20 minutes

Inclusive teaching

In this week, the concept of universal design for learning is introduced as a way of approaching teaching and learning to tackle any problems of exclusion from education. Building on the lectures from last week, this week, experienced teachers describe in some detail what teaching strategies they use in their classrooms to include and support learners with specific impairments. Finally, in the peer review assignment you will be given the chance to create your own plan to support a learner, using the universal design principles.

7 videos 2 readings 1 peer review 1 discussion prompt

7 videos • Total 34 minutes

• Introduction to week 5 • 1 minute • Preview module
• What is universal design for learning? • 6 minutes
• Curriculum adaptation for low vision and blind learners • 8 minutes
• Curriculum adaptation for D/deaf and hard of hearing learners • 8 minutes
• Curriculum adaptation for learners with severe to profound intellectual disability • 6 minutes
• Course conclusion • 2 minutes

2 readings • Total 10 minutes

• Further studies • 5 minutes
• Week 5: Inclusive Pedagogy • 60 minutes

Instructor ratings

We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

The University of Cape Town is the oldest university in South Africa and is one of the leading research universities on the African continent. UCT has over 28 000 students, of whom 30% are postgraduate students. We offer degrees in six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. We pride ourself on our diverse student body, which reflects the many cultures and backgrounds of the region. We welcome international students and are currently home to thousands of international students from over 100 countries. UCT has a tradition of academic excellence that is respected world-wide and is privileged to have more than 30 A-rated researchers on our staff, all of whom are recognised as world leaders in their field. Our aim is to ensure that our research contributes to the public good through sharing knowledge for the benefit of society. Past students include five Nobel Laureates – Max Theiler, Alan Cormack, Sir Aaron Klug, Ralph Bunche and, J M Coetzee.

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594 reviews

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2020

I enjoyed my learning times all through. The content is so rich in empowering educators and all players in the field of disability.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2021

I believe I have finished my course way before time. When do I get my Certificate because I indicated that I want a certificate upon completion. Please advise. Thank You

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2021

Excellent Course! All of the Professors were very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Looking forward to other courses in this specialty.

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Frequently asked questions

When will i have access to the lectures and assignments.

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

What is the refund policy?

You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy Opens in a new tab .

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions

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The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is the only national membership organization dedicated solely to meeting the needs of special education teachers and those preparing for the field of special education teaching.

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NASET Professional Development Program (PDP)

NASET has always provided an online platform that supplied the resources required for Special Education Professional Development. Over the years, we have added numerous courses, lectures, PowerPoint presentations, resources and e-Publications. In fact, the sheer volume of content has reached a point where another approach to maximize the primary function of professional development was needed. From this need for a better layout to allow for easier access and use of our website for Professional Development we created the PDP. To learn more - Click here

NASET e-Publications

Hundreds of e-Publications available for online viewing and as PDF files for downloading. All past articels are archived. Take a moment to review the large list of our e-Publications that grows monthly. - To learn more - Click here  

Professional Resources

Comprehensive resources from audio lectures, databases of informational resources, IEP development tool, Conferences, Teacher Forum and Much More...To learn more - Click here

Career Center

From the latest job listings to professional development courses, NASET 's Career Center provides you with tools and information to further your Career as a Special Educator. To learn more - Click here

Members Benefits -  Click here

Latest Issue of JAASEP

(journal of the american academy of special education professionals).

Click on the JAASEP Image for the Table of Contents

NASET's Career Center showcases the latest job openings in special education.

Also, you'll find:

• Career Advice
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• Guidelines for Licensing and Certification in all 50 States

* Special Education Teacher - Ready to join a team of exceptional certified educators at Paterson Public Schools – the fourth largest school district in New Jersey. We are looking for teachers who are experts in their content area, are committed to improving student achievement, and will bring enthusiasm to the classroom.  To be considered for an interview, please apply! To learn more- Click here

* Ed Specialist - Provide assessment services and,  if needed,  develop,  implement,  and supervise  Individualized  Education  Plans  (IEPs). In collaboration with classroom teachers and parents/guardians, Education Specialists support and monitor student progress towards IEP goals, and play a crucial role in communicating needs, services, and accommodations to staff and  parents/guardians. To learn more- Click here

* Exceptional Student Education (Special Needs) Teachers - Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is recruiting talented, compassionate teachers dedicated to helping every student in the district succeed. Successful applicants will share a commitment to excellence in the classroom and a belief that great teaching is the key to unlocking student success. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teachers - The Newark Board of Education is where passion meets progress. We want you to discover a rewarding career with us.  If the opportunity to make learning limitless excites you then, join our community of educators. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teaching Position in the Greater Boston Area - Reed Academy in Framingham, MA, offers a structured and therapeutic environment to boys with variety of education needs. Teach in a small and family-like, nurturing environment for Students with Moderate Needs. To learn more- Click here

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Survival guides , for special education teachers, to learn more - click here , naset spotlight, get board certified in iep development, get board certified in inclusion in special education, get board certified in sped advocacy through naset, naset professional development program  (pdp), 101 professional development courses, get board certified in special education through naset.

Here's What NASET Has to Offer

Take a moment to review the various e-Publications, professional development and special education resources.

NASET is proud to offer its' members free access to one of the most extensive and comprehensive sources of Professional Development courses available today. With over 100 courses ranging from 1 to 3 hours each, NASET provides it's members the opportunity for over 100 hours of professional development included with your membership in NASET.

Professional Development Courses (101 courses) - Free with Membership!

Board certification in special education (b.c.s.e.).

Board Certification in Special Education establishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.

IEP Information

NASET provides the multiple areas with valuable information about IEPs. From a ePublication IEP Components to mutlple articles resources, forms, NASET has a wealth of information for the special education professional.

NASET Special Educator e-Journal

The online Special Educator e-Journal is published monthly throughout the year and provides timely information on what's current in special education.

The Special Educator’s List of 100 Forms, Tables, Checklists, and Procedures

This list is provided to all members of NASET to help facilitate the numerous tasks required on a daily basis. All documents are available to view online or download as a PDF file for offline printing.

NASETs' Week in Review

NASET's Week in Review is a weekly emailed publication that provides members with some of the most interesting stories, topics and issues reported during the week in the field of special education.

NASET News Alerts

NASET News Alerts provide the latest special education news as it happens. News Alerts are emailed, posted and through RSS feeds.

This series provides NASET members with an in-depth look at the step-by-step process of assessing students for eligibility and educational placement in special education.

Lesser Known Disorders in Special Education Series

This series is devoted to lesser known disorders that you may encounter in special education. While not as prevalent as other disorders experienced by most special education teachers, you should be aware of these disorders in order to become more knowledgeable, and increase your ability to assist patents of children with these disorders if they should appear in your classroom or school. Each month we will present a list of 3 disorders that appear in the special education population. Some of these  disorders may contain subtypes which will also be presented.

The NASET LD Report is an education resource that provides NASET members with a comprehensive overview of learning disabilities.  The NASET LD Report covers many areas of study in the field of LD.

The Practical Teacher is a monthly education resource that provides NASET members with practical tools, strategies, and relevant information that they can use both in and outside of the classroom.

Parent Teacher Conference Handouts can be given at the end of parent teacher conferences to reinforce concepts and help parents better understand information discussed at the conference. New additions are added monthly.

The NASET RTI Roundtable is an educational resource that provides members with the latest information on RTI.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Series

The NASET Autism Spectrum Disorder Series is an education resource that  focused on the research, writing, and practical information that we have obtained on causes, characteristics, eligibility, assessment, and teaching strategies.

Behavior Management Series

NASET’s Behavior Management Series is a unique guide for all teachers in helping to understand what their student’s behavior really means and how to identify and resolve the issue. This series offers teachers the insight into the inner dynamics, conflicts, fears, symptoms, tension, and so on of students who may be experiencing difficulty learning or behaving in the classroom.

The Classroom Management Series provide teachers with practical guidelines covering a variety of topics and supportive information which may help improve their classroom.

Researched Based Journal in Special Education

A Journal of Research Based Articles in Special Education are provided courtesy of The Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals ( JAASEP ). Each issue contains articles that are derived from multiple authors and are based upon the latest research in our profession.

This series is devoted exclusively to students with severe disabilities. This series will cover all aspects of students with severe disabilities focusing especially on understanding this population and what skills and information are necessary if you are asked to teach this population of students.

NASET Q & A Corner

At NASET , we get many questions from our members about certain areas of interest.  The NASET Q & A Corner provides all members with the opportunities to have access to these questions, and more importantly, answers to them from professionals in the field.

This series is intended to provide teachers, related service personnel, administrators, and other individuals charged with assisting in the development of the paraprofessional workforce with information and strategies to build strong, effective, supportive teams to ensure successful educational services for all students.

©2024 National Association of Special Education Teachers. All rights reserved

Free Online Professional Development for Teachers

• May 24, 2022

Now that we’re nearing summer, you might have more time to think about professional learning and licensure requirements. If you’re a teacher looking for a way to meet your professional development goals, there are plenty of options. Here are some free online professional development courses for teachers to consider, along with a brief overview and the requirements to complete each one.

Waterford.org Science of Reading Opportunities for Free Professional Development

These free Waterford.org Science of Reading webinars offer a free online professional learning opportunity to explore research-based classroom strategies. Learn how to use the latest neuroscience to inform reading instruction, help students build key literacy skills, and teach students to become effective communicators. The webinar sessions include:

• Phonological Awareness: The Structure of Spoken Language
• Phonics: Breaking the Reading Code
• Fluency: The Bridge from Word Identification to Reading Comprehension
• Comprehension & Vocabulary: Reading as a Lifelong Tool for Learning
• Language Concepts: The Structure of Written Language
• Communication: The Four Domains of Language

PBS TeacherLine

Through PBS TeacherLine , you can choose 15-, 30-, or 45-hour courses, which are generally available for continuing education credits. You can even earn graduate-level credit through university partnerships. Each course is self-paced and can be completed around your own schedule.

Coursera is a learning resource that partners with universities all over the world to provide free and accessible courses. You can find plenty of professional learning courses specifically for teachers, including:

• Supporting Children with Difficulties in Reading and Writing
• Teaching Character and Creating Positive Classrooms
• Motivating Gen Z Learners: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know

TeachingTolerance

If you’re looking for professional development focused on social-emotional learning, check out TeachingTolerance . Their professional development section includes tons of webinars and self-guided learning resources on topics like diversity, leadership, and empathy in the classroom.

LearnersEdge

LearnersEdge offers free on-demand webinar recordings on a wide variety of topics, from mindfulness and mental health awareness to reading and writing. After you’ve finished the webinar, you can receive a certificate as needed for your specific professional development requirements.

Canvas has a collection of online, self-paced professional development options for teachers—many of which are free. Here are a few examples of the courses they offer:

• The Art and Craft of Remote Teaching
• Safe & Resilient Schools: Mental Health
• Supporting Girls in STEAM

Learning for Justice

Learning for Justice has an archive of webinars on improving equity and access in schools that are available on demand. Here, you can learn about topics like How to Be an Ally in the Classroom and Responding to Hate and Bias at School.

If your district allows webinars to fulfill professional development requirements, this can be a great option.

Whether you’re a STEM teacher or just learning more about the scientific side of teaching, SciLearn offers webinars focused around the neuroscience of learning. A few recent sessions include:

• How to Rewire the Brains of Struggling Learners
• Engaging All Students with Poverty in Mind
• Developing Executive Function from Kindergarten Through High School

National Education Association

The National Educators Association (NEA) maintains a website of live and archived webinars for teachers looking to fulfill their professional development credits. The organization also hosts a podcast called School Me , and while it’s not eligible for credits, it does offer tons of bite-sized “life hacks” for educators.

Sanford Inspire

Webinars are a quick and convenient way to fulfill professional development hours online, but if you’re looking for a more hands-on option, try completing one of the free professional development courses from Sanford Aspire . After finishing the course and passing an assessment, you gain a professional development certificate which you can then submit to your district and potentially redeem for credit.

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) website has a large archive of webinars for teachers, as well as live webinar options for ASCD members. Like other webinar options on this list, each session can be redeemed for an hour of credit if it meets the specific requirements for your license renewal.

The slogan of SimpleK12 is “professional development in your pajamas,” and they offer educational webinars to watch at home. Although some webinars are only available for site members, many others are free to the public.

Free Professional Development Modules by The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress offers build-your-own professional learning modules on subjects like Understanding Copyright and Primary Sources and Inquiry. These are designed for educators interested in presenting their own professional development course for their colleagues, which you can then submit to your district to request licensure credit.

Additionally, there are online webinars and workshops that can potentially fulfill one hour of professional development.

Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM

The arts and humanities are a vital way to teach children creativity and critical thinking. Through the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM , you can access free toolkits and audio trainings on bringing arts into the classroom—several of which can be redeemed for professional development hours.

Holding both live and on-demand webinars, edWeb can easily fit into your schedule. Because of the range of topics, the webinars can be great free professional development for both teachers of early elementary students and teachers in older grades.

Facing History

Facing History provides both free and paid courses, webinars, and video professional learning options on challenging bigotry in education. If you’re unable to attend an event in person, there is also an archive of on-demand webinars and workshops .

SHAPE America

If you’re a health or P.E. teacher (or you just want to learn more about health education), this resource is for you. SHAPE America is a website run by the Society of Health and Physical Educators that includes plenty of free webinars on K-12 health education. A few examples include:

• Ideas for Equitable and Accessible Teaching in Health and Physical Education
• No-Cost Digital Resources to Support Social, Emotional and Physical Wellness
• Trauma Sensitive Practices in Health Education

TeachersFirst Workshops

Many of the options on this list are self-guided or pre-recorded, but if you’re looking for an interactive professional development option, TeachersFirst might be more your speed. These free, live workshops are each approximately 90 minutes long and scheduled after school hours for teachers with a busy workday.

ShareMyLesson

ShareMyLesson offers a wide variety of short professional development sessions geared toward teachers, administrators, and parents. You can watch these sessions on your own time and receive one hour of continuing education credit for each, provided they meet your specific licensure requirements.

Through KQED Teach , you can take courses on digital media to help you get the most out of educational technology in your classroom. Whether you want to learn how to make a teacher blog, detect online misinformation, or even try your hand at video production, you’re sure to find a course that fits your interests.

EdWeek Special Education Webinars

For special education teachers, EdWeek offers live and recorded webinars for professional learning in education. After watching a webinar, you can receive a certificate verifying one hour of professional development. Recent webinar topics include:

• Equity, Care and Connection: New SEL Tools and Practices to Support Students and Adults
• A Seat at the Table: Strategies & Tips for Complex Decision-Making
• Making Digital Literacy a Priority: An Administrator’s Perspective

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The Council for Exceptional Children offers a variety of online learning opportunities to help you elevate your practice. Choose from virtual events that air live or on-demand events that let you learn on your own schedule. Whether you’re looking for yourself, someone else, or an all-staff in-service, there’s something for you.  

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Top 10 Free Classes Available Online For Special Education Teachers And Parents of Special Needs Children

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

Learning Strategies for Special Education

It’s imperative for parents, guardians, caretakers, teachers, and trainers to find both effective strategies and useful resources to help these students to do well in life. Moreover, the field of special education is far from static, new research and new laws change perspective. While a day-to-day common sense approach does help children with special needs, research-based strategies have proven time and again to be extremely effective. For this reason advanced training and certification is recommended for professional teachers.

Legal Protection for Special Education under IDEA

However, apart from improved educational methodology, there is also another component to the special education field that it is important for both parents and teachers to know well, the federal laws governing this field which is covered by the disability act known as IDEA. So, in most educational jurisdictions, special education is overseen by federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Under the law, special education must provide support, services, and placements to all educational needs without any cost to the parents.

The categories under IDEA include sensory impairments like deafness, hearing impairments, blindness, visual impairments, and speech and language impairments; mental and emotional impairment like autism, developmental delays, emotional disturbance, specific learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury; and physical impairments like multiple disabilities, orthopedic disabilities, and other health impairments. Additionally, some jurisdictions may include a Gifted category as children with extraordinary talent also have considerable difficulty fitting into the curriculum of regular schooling.

With that in mind, we have researched free online classes that address either educational techniques or legal issues. It wasn’t easy to find the best of ten free online classes available for parents and special education teachers from leading universities, e-learning providers, the autism society, and from online education databases but we did. Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Free Classes Available Online For Special Education Teachers and Parents of Special Needs Children:

Special Education Classes from Leading Universities

There are innumerable free online classes offered by some of the world’s best universities available at your fingertips. These cover everything that is available through the regular educational system and they are taught by leading professors. The courses are delivered through video lectures, articles, and online tests.

In the field of Special Education, we found two highly informative courses from the University of Southern Queensland and Yale University.

1. Teaching Students with Special Needs: Behavior Management from the University of Southern Queensland

In Teaching Students with Special Needs: Behavior Management, students are shown a number of methods to help special needs children in different age groups and educational levels. The course explores researched teaching methods and discusses various researched techniques to maintain attention in a classroom.

This course includes the following themes and is most suitable for special education students:

• Classroom teaching, management, and procedures • Comprehensive methods to positively influence children • Cooperative learning strategies • Tutoring by peers

The course also provides in depth lectures on the following behavior management theories:

• The Kounin model • The Behavior Modification model • The Assertive Discipline model • The Reality Therapy model • The Logical Consequences model • The Social Skills training model

For more, visit Teaching Students with Special Needs: Behavior Management here .

2. The Legal Rights of Children with Autism and Related Disorders from Yale University

Yale University has a YouTube Channel that offers free courses. In the field of special education it has an excellent class called, “The Legal Rights of Children with Autism and Related Disorders.”

The Legal Rights of Children with Autism and Related Disorders covers some highly important and relevant topics on legal issues in considerable depth.

The course includes the following themes:

• A brief history of how special education laws evolved over time • How the law gets involved in the life of a child after he or she is diagnosed with autism or another related disorder. It covers the law’s involvement in school, home, and adult life • What legal rights pertain to education, therapy, medical services, and social services • How parents and guardians can get assistance from local, state, and federal agencies

This course is most suitable for parents as it explains legal issues in a straightforward way without trying to comprehend complicated legal jargon.

For more, visit The Legal Rights of Children with Autism and Related Disorders here.

Special Education Course from E-Learning Providers

E-learning providers are pioneers in the field of learning education. They provide cloud-based learning solutions to thousands of people all over the world. Although not universities or colleges per se, they still offer most educational courses available through formal education.

In the field of Special Education, we found three excellent courses from Alison, Open Learning, and LD online.

3. Working with Students with Special Education Needs by ALISON

Working with Students with Special Education Needs discusses the requirements for meeting the individual needs of special education students. Teachers who work with special educational needs students need to learn certain skills and specific strategies to deliver the most effective classes.

This free course introduces teachers to the following themes:

• The core requirements of special education • Changes in educational legislature, particularly in the U.S • Teacher and trainer responsibilities • An individual educational plan (IEP)

The course also provides a description of the following disabilities:

• Learning disabilities • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • Intellectual disabilities • Behavioral disorders • Physical disabilities • Sensory impairments

Besides a description of each disability, it also goes into practical strategies teachers can use to assist students with each one.

The course is suited for special education teachers.

For more, visit Working with Students-with Special Educational Needs here .

4. The Nobody’s Normal Series by Open University

The Nobody’s Normal series is a collaborative venture between the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the OpenLearn team, which is a program and web team at The Open University. It is a documentary series to help educate families about the special needs and challenges of disabled people. It covers the five most significant stages in their lives, namely birth, schooling, dating, leaving home, and aging through real-life case studies.

Here are the themes covered in the series:

• Program 1 is titled, “Baby Love.” It covers birth and the early years • Program 2 is titled, “Education, education, education.” It covers the school years • Program 3 is titled, “Love is in the air.” It covers adolescent dating • Program 4 is titled, “Moving on.” It covers early leaving home as a young adult • Program 5 is titled, “Who cares.” It covers old age

This course is suitable for parents as it provides a non-academic perspective on all the social issues around raising a child with disabilities.

For more, visit The Nobody’s Normal Series by Open University here.

5. Advocacy in Special Education by LD Online

Andrea Sherwin Ripp, Ed.M., MS, OTR/L, has created a free course on Advocacy in Special Education for parents. The program is built around her approved study doctorate thesis for research in special needs education.

The course is structured to offer:

• 2 surveys • 3 readings • Self-study questions • A short answer assignment

It provides the following lessons on Special Advocacy:

• Special education documentation • Legal rights • Practical strategies to get support and services • References to nationwide parent support networks • References to special education resources

The course is suitable for parents. Parents who complete the course receive a course certificate and a comprehensive resource list. They are also entered into a drawing for one of five Amazon.com gift certificates valued at $25 each.

For more, visit Advocacy in Special Education here.

Special Education Classes from the Autism Society of America

Dr. Bernard Rimland and Dr Ruth Sullivan founded the Autism Society of America in 1965 to support parents with children who had autism or related disorders. The Autism society offers two useful classes for parents: Autism 101 and Autism and the Environment 101.

6. Autism Society: Autism 101

Autism 101 is principally for parents, but may also help those working with autism as caregivers. This course covers the autism spectrum, treatment options and assistance, transition to adulthood, and what parents can do every day. Participants can download a certificate of completion in PDF format to have a reminder of their course experiences.

For more, visit Autism 101 here .

7. Autism and the Environment 101 by the Autism Society

Autism and the Environment 101 expands on the ideas introduced in the Autism 101 course to give a much broader understanding of Autism. This course covers a new model of autism, why there is a noticeable rise of autism spectrum disorders, and the role of government in helping children with autism. The course concludes with what parents and caretakers can do every day. Participants can receive a printable PDF certificate of completion.

For more, visit Autism and the Environment 101 here .

Special Education Classes from Open Education Database

Open Education Database (OEDb) may very well be the most comprehensive collection of both online university and free courses available in the world. Founded in 2007, it has been a pioneer in the open education movement. In fact, it offers information on as many as 10,000 free open courses. We found three course on special education offered by Liberty University. Liberty University is a private, Christian institution in Lynchburg Virginia. On campus, it has 12,600 residential students. Its online division has 90,000 students and is hosted on iTunes as part of the iTunes U course collection.

8. Current Trends in Special Education by Liberty University

• Legal and ethical issues • Documentation procedures • The Individual Education Plan (IEP) • The Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) • Service delivery in school, church and community locations

For more, visit Current Trends in Special Education here.

9. Issues and Trends in Exceptionality by Liberty University

Issues and Trends in Exceptionality by Liberty University includes the following themes:

• Trends influencing special education • How to research, analyze and evaluate controversial issues when it comes to exceptionalities.

This course is most suitable for special education teachers.

For more, visit Issues and Trends in Exceptionality by Liberty University here .

10. Learning and Behavior Problems by Liberty University

Learning and Behavior Problems includes the following themes: • Characteristics of children with disabilities • Learning and behavior problems • Remediation goals

This course is suited for special education teachers.

For more, visit Learning and Behavior Problems here .

Bonus Links, Information, and Resources

In addition to these 10 free online courses there are many other helpful online resources. Classes, videos, podcasts, and articles on special education provide detailed knowledge about the characteristics of various disorders, the legal aspects of advocacy and assistance, and creative teaching methods.

Here are some additional resources for special education teachers to consider:

• Visit Do to Learn for free activities and games • Visit Teacher Vision for free curriculum ideas and techniques for managing classrooms • The National Association of Special Education Teachers to stay informed on the latest special education teaching methods

Become a Special Education Teacher

What is Special Education?

Author: University of North Dakota April 23, 2024

Throughout history, students with learning needs not only faced challenges in having their needs properly identified, but their educational requirements were often inadequately addressed within the general education system.

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However, significant strides have been made to rectify this situation, mainly through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legislation aims to ensure that students with learning needs can access and benefit from specialized education services. 

To better understand this area of education, we'll explore key questions like "What is special education?" as well as examine the process students undergo to qualify for special education services. So, read on and uncover the importance of special education in fostering inclusive learning environments for all students.

Understanding the Basics

Let us start by discussing the fundamental aspects of special education. By exploring these crucial elements, we aim to provide a clear understanding of how special education can support students with unique needs.

Special education refers to tailored instructional programs and support services for students with disabilities or special needs. It encompasses a range of interventions and accommodations designed to meet each student's individualized learning requirements.

The primary purpose of special education is to address the challenges and barriers faced by students with disabilities and ensure their access to a quality education that aligns with their abilities and learning styles. Through specially designed instruction and support, special education aims to empower students with the tools and resources needed to succeed academically, develop essential skills, and achieve their full potential despite their disabilities.

Why is Special Education Important?

Special education is essential to promoting equity and inclusivity within educational systems. By offering specialized instruction, interventions, and support services tailored to the learning needs of each student with disabilities, special education ensures that every individual has equal access to educational opportunities. Additionally, it plays a vital role in facilitating such students' academic and social development, empowering them to reach their full potential and participate meaningfully in school and community life.

Where is Special Education Provided?

Special education services are provided in various settings, with public schools being a prevalent option. Here, students benefit from specialized instruction and support customized to suit their individualized education programs. Inclusive classrooms integrate students with disabilities into general education settings alongside their peers, allowing them to participate in academic and social activities while receiving necessary accommodations and support.

Specialized schools dedicated exclusively to serving students with disabilities also offer special education services. These schools may offer a more intensive level of support and focus on specific disabilities or learning needs, providing a structured and supportive environment for students to thrive. Additionally, special education services may be delivered in alternative settings, such as resource rooms or learning centers within public schools, where students receive targeted interventions and support from special education teachers and staff. 

Who Receives Special Education Services?

Special education services are available to children who meet the criteria outlined by the IDEA. According to the act, they must be identified as having a disability falling under one or more of the following 13 categories :

• Autism: A developmental disability affecting communication, social interaction, and sensory processing
• Deaf-blindness: Simultaneous hearing and visual impairments leading to severe communication and developmental needs
• Deafness: Severe hearing impairment affecting linguistic information processing
• Emotional disturbance: Long-term and marked difficulties in learning, interpersonal relationships, behavior, or mood
• Hearing impairment: Impairment in hearing that affects educational performance but doesn't meet the criteria for deafness
• Intellectual disabilities: Below-average general intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive behavior
• Multiple disabilities: Concomitant impairments causing severe educational needs
• Orthopedic impairment: Severe orthopedic impairment affecting educational performance
• Other health impairment: Chronic or acute health problems affecting alertness and educational performance
• Specific learning disability: Disorders in basic psychological processes affecting language, reading, writing, or math
• Speech or language impairment: Communication disorders adversely affecting educational performance
• Traumatic brain injury: Acquired brain injury causing functional disability or impairment
• Visual impairment including blindness: Vision impairment affecting educational performance, including partial sight or blindness

Analyzing the Special Education Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Students must undergo a comprehensive process to determine their eligibility for special education services, confirm their specific needs, and ensure they receive appropriate support. Below, we'll cover the step-by-step process, from identifying their needs to reviewing their progress. Understanding these steps is crucial for parents, educators, and others who support students with special needs.

1. Identification and Referral

The first step in the special education process is identifying and referring students who may require special education services. This process often begins with teachers observing students experiencing difficulties in the classroom, such as attention, behavior, or academic performance. 

Initially, teachers may work with students individually and modify instructional strategies to address their needs. However, if these interventions fail to yield positive results, the teacher is obliged to involve the student's parents or guardians in conversations regarding the challenges their child is facing. Additionally, schools must acquire consent from the student's parent or legal guardian before conducting any assessments or providing special education services.

2. Evaluation and Assessment

Evaluating and assessing students' needs to determine their eligibility for special education services involves various evaluations to gather comprehensive information about their abilities, challenges, and requirements. These evaluations are conducted by a team of professionals, which may include educators, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists. The types of evaluations typically completed during this process include:

• Speech-only evaluation: Focusing specifically on assessing speech-language abilities and communication skills
• Speech/language evaluation: Assessing both speech and language abilities, including articulation, fluency, comprehension, and expression
• Teacher narrative or observation: Gathering information from teachers regarding the student's academic performance, behavior, and learning needs through written narratives or direct observations in the classroom
• Full study evaluation: Comprehensive assessment covering various aspects of the student's development, including cognitive, academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning
• Socio-cultural evaluation: Examining the influence of cultural and social factors on the student's learning and development
• Psychological evaluation: Assessing cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and psychological factors that may impact the student's educational performance
• Educational evaluation: Focusing on academic skills, learning style, and educational needs to determine the level of academic support required
• Parent narrative: Obtaining information from parents or guardians about their observations, concerns, and experiences related to their child's development and learning
• Medical evaluation: Conducted by medical professionals to assess any physical or medical conditions that may impact the student's educational needs
• Other evaluations, as needed: Additional assessments may be conducted based on the individual needs of the student, such as adaptive behavior assessments or assistive technology evaluations.

3. Eligibility Determination

Determining eligibility for special education services requires a thorough review of the evaluation results and compliance with legal requirements outlined in the IDEA. Once the evaluation process is completed, the school will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the student's strengths, weaknesses, and overall needs. This assessment considers input from parents or guardians, teachers, specialists, and other relevant individuals involved in the student's education.

The eligibility determination hinges on two key questions: whether the student has a disability and whether that disability adversely affects their academic and functional performance to the extent that they require special education services. If both questions are answered affirmatively, the student is officially deemed eligible for special education services.

4. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development

Once a student is considered eligible for special education services, the IEP development process begins. The IEP team, comprising educators, specialists, parents or guardians, and the student (when appropriate), collaborates to identify the student's academic and functional needs based on the evaluation results. 

In order to meet the needs of the student and make progress, the IEP team sets measurable goals each year. They decide on the services and support the student requires and mention the education professionals responsible for providing them. The team also outlines the frequency and duration of the services and the settings where they will occur, known as placement.

5. Monitoring and Review

Lastly, monitoring student progress and periodic IEP reviews are needed. Regular monitoring helps educators and support staff track the student's academic and functional development, ensuring that the goals outlined in the IEP are being met effectively. 

Through ongoing assessment and observation, educators can identify any challenges or areas where additional support may be required. Periodic reviews of the IEP provide opportunities to assess the effectiveness of the current strategies and make any necessary adjustments.

Essential Skills Needed for Special Education Graduates

Becoming a special education teacher requires a range of skills and abilities to support students with disabilities effectively. These include:

• Ability to communicate well with students, parents, and colleagues
• Patience and compassion 
• Knowledge of specialized instructional strategies
• Adaptability to different situations and student needs
• Collaboration skills
• Familiarity with assistive technology
• Emotional intelligence
• Cultural sensitivity
• Time management skills

Special education and its dedicated educators play an invaluable role in ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities or challenges, receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. These teachers embody the spirit of inclusivity, championing diversity and equity in education. Through their efforts, special education fosters a culture of inclusivity where every student is valued and empowered to fulfill their dreams.

What does "special" stand for in education? ( Open this section)

"Special" in education refers to tailored or individualized instruction and support provided to students with disabilities or exceptionalities.

How do you identify children with special needs? ( Open this section)

Children with special needs are identified through a process involving evaluations, assessments, and observations to determine whether they require specialized educational services.

What are the most common special educational needs? ( Open this section)

Some of the most common special educational needs include learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education Certification (P-12) – Online

About the program.

Format : Online Credit Hours : 45 Entry Term : Summer

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Special Education General Curriculum (P-12) and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program of study is designed to meet all content and methods requirements for initial certification and the degree in 45 credit hours. 

Applicants interested in the MAT Special Education General Curriculum program will have their transcripts evaluated as part of the application process to ensure content and GPA requirements are satisfied to begin the MAT program. Prerequisite content course work, based on the transcript evaluation, must be completed before admission into the program. 

This is a fully online program. Candidates are required to complete supervised field experiences in Georgia schools to meet certification requirements. Field experiences must be completed in a classroom that matches the program concentration.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, visit campus, or, you can :, admission requirements.

• Complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Present a transcript evaluation by the College of Education’s Director of the Graduate Academic Services Center with completion of specified prerequisite content coursework for one or more content areas. More about required prerequisite content coursework requirements and the transcript evaluation process.
• Present a cumulative 2.50 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all undergraduate and graduate work combined.
• Present a total adjusted GPA of 2.75 or higher on all teaching field course work.
• Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
• Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate (see Certification section in the Graduate Catalog).
• Acknowledge ”Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
• International applicants and U.S. citizens whose native language is not English must demonstrate competence in English. Applicants must take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  The official TOEFL score may not be more than two years old. Those who do not meet the minimum proficiency standard may be recommended for enrollment in University English courses or for English courses offered by the English Language Program (ELP) on campus prior to admission to the program. 
• If an applicant was previously enrolled in an initial teacher preparation program, an interview must be completed with the Program Coordinator prior to admission

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA . ( naces.org )

MyPSC Account Requirements As part of program requirements, once admitted, all applicants must claim Georgia Southern University as their Educator Preparation Program Provider before starting classes. Guidance will be given on how to claim Georgia Southern after admission. To obtain a MyPSC account, please go to the GaPSC website to register:  www.gapsc.com .

Georgia Pre-Service certificate: Prior to participating in a field experience in the MAT program (which occurs within the first semester), all candidates must have a Georgia Pre-Service Certificate or Provisional/Waiver Teaching Certificate in a field that matches the Program. After you receive your admission acceptance, if you are NOT employed as a teacher of record in a matching content area classroom in Georgia, you will receive an email from the College of Education with the documents required to receive the Pre-Service certificate from the GaPSC. Once you provide the information requested in the documents, it will be sent to the GaPSC by the College of Education Officer.  

Does not admit

*The application and all ​​required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab​ for the program must be received by the deadline.  If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

Graduate Academic Services Center [email protected] 912-478-1447

Last updated: 8/24/2023

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Contact Information

Office of Graduate Admissions Physical Address: 261 Forest Drive PO Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 Georgia Southern University Phone: 912-478-5384 Fax: 912-478-0740 gradadmissions @georgiasouthern.edu

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Georgia Southern University College of Graduate Studies

Office of Graduate Admissions • P.O. Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 • 912-478-5384 • [email protected]

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More From Forbes

5 free online coding courses to try in 2024.

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Coding is now an essential life skill

Coding is one of the most useful, career-and-income-boosting skill sets one can have in 2024.

According to data from BLS (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), although the employment projection for computer programmers specifically was demonstrated to be decreasing by 11% in 2022, up to 2032, today's reality is the opposite. According to LinkedIn Learning, "programmers are in higher demand today than ever before."

The job outlook for software developers and others who use code as a fundamental aspect of their role has surged to 25%. This is much faster than the average for occupational growth rates in the U.S.

Coding is a fantastic skill to learn for the following reasons:

Learning to code builds other essential "soft" skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and logical thinking. You learn to break down complex problems into smaller steps and tasks.

Additionally, undertaking a coding course empowers you to bring your unique entrepreneurial ideas to life, even if you're not specifically interested in tech. You might have a product idea, but without the technical knowhow, or having someone working with you who has the knowhow, your product will not come to life, even as an MVP.

Last but not least, completing a coding course empowers you with the foundation for skills for in-demand, high-paying roles such as software development, app development, web development, and cybersecurity.

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You can jumpstart your career with any of these five free coding courses:

1. Codeacademy

Codacademy has a basic free package which allows you to learn coding and tech skills, such as HTML or Python, at your own pace. They of course, have affordable upgrade options.

2. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning, previously known as "Lynda," offers a plethora of courses aimed at helping you improve your confidence and skills for the workforce. One great way to start is by following LinkedIn Learning's learning path , "Becoming a Programmer: Foundations."

Currently (at the time of writing), LinkedIn is offering a range of courses totally free until May 15. You can also look at free courses through LinkedIn Learning by opting in for a free 30-day trial-period. And of course, if you already have a premium LinkedIn subscription, you don't need to worry about paying anything extra to complete the course.

Once a LinkedIn Learning course is complete, you can add the certificate to your profile, thus attracting the attention of employers.

3. Project-Based Learning On GitHub

GitHub has a range of project-based learning activities and tutorials, which are incredibly useful if you find yourself to be more of a hands-on learner. The tutorials are categorized into primary programming languages, although some may use more than one.

4. Programming With A Purpose—Princeton University

Princeton's Computer Science: Programming With A Purpose course is available on Coursera for free if you meet the financial criteria, and is also suitable for beginners, with many users on the platform stating that it was a great introductory course to learn programming fundamentals.

5. Crash Course On Python—Google

Google has teamed up with Coursera to offer a crash course for learning the Python programming language, and this is also well recommended and suitable for your career goals if you are starting at the beginner level. This course, unlike some others, comes with a certificate.

Learning to code places you at a significant career and entrepreneurial advantage

Today, accept the challenge and master a new programming language. Learning to code might be difficult initially, especially if you come from a non-technical background, but it will enrich your career and help you to become financially independent.

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