Post-Baccalaureate Special Education Certification Program

This Post-Baccalaureate program is designed for a teacher who has a degree in education but who has now decided to seek additional certification in special education. The program is designed to give this individual the necessary skills and information so that s/he can teach in a general education classroom, in a self-contained special education classroom, a self-contained school, or teach in partnership in an inclusive education setting. The goal of this program is to give teachers the necessary foundational skills to effectively teach students with disabilities. The courses in this program may also serve as a concentration in the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree program for those teachers who plan to provide leadership in inclusive education in their schools. The Post-Baccalaureate in Special Education program has seven courses for 21 credits which fulfill the requirements for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement. Currently, alternate route special education certification is also available for those currently emergency certified in special education (requires 6 credits of the concentration followed by the remaining 15 credits).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • NJ Certification in education
  • Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
  • Two professional references
  • Personal interview
  • Writing sample: In lieu of the statement of objectives on the application, submit an essay of at least 5 pages, preferably related to special education, that you previously submitted as part of an undergraduate or graduate course.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – 21 credits

ED 521 Overview of Students in Special Education (3)
ED 523 History of Special Education and the Law (3)
ED 525 Assessment and Planning for Students with Individualized Needs (3)
ED 530 Academic Curriculum Alternatives, Adaptations, and Technology (3)
ED 535 Theories of Teaching, Learning and Reading for Students with Individualized Needs (3)
ED 537 Introduction to ABA for Teachers (3)
ED 540 The Special Education Teacher as Collaborator (3)

Transfer of Graduate Credit

Caldwell College will accept the transfer of three credits pending review of the description of the course and submission of official transcripts by the program coordinator. For those students who wish to complete a concentration in the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction program, see transfer of graduate credit requirements listed in that program description.