All-Level Special Education (Early childhood – 12th grade)
Department of Special Education
The All-Level (Early childhood – 12th grade) Generic Special Education program prepares you to teach children of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. You will earn a B.S. in Education.
As a student studying Special Education, you will:
- Become an advocate for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioral disorders, mild to moderate disabilities and those with severe and/or multiple disabilities.
- Adopt the values of social-emotional learning and infuse it into your curriculum.
- Learn about the importance of creating inclusive classrooms that empower the individual learner.
Program Overview
All-Level Special Education majors complete 15 hours of prerequisite coursework before applying to the Professional Development Sequence (PDS). These courses provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with students in diverse learning environments.
The PDS combines coursework, field experiences and student teaching. Each semester includes hands-on teaching opportunities in both small-group and classroom settings, along with courses in general and special education. Upon completion, students are prepared to pursue certification in All-Level Special Education (EC-12), Core Subjects with STR (EC-6), and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Through the PDS, you can gain up to 1,500 hours of classroom experience, far exceeding the 30-hour fieldwork requirement established by the State of Texas. This extensive preparation helps you enter the profession with the confidence, skills and practical experience needed to lead and succeed in today’s classrooms.
Learn more about the steps to becoming a teacher.
Program Schedule
Students admitted to the Professional Development Sequence will take the following classes during their final three semesters in the program:
Intern 1 (Spring only) – 15 hours of coursework (listed below) 6 weeks in one placement, 6 weeks in another: 2 days/week in each placement
- SED 375C Teaching Practicum plus Seminar
- SED 378T Teaching Mathematics I
- SED 378E Early Childhood Special Education
- SED 378T Teaching Reading and Writing I
- SED 378 Positive Behavior Supports
Teaching Residency I – 15 hours of coursework (listed below) 3 days a week in placement for the entire semester
- SED 660 Teaching Practicum plus Seminar
- SED 378 Teaching Mathematics II
- SED 378R Teaching Reading and Writing II
- SED 378S Teaching Students with High Support Needs
Teaching Residency II – 15 hours of coursework (listed below) 3 days a week in placement for entire semester
- SED 660 Teaching Practicum plus Seminar
- SED 378D Assessment Practices [QR]
- SED 337 Intercultural Collaboration and Communication [II]
- SED 378T Teaching Bilingual/Multilingual Learners
Classroom Teaching Experience
In addition to core coursework, you will participate in a Professional Development Sequence (PDS). Through this teacher preparation program, you will learn the foundations of teaching from coursework, fieldwork and observations and be placed in both general and special education classrooms as a student teacher.
You will also learn the fundamentals of teaching such as:
- how to prepare engaging lesson plans
- developing skills for consulting with classroom teachers and parents and
- participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Our program has close connections with local area school districts and a strong alumni network to support placements in student teaching.
What You’ll Get
This program allows you to work towards a certification in both Special Education and Early Childhood-6th Grade Generalist. Special education teachers are in high demand in Texas, as well as the rest of the country. Special Education teaching positions often come with an additional stipend to your salary.
Special Education majors may be eligible for the AISD Future Teacher Scholarship, which provides $5,000 in funding distributed across the final three semesters of the program. Eligible students will receive application information at the beginning of each qualifying semester. Explore additional undergraduate funding opportunities.
Small Class Sizes
Hands-on Learning
Up to 1,500 Classroom Hours
Study Abroad Options
Certification Passing Rate Exceeds 95%
Stipend from AISD
