All-Level Special Education (Early childhood – 12th grade)
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
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
The All-Level Special Education major requires all students to complete 15 hours of pre-requisites prior to applying to their Professional Development Sequence (PDS). Pre-requisites involve coursework that prepares students for their interactions with students. The Professional Development Sequence (PDS) consists of coursework, field experiences and student teaching. Each semester of the PDS includes teaching in small groups and classes as well as courses in general and special education. At the completion of this sequence, students will be prepared to take certification exams for All Level Special Education (EC-12), General Education (EC-6), and English as a Second Language (ESL).
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.
Additionally, Austin Independent School District is currently awarding our Special Education majors a $5000 scholarship during the last four semesters of our program with no strings attached after graduation.
Through the PDS, you will earn up to 1500 hours of classroom experience, far exceeding the 30-hour requirement set by the State of Texas. You will be well prepared to demonstrate leadership and experience in your teaching position while you complete the steps to become a teacher.
Small Class Sizes
Hands-on Learning
Up to 1,500 Classroom Hours
Study Abroad Options
Certification Passing Rate Exceeds 95%
Stipend from AISD
