Special Education Supervisory Certification

The Special Education Supervisory Certification Program is designed to prepare professionals to become special education leaders for programs in their schools, districts, intermediate units, or other related areas.

Description of Program

The graduate Special Education Supervisory Certification program is for individuals who already possess a valid PA Instructional I or Instructional II Teaching Certificate and who have a minimum of five years of professional school experience in special education or a related field. This program is for teachers who want to qualify for Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education certification. Candidates holding an out of state certificate can only apply for PA state certification as a Supervisor of Special Education if they apply for and receive an initial certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Learning Outcomes - Specific to Special Education Preparation Programs

There are a variety of areas that the Department of Special Education must be responsive to in the preparation of their candidates. Specific to the preparation of candidates with the Special Education program, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Preparation Standards must be integrated.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Professional and Ethical Practice Advanced Specialty Set - Special Education Administration Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced Preparation Standard 1: Assessment
• Advanced Preparation Standard 2: Curricular Content Knowledge
• Advanced Preparation Standard 3: Program, Services, and Outcomes
• Advanced Preparation Standard 4: Research and Inquiry
• Advanced Preparation Standard 5: Leadership and Policy
• Advanced Preparation Standard 6: Professional and Ethical Practice
• Advanced Preparation Standard 7: Collaboration

ESU Master Level Outcomes (MEO)

1. Employs the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for diverse learners.
2. Articulates, applies and adapts theoretical constructs of learning and development, assessment, and effective instruction.
3. Implements a cycle of quantitative and qualitative research that leads to improved student achievement.
4. Models critical and creative thinking skills in all areas of his or her professional life.
5. Employs effective verbal, nonverbal, and technological communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and guided interaction in a positive learning environment.
6. Performs as a reflective and ethical practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community).
7. Engages in professional growth and serves as an advocate for the profession
8. Takes a leadership role in developing partnerships and collaborative relationships with colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community.

Assessment

The Department of Special Education receives overall accreditation through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In addition, the Department of Special Education submits to and has received recognition from the Council for the Accreditation Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Prerequisites

Prerequisites to admission in the Supervisory Certification program is a minimum of five years of special education teaching experience with an Instructional I or II certification in special education or an out-of-state equivalent, three letters of recommendation, and full admission to the Graduate School.

Special Education Supervisory Certification

Assessment within the specific special education program includes, but not limited to completion of:

• SPED 570 Collaboration in the Educational Process
• SPED 574 Applied Behavior Analysis Prn. I
• SPED 580 Administration & Organization of Special Education
• SPED 589 Curriculum Issues in Special Education
• SPED 596 Internship Special Education Supervision
• PSED 590 Supervision of Instruction

• Evidence of current:
  • CEC membership
  • Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) membership
  • Negative TB test results
  • Current Clearances including Act 151; Act 34; and Act 114.

Careers

Special Education is an exciting and rewarding field and one that is also challenging and demanding. ESU is renowned for producing outstanding special education administrators who improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, influence policy, decision-making practices, and provide direct leadership within schools, agencies, and/or organizations.

ESU’s Special Education Supervisory program reflects the latest research into best practices and a conceptual framework that develops educators who are reflective and deliberate decision makers.

Some potential career options include, but are not limited to:

• Special Education Director
• Special Education Coordinator
• Special Education Case Manager
• Behavioral Specialist
• Transition coordinator

Faculty

Faculty are familiar with and experts in the field of special education. The faculty who teach and supervise students in their field experiences, internships, and/or student teaching are experienced practitioners. All faculty hold advanced degrees and are professionally involved at the local, state, regional, national, and/or international level. In addition, all faculty are involved in scholarly activity.

Student professional organizations within the Special Education program

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a campus group that is part of an international organization that promotes quality programs for individuals with disabilities. CEC provides a great opportunity to meet fellow special educators and work with individuals of all ages who have disabilities. Some of the CEC activities include:

• Assisting with the Buddy Walk
• Helping with Special Olympics
• Tutoring at-risk student
• Scheduling guest speakers to present information about current special education topics
• Attending a state level CEC conference

Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta is the National Honor Society for special education and rehabilitation majors. After completion of nine credits of special education major coursework and two recommendation letters, students may apply to join the honorary. Interested applicants must have earned an overall cumulative quality point average of 3.25 or higher in addition to 50 hours of working with individuals with disabilities. Honor society members support activities for individuals with disabilities in the community.

Best Buddies is an international organization that enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. At East Stroudsburg University, we match university students and individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the community in one-to-one friendships.

Rehabilitative Services Student Organization (RSSO) is the organization for majors in Rehabilitative Services. Members of the organization host speakers from adult service agencies and provide services from area rehabilitation agencies. Our organization is also an active supporter of the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association, which is the state chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association.