Dual Certification in Special Education (PreK–12) and Secondary Education (7–12)
Become a flexible, high-demand educator prepared to teach across grade levels and
disciplines. East Stroudsburg University’s dual certification program in Special Education and Secondary Education equips you with the skills to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional
needs of today’s students.
This undergraduate program is ideal for students who want to pursue a teaching career that allows them to support both general education learners and students with disabilities.
Whether you envision yourself teaching in inclusive classrooms, co-teaching in high schools, or providing specialized academic support, this degree opens doors to multiple career paths in education.
Why ESU?
At ESU, students in this program complete over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in real classroom settings—beginning in their first year. Through our School University Partnership (SUP) model, you’ll be partnered with experienced educators and mentored in both secondary education classrooms and specialized settings that serve students with exceptionalities.
You’ll also gain real-world insights through immersive fieldwork in special education environments. By graduation, you’ll be confident in your ability to create inclusive lesson plans, manage classrooms effectively, and adapt instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
What You’ll Learn
This program prepares you to:
- Develop engaging instruction aligned to Pennsylvania content standards in a secondary education content area such as Math, Science, English, or Social Studies.
- Design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
- Collaborate with other professionals in co-teaching environments to deliver equitable instruction.
- Use evidence-based practices to support students with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and more.
- Build classroom environments that promote independence, growth, and inclusion for
all students.
Build a Career That Makes a Difference
Graduates of this dual certification program are highly marketable. With credentials
in both special education and secondary education, you’ll be qualified for a wide range of teaching positions in middle and high schools, as well as in specialized support programs.
Common job titles include:
- Secondary Special Education Teacher
- Learning Support Teacher
- Co-Teacher in Inclusive Classrooms
- Behavior Support Specialist
- IEP Case Manager
- Transition Support Educator
You’ll also be prepared to meet the growing demand for teachers who work with students with disabilities across various academic subject areas, especially in high-need school districts.
A Community of Support & Professional Growth
As part of the program, you can join student organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Best Buddies, and Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta, which allow you to gain leadership experience and contribute to the local community.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- Certification support and test preparation
- Career guidance and alumni networking opportunities
- The opportunity to substitute teach while still in school, gaining valuable experience and income
Ready to Launch a Meaningful Teaching Career?
If you’re passionate about teaching students with disabilities, shaping young minds in grades 7–12, and making a lasting difference in education, the Dual Certification in Special
Education and Secondary Education at ESU gives you the tools, training, and support to succeed.
Start your journey at East Stroudsburg University, where purpose meets practice.
