Become A Versatile Middle School Teacher!
The Professional Studies Certificates in Special Education 6-8 Add-on Endorsement serves licensed teachers who desire to add Virginia Special Education Endorsement at their licensure level.
Special Education Endorsement (6-8)
Special education teachers are in demand, with teacher shortages reported nationwide. A special education teacher is part of a team that plans, delivers and evaluates specifically designed individual plans of instruction (IEPs) to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. Beyond learning academics, you will learn the socio-emotional and functional skills to help students with disabilities in their daily living, employment and social relationships.
The certificate includes the use of the newest instructional techniques, experiential learning and exposure to information related to classroom management, and instructional strategies for delivery to 6-8 grade populations.
Teachers completing this program will meet the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requirements for a grade-banded, add-on endorsement in Special Education Middle 6-8 instruction.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University’s Division of Education & Leadership prepares practitioner-leaders by offering programs of study that conform to the following principles:
- practicing in a spirit of collaboration, thoughtful examination of the foundations, current contexts and future possibilities of the fields of study
- encouraging proactive, problem-centered philosophies of educational and professional practice
- producing graduates who will be knowledge-driven, competent decision-makers whose thinking is informed by reflective practice
- preparing caring, capable and reflective teachers, administrators, human services and public sectors practitioners
Internship Possibilities
The program works in partnership with local public and private schools that offer special education programs so you complete real-world field experience practicums and student teaching internships within accredited schools. We give individualized attention to provisionally licensed special education teachers who are admitted to the MSE program so they can complete their coursework within the timeframe of their licensure requirements.
You’ll have opportunities to participate in numerous conferences and professional organizations, including the Fairfax County Public Schools RATE (Real Assistive Technology for Everyone) and SUCCESS conferences each year. Shenandoah also has its own student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC Chapter 1216), where members participate in CEC state and national conferences, as well as service learning activities with various organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Association and the ARC of Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Career Possibilities
Special education teachers are in demand, with teacher shortages reported nationwide. Our program leads to licensure in Special Education Middle 6-8 endorsement in Virginia. Most states will honor a Virginia teaching certificate so you can apply for a teaching license out-of-state by reciprocal agreement.
In particular, a special education teacher is part of a team that plans, delivers and evaluates specifically designed individual plans of instruction (IEPs) to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. Beyond learning academics, the focus on socio-emotional and functional skills helps students with disabilities in their daily living, employment and social relationships. In addition, working in the field of special education offers you opportunities to specialize in a variety of 6-8 academic settings as well as transitional services that prepare special needs students for post-high school endeavors.
Classes
To complete an add-on endorsement in Special Education Middle 6-8 teachers must earn 15 credits.
Most states will honor a Virginia teaching certificate so you can apply for a teaching license out-of-state by reciprocal agreement.
Fifty hours of field experiences is embedded in the courses for this endorsement.
Course Requirements
Required Education Courses
- SED 565 Foundations/Legal/Medical Aspects of Special Education
- SED 533 Language Acquisition & Reading Methods
- SED 537 Instructional Strategies in Mathematics for Students with Disabilities
- SED 575 Transitions for Students with Disabilities
- SED 573 Curriculum, Instruction, & Service Delivery for Students with Disabilities
The certificate requirement is 15 semester hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Faculty
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate educator, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
Application Information
Shenandoah University’s Division Of Education & Leadership provides inquiry-driven, problem-oriented examinations of public education and organizations.
View application deadlines and submit your Shenandoah Application.
Education Application Information
Program entry requires that the applicant possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college and an initial teaching license. Completion of this add-on endorsement requires successful completion of the courses listed. As part of the individual coursework, field experiences are embedded and required in certain courses as noted in the course syllabus.
State Reciprocity – SARA
Shenandoah University is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. View the licensure requirements for out-of-state students enrolling in Shenandoah programs leading to licensure. Click on the tab at the bottom of the screen to locate your program. Note that these requirements are subject to change. Please contact your program with questions.