Special Education
You should have a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale for undergraduate degree and graduate courses and/or degrees. If your GPA is below 3.0, we ask that you prepare a letter to the Graduate Admission Committee that (1) clearly explains the reason(s) you have not met the 3.0 GPA requirements and (2) describes an action plan that you will use to successfully address reasons you did not earn a 3.0 GPA previously. In your action plan, please include specific strategies you will use to balance the demands of coursework, homework, field study hours, personal commitments, etc. Your plan may include the following strategies or add strategies of your own: create a schedule, work with the Fort Lewis College Writing Center, schedule regular meetings with your professors, and specific study strategies.
There are no Education prerequisites that are required for admission, however, we encourage you to complete ED 222: Global Perspectives in Education, ED 341: Foundations of Teaching, and ED 342: Foundations of Teaching School-Based Field Experiences or the equivalent transfer work to acquire an introduction to the teaching profession.
You must have a contract with a district/school for at least part-time employment as Special Education.
You must have a personal laptop that meets the FLC technology requirements.
Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission. Alternative Certification and Endorsement applicants should select “Non-degree” on the drop down menu for “Application Type” and either “Special Education Endorsement” or “Special Education Alternative Certification” for program. MAE applicants will select the MAE (degree seeking) option on the drop down menu. When you submit the application, you will be required to pay the $50 application fee by electronic check or credit card. This fee is non-refundable. If you are experiencing difficulties with the submission of your graduate application, email sped@fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7097.
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Submit sealed official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended for both undergraduate and graduate studies to the Department of Teacher Education. Fort Lewis College transcripts will be obtained for you. In addition to degree applicable coursework, official documents are required for all professional and personal development for which you received credit on a college transcript (this includes conference attendance or coursework for licensure credit). If any of the transcripts show work in progress, final transcripts must also be submitted. Mail transcripts to: Department of Teacher Education Graduate Studies Fort Lewis College 1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 81301-3999
Submit a 1,200 to 1,500-word statement that describes 1) your interest in graduate education and how it contributes to your personal and professional goals and 2) how the Fort Lewis College graduate program to which you are applying will help you meet your goals. Email your finished statement to sped@fortlewis.edu. Write SPECIAL EDUCATION APPLICATION ESSAY [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.
Take the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education test online at Colorado Department of Education site.
Download and submit Field Experience Application.
The department will complete a background check in Colorado as well as your current state of residency. Contact the Teacher Education Department's Administrative Assistant 970-247-7291 to request the materials.
A copy of your current résumé. Email your finished résumé to sped@fortlewis.edu. Write RÉSUMÉ [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.
Alternative Certification applicants only. District approved employment contract or letter of offer. Letter must include that you have been hired in a special education setting. You may download this statement of assurance form and return, signed by your employer.
Endorsement applicants only. Release form. Request your direct supervisor to complete the Research Day Release form.
Please contact us with your questions.