Education for all
Everyone deserves an education. You value and appreciate every person's uniqueness and thrive connecting with people. Grow as a mentor, role model, and educator as you help young people overcome challenges and find joy in discovery.
This online program has no scheduled course meetings, so it fits various schedules. You can enroll in an additional six credit hours to qualify for teacher licensure while earning your graduate degree or receive a special education endorsement to your existing teaching license.
Cohorts begin every fall semester.
Earn a certificate as you seek an endorsement in special education to augment your existing teaching license and expand your practice as a teacher.
24 credits
Enroll in our alternative endorsement pathway program to become a licensed special education teacher when you hold district-approved employment in special education.
12 credits - endorsement only
15 credits - initial licensure/endorsement
Earn a degree with a two-year program that focuses on students with disabilities in US schools. You may also pursue initial licensure with additional coursework.
31 credits - Master of Arts of Education
37 credits - Master of Arts of Education and initial licensure
Our special education programs teach you the skills to work with students with disabilities in US schools. You will work with several mentors as you learn the skills and responsibilities of a public school special education teacher. Courses are 100% online, including Zoom video teleconferencing to learn from members of your cohort, expert faculty, and professionals in the field. Because the program is online, it accommodates full-time work. You'll only need to consider scheduling the Zoom meetings.
You have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
You need a 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 GPA scale for undergraduate and prior graduate coursework.
*Note: This is true for coursework, even if it did not lead to a degree. We will calculate a cumulative GPA if you have multiple transcripts.
If your GPA is below 3.0, and you still wish to apply, you can write a letter to the Admission Committee that includes:
You need to pass the PRAXIS Elementary Education exams for admission. Coursework cannot be substituted for the Praxis content exam according to the Colorado Department of Education requirements. You will take the Praxis Special Education Generalist exam and Teaching Reading exam after your coursework is completed.
Admission criteria for alternative certification is aligned with the Colorado Department of Education alternative certification criteria.
While teaching experience in K-12 schools is not required for this program, we encourage you to apply if you:
Note: Full-time or part-time volunteers in schools are eligible for consideration under special situation
Teacher Education graduate programs require specific computer technology. Graduate students can use a personal device that meets these requirements or have full access to the campus computer labs.
View the full list of requirements on the Admitted Student Checklist.
"[The FLC Special Education Alternative Licensure program] is an incredible asset to our region. This program tailors content and student support to the unique and diverse needs of our regional school communities by offering local mentorship and instruction with a flexible learning platform. As the special education director, it is critical that our special education teachers come with the toolkit to support positive student outcomes and this FLC program ensures these educator skills. "