Attain a SPED teaching license in 3 years

You can be teaching special education students in only 3 years

Become a memorable, skilled, and compassionate special education teacher with a bachelor's degree from Concordia University's established and highly-regarded School of Education. Your studies in special education will include a solid liberal arts foundation, specialized coursework, and in-classroom experiences. This cross categorical SPED license for K-12 will provide the opportunity to serve special education students with various needs in a Wisconsin school district.

Credits120

Cost Per Credit^$475

Schedule

Participate in flexible 8-week courses that are practical for today's student.

Online Format

A flexible program to fit your busy life schedule.

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Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.

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Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.

Program Overview

This accelerated special education teacher licensure program is 100% online. You will earn your bachelor's in education AND a valid Wisconsin license to teach K-12 students. This accelerated program can be completed within three years or at a pace you prefer. It is an accessible, flexible, and affordable teacher program that gives individuals the opportunity to serve students in grades K-12 as a trusted and skilled special education teacher.

Relevant curriculum, student teaching, and experienced faculty will develop your teaching skills and passion to help K-12 special education students reach their full academic potential. Learn to identify the characteristics of children with disabilities, assess students, serve on Individualized Educationl Plan (IEP) teams, and create learning environments that align with their specific needs. This program will give you the authority to work with students that have intellectual disabilities (ID), specific learning disabilities (SPD), and emotional behavioral disabilites (EBD).

Watch Dr. Adam Paape, Assistant Dean for School of Education, present a brief overview of the accelerated teacher program.

What to Expect

100% online
Courses are in 8-week sessions
Option to start the program at the beginning of any 8-week session
Clinical experiences and student teaching can take place anywhere in the U.S., not required to be in Wisconsin
Program leads to WI teaching licensure in K-12
Applicants may apply for life and work experience credit toward clinical experience coursework up to 6 credits
Transfer up to 84 credits
Option to earn Public Education (PLA can be used towards the 9 elective credits for public education candidates), Lutheran Teaching Diploma (LTD) and Christian Teaching Certificate (CTC)

Download the program flyer

How to Apply

Requirements

Acceptance into the program requires a minimum undergrad cumulative GPA of 3.00.

*If you are applying with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 from previous college credits, you will need to submit an essay in addition to your online application. Your essay along with your school records will be reviewed by the Program Director, Dr. Adam Paape.

Steps for program admission:

Complete and submit your online application. Select "Adult Accelerated" for the academic program on the application.
Submit required admissions materials. An Admissions Counselor will reach out to you to help with this step.
Complete application for Uncommon Scholarship if you qualify.
Your application will be reviewed by the accelerated department once it is complete. You will be notified of your status and next steps for enrollment.

Linda Hensel
Ph.D.

Department Chair - Special Education, Professor

Adam Paape
Ed.D.

Assistant Dean, Professor

Additional Information

Online - All of the program courses are online. Practicums (in-classroom experience) and student teaching (leading a classroom as a student teacher) must be done in-person at a school.

Accelerated format - Students take three successive 8-week sessions within each semester. Students that want to complete the program in three years will need to take two courses at the same time during an 8-week session. This would be a total of six credits as each course is three credits. The first seven weeks of a course are content-heavy, and the eighth week is designed for you to complete your practicum, or as a low-volume week before the next courses kick off.

Courses - Curriculum was developed in view of the traditional undergraduate program. Within coursework, there are highly-collaborative education courses. There are also non-education courses such as math, science, communications, English, etc. These courses are more self-paced.

Start dates - You have the opportunity to begin this program at the start of any 8-week session once you are accepted. Students begin with the Foundations of Education course.

Clinical experiences in schools -Over the semester students have clinical experiences. This is also known as students "in the field" or field work. The work in the beginning is developmental in nature which means it is more observational. Semesters one through five have required clinical experiences. The final year of the program has more leadership classroom experience with the final semester being student teaching.

A background check is required at the beginning of clinical experiences and also prior to student teaching. Students need to have a cooperating teacher in a regular school and the teacher needs a valid teaching license, at least 3 years experience, and been in their current building for a year. Concordia is happy to discuss practicum and field work with you

License - This program leads to Wisconsin teaching licensure in K-9th grade. Applicants from out-of-state should check with their departments of education to see how courses translate to other states. Concordia will help you with a program course review.

Credit opportunities - Students may transfer up to 84 credits. Applicants may apply for life and work experience credit toward practicum coursework up to six credits.

LTD opportunity - Do you want to get your Lutheran Teacher Diploma? You can take an additional nine credits of theology and education courses to qualify.

Financial opportunity - Uncommon scholarships are available. The TEACH grant qualifies. This program is offered at the accelerated tuition rate.

Add on licenses - Once you complete our program, you are eligible to engage in opportunities for any of the add-on licenses listed below:

Alternative Education License - 6 credits - DPI license #1952

Requirements for Wisconsin teacher licensure

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

View a webinar that provides you with an in-depth overview of our online teacher program.

Education Blogs

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Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Cross Categorical Special Education

You can be teaching special education students in only 3 years

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Requirements

Steps for program admission:

Linda Hensel
Ph.D.

Linda Hensel
Ph.D.

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Adam Paape
Ed.D.

Adam Paape
Ed.D.

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Research Interests

Teaching Interests

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For Concordia's post-traditional education students, their classroom is the classroom

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You can be teaching special education students in only 3 years

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