Special Education Teacher Certification
10 Sped Program
The 10 Sped Program is approved by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to provide both initial and additional teacher licenses in both Early Childhood Special Education (Birth to Grade 3) and Cross Categorical Special Education (Grades K-12) for those with a bachelor’s degree. The 10 Sped Program offers two different pathways to obtain your special education teaching license depending on your current special education teaching license status.
The 10 Sped Program is approved by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to provide special education teacher licenses in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Special Education (Birth to Grade 3)
- Cross Categorical Special Education (Grades K-12
10 Sped Program Information
Who is eligible for the 10 Sped Program?
The 10 Sped Program is for anyone who already has a bachelor's degree and wants to get an initial special education teaching license or for those who already have a general education teaching license and want to add a special education teaching license.
Paraprofessionals and substitute teachers who have a bachelor's degree and those on a Tier 1 license with stipulations are strongly encouraged to apply!
What if I already have a special education license?
If you already have a special education license, you are eligible for the 10 Sped Add On Program.
What license will I have upon completing the program?
10 Sped Program completers are eligible for WI DPI Cross Categorical Special Education License #2801 or Early Childhood Special Education License #1809.
How long does it take to go through the program?
The 10 Sped Program is comprised of four semesters and takes approximately 16 months to complete. Each of the first three semesters of coursework is four months long. During the last semester of the program, students are required to student teach and follow the school district calendar during that semester (Fall or Spring). There are no class meetings during the student teaching semester.
How are classes offered?
Our programs are designed for full-time professionals who have a demanding schedule and family commitments.
The asynchronous cohort is taught online through weekly on-demand modules and weekly discussion posts that students complete at their convenience during each week.
Why is a cohort model important?
The 10 Sped Program is a cohort model, which means students stay with the same instructor and the same classmates throughout their program experience. This allows our 10 Sped students to join a network of colleagues that they can stay in touch with long after their program is completed. Students apply the topics learned throughout the program and enjoy learning from others' perspectives, much like a department team!
Who teaches the 10 Sped Program cohorts?
All of the 10 Sped Program instructors are experienced and currently practicing directors of special education in Wisconsin school districts. Students learn from leaders who are actively involved in teaching and learning in our schools which keeps the 10 Sped curriculum current, relevant, and practical. Students will learn inclusive practices, how to meet the needs of diverse learners, and understand the IEP process. Our instructors offer an online environment that is supportive and caring to all students' learning needs. Academic advisement is personalized to help students make the most of their 10 Sped Program experience.
How is the program structured?
The online 10 Sped Program courses offer an online environment that is supportive and caring to all students' learning needs. Academic advisement is personalized to help students make the most of their 10 Sped Program experience.
The 10 Sped Program Includes:
EDWN 605: Special Education Law and Effective Practice is a 3-credit course.
- The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.
EDWN 606: Individual Development is a 3-credit course.
- The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.
EDWN 608: Academic and Behavior Management for the Child with Disabilities is a 3-credit course.
- The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.
*Students are required to complete pre-student teaching requirements during Semester II or III before being eligible to student teach during Semester IV.
EDWN 612: Student Teaching is a 3 credit practicum experience. Students choose up to 3 school districts where the student teaching will take place and the Program Administrator works with the districts in student's priority order to set up the placement. Student teaching occurs during the school year only (Fall or Spring) and students follow the Educate Pathways/university calendar for the fall/spring semester. Students who are working under a 1-year license with stipulations in the area they are seeking certification, may student teach on the job!
Which tests are required?
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) - Students seeking an initial teaching license must pass the Foundations of Reading Test. The 10 Sped Program has been approved by DPI to allow the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) Alternate Assessment which means registering, paying for, and passing this assessment is no longer required because it has been embedded in our curriculum! When students pass the Semester II course, they pass the Foundations of Reading Test Alternate Assessment!
Content Knowledge Proficiency - Educate Pathways carefully reviews student transcripts to determine if the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 in language arts, math, science, and social studies has been met. If not, the student will need to pass the Praxis II or take an additional course to boost their GPA.
When can I start?
Online cohorts begin every January, May, and September! Applications are accepted year round. All application information must be completed and the enrollment fee paid in order to start.
Is financial aid available?
Financial Aid is available through our partnership with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN). As part of the 10 Sped online application process, students must complete an application to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. On that application, students will select that they choose to enroll in Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts in Education with a Custom Specialization Program if they wish to apply for financial aid. A student may opt to complete the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master's program at a later date. Students must complete an online FAFSA form and include the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Code 002380.
When the financial aid is awarded from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, the student receives the award directly from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and must, in turn, pay Educate Pathways for tuition in order to remain in good standing in the program. Tuition is due on time to Educate Pathways regardless of financial aid status.
Will I earn graduate credits?
Educate Pathways students earn 12 graduate credits throughout the 10 Sped Program and can request an official transcript from SMUMN. The credits earned through Educate Pathways courses can be applied to the 30 credit SMUMN M.A. with Custom Specialization Degree.
Graduate credits are recognized by some districts for salary advancement!
What are the admissions requirements?
The 10 Sped Program admissions requirements are:
- An official transcript that provides evidence that you hold a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS), Juris Doctor Degree (JD), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) from an accredited college: or university or a foreign credential evaluation that verifies the equivalent to a BA/BS in the U.S. The student must request that an official transcript, that includes degree conferred date be sent by the university either through the mail or electronically through their parchment service to Educate Pathways to be admitted to the program.
- A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
- Acceptance at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota to be admitted to the 10 Sped Program.
- Criminal background check with no conviction or plea bargain for crimes which may impact school children and/or the maintenance of a safe and healthy school. The background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission and include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels.
What if I want to get licensed in another state?
Coming soon...
What is the cost?
| Enrollment | $500 | Non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Semester I | $3400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester I |
| Semester II | $3400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester II |
| Semester III | $3400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester III |
| Semester IV | $3400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester IV |
*Subject to change without notice.
How do I apply?
Create an Educate Pathways account and complete the online application for the 10 Sped Program by clicking the orange link below.
When your application has been accepted by Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN), you will receive an email from SMUMN that will include your SMUMN ID number. The SMUMN Student ID number verifies you have been accepted at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. You will NOT need to register for courses through Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - you will be automatically registered upon successful submission of your 10 Sped application.
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What Our Students Are Saying
The most valuable part of my experience in the 10 Sped Program has been the practical, real-world focus of the program. The coursework and assignments were directly aligned with my day-to-day responsibilities in the classroom, allowing me to immediately apply what I learned to improve my teaching practice.
My instructor has made being a full-time employee and student possible. They are understanding, flexible, and easy to communicate with. I have not been a student in a while, and they always answered my questions. They have a lot of experience and do a nice job presenting information that is relevant to the topics.