Fast Forward Program — Special Education
A self-paced, non-credit pathway designed for accelerated
completion
The Fast Forward Program is a Wisconsin DPI-approved, non-credit route to a special education teaching license, delivered entirely online. There’s no university semester to wait for and no graduate credits to pay for. You start when you’re ready and move through the program at your own pace. Fast Forward is designed for working adults and career changers with a bachelor’s degree. It’s the fastest, most affordable path to becoming a fully licensed special education teacher.
What Is the Fast Forward Program?
Fast Forward is a state-approved educator preparation pathway that leads directly to a special education teaching license, no graduate credit required.
You’ll earn your license through structured, on-demand coursework, pre-student-teaching, and student-teaching experiences. Upon successful completion, you’re eligible for a Wisconsin special education teaching license in Childhood Special Education or Cross-Categorical Special Education. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, this is the most direct path to licensure available to you in the highest-need teaching area.
Who is Fast Forward For?
Special education classrooms need qualified, compassionate teachers. Fast Forward gives motivated candidates a direct, flexible way to step into that role without adding years of graduate school to the process.
Fast Forward Special Education may be the right fit if you are:
- A paraprofessional or educational assistant already working in special education who wants full licensure
- A teacher on a Tier I license with stipulations who needs to enroll in a program to earn full licensure.
- A general education teacher ready to add a special education license and expand where you can serve
- A career changer with a bachelor’s degree and a passion for supporting students with disabilities
- A long-term substitute ready to move toward full licensure
Available Subject Areas
Fast Forward Special Education leads to one of two Wisconsin DPI license areas:
DPI License #
License Area
Grade Levels
How the Fast Forward Special Education Program Works
Step 1: Apply and Start Anytime
Submit your application and transcripts for review. There are no fixed semester start dates, you begin when you're ready. We confirm your content knowledge and program eligibility before you proceed.
Step 2: Complete Your Required Testing
Demonstrate content knowledge proficiency with a 3.0 GPA in language arts, math, science, and social studies, or a passing Praxis II score. Fast Forward also embeds the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) Alternate Assessment directly into the coursework, pass the program, and you satisfy the FoRT requirement without registering for or taking the test separately.
Step 3: Complete Your Online Coursework, On Your Schedule
The Fast Forward Program balances flexibility with hands-on prep: set your own pace for coursework, collaborate with us to coordinate your two pre-student teaching experiences, and step into your final 15-week student teaching experience when you are ready.
Step 4: Complete Student Teaching and Apply for Your License
After your student teaching placements, we submit your documentation to the Wisconsin DPI. You then apply for your teaching license directly through the state. See the DPI's initial license application instructions for details on that final step.
Fast Forward vs. 10 Sped: What’s the Difference?
Both programs lead to the same Wisconsin special education teaching license, across the same two license areas. The difference is speed, cost, and whether you earn graduate credit.
Fast Forward Program
10 Sped Program
$3,100 per course and student teaching
Want graduate credit alongside your license? Explore the 10 Sped Program instead.
Already hold a special education license and want to add the other license area? See our 10 Sped Add-On Program.
Why Fast Forward?
If you hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree and don’t need graduate credits or access to financial aid, and are ready to teach, Fast Forward was designed for you.
Start when you're ready:
Rolling start dates mean there's no semester to wait for. You can begin as soon as you're accepted.
Move at your own pace:
Coursework is self-paced and fully online, so you can move through it as quickly as your schedule allows.
More affordable path:
Fast Forward is non-credit, so you don't pay for graduate credits you don't need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master's degree to teach special education in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin DPI requires a bachelor's degree and a state-approved educator preparation program for an initial teaching license, not a master's degree. Fast Forward satisfies that requirement without graduate coursework.
What are the admissions requirements?
1. 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.
2. A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
3. 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.
How long does the Fast Forward Special Education Program take?
Fast Forward is on-demand, so you set your own pace for the coursework. Each course must be completed within 4 months. The program includes 3 online courses, two pre-student teaching placements and a 15-week student teaching placement.
When can I start a course?
You'll be enrolled in each course once its course fee is processed. For your first course, that happens right after payment. For each course after that, your Program Administrator will first verify your final grade in the previous course, then enroll you once your next course fee is paid. Your four-month window begins on the day you're enrolled in each course.
What are the required courses?
- Special Education Law and Effective Practice
- Individual Development
- Academic and Behavior Management for the Child with Disabilities
How does student teaching placement work?
Student teaching is one full-time, 15-week placement in your subject area and grade levels. Student teaching comes after all coursework and your pre-student teaching placements are complete. When you apply, you'll choose an anticipated start month and year. Your program administrator will work to set up a placement in your preferred school district. If you are teaching on a license with stipulations in your subject area and grade level, you can student teach on the job.
Will I earn graduate credit?
No. Fast Forward is a non-credit licensure program, you earn your Wisconsin teaching license, not graduate credit. If you want credit alongside your license, the 10 Sped Program is the right pathway.
Which license areas are available through Fast Forward Special Education?
Early Childhood Special Education (Birth–Grade 3, License #1809) and Cross-Categorical Special Education (K–12, License #2801).
Do I need to take the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT)?
No separate test is required. Fast Forward embeds the FoRT Alternate Assessment directly into the coursework, so passing the program satisfies this requirement automatically.
I already have a special education license, can I add the other license area through Fast Forward?
Fast Forward is designed for candidates seeking an initial special education license. If you already hold one special education license and want to add the other license area, you'll go through our 10 Sped Add-On Program instead.
Our program administrators are here to help
Questions? Call (715) 246-6555