Special Education Endorsement

Special Education (P-12) Certificate - Unleashing the Potential of all Students

The Special Education Certificate is an endorsement designed to prepare teachers to work with children and students at risk for or with identified disabilities in inclusive P-12 settings. 

Courses are designed to address national and state standards endorsed by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) to promote professional competencies and key skills for teachers who will serve in special education roles. The endorsement includes a real-world clinical component where enrolled students gain experience working in classrooms with students with special needs.  

UM offers undergraduate and graduate programs in special education for those seeking initial teaching licensure or those seeking to add a special education endorsement to a current teaching license.  

Special Education Endorsement Program of Study - Undergraduate/Graduate

Special Education Certificate - UM Undergraduate:

The Special Education Endorsement requires acceptance into the Teacher Education Program. When applying to the Teacher Education Program, indicate an intent to complete the Special Education Teaching Certificate. 

Undergraduate students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program seeking to add the Special Education Certificate must meet with their education academic advisor. 

Special Education Post-Baccalaureate Level Endorsement with Initial Teaching License:

  1. Complete a post-baccalaureate application as a degree-seeking student with Undergraduate Admissions. 
  2. Complete the Department of Teaching & Learning application for either a secondary education or elementary education teaching license. In the application, indicate the intent to complete the Special Education Teaching Certificate. 

Special Education Post-Baccalaureate Level Endorsement Only:

Currently licensed teachers interested in pursuing the special education endorsement at the post-baccalaureate level:

  1. Complete a post-baccalaureate application with Undergraduate Admissions.
  2. Complete the following for the Department of Teaching & Learning: 

Current UM Master of Education Students or Those Interested in Special Education Graduate Level Endorsement Only:

Currently licensed teachers interested in pursuing the special education endorsement at the graduate level: 

  1. Complete a graduate application with Graduate Admissions. 
  2. Complete the Teacher Education Program Special Education Endorsement application. 

Current UM Master of Education Students:

UM M.Ed. students completing an initial elementary or secondary teaching license who want to pursue the special education endorsement should meet with their education academic advisor to discuss the Special Education Certificate. 

Special Education Faculty

Trent Atkins
Professor
Department of Teaching & Learning
trent.atkins@umontana.edu
406-243-4978

Morgen Alwell
Professor and Department Chair
Department of Teaching & Learning
morgen.alwell@umontana.edu
406-243-5512

Licensure Information

Kathy Schneider
Licensure and Clinical Experiences Specialist
Teacher Education Services
kathy.schneider@mso.umt.edu 
406-243-4846

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