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Special Education Alternative Teaching

This graduate certificate can help you earn your alternative teaching certificate in special education by providing you with the necessary skills and experience  to teach students with special needs.

Equip Yourself to Teach Students with Exceptionalities

Intended for current South Dakota teachers, the alternative teaching certificate in special education will allow you to grow upon your existing knowledge beyond a traditional teacher preparation program. The certificate program covers a range of topics including classroom management, instructional methods, IEPs, assessment and evaluation, positive learning environments, adapting curriculum, and special education law. Through this program, you will have the opportunity to learn from your experiences in the special education classroom and apply newfound knowledge to your teaching practice.

Upon completion, you will have fulfilled the coursework requirements necessary to be considered for the State of South Dakota’s Alternative Teacher Licensure program in Special Education. It is important to note that additional requirements set by the State Department of Education must be met to become certified to teach K-12 Special Education.

 

Degrees & Offerings

Special Education Alternative Teaching

Certificate
  Online

This 15-credit hour certificate program can be taken as a standalone option for teachers with valid teaching credentials in South Dakota. You may apply up to 12 credits towards a master’s degree in special education with a specialization in advanced specialist in disabilities.

View Admissions Requirements

Program Details

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Department

Contact

Graduate Admissions
 

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in teacher residency & education.
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Teacher Residency and Education

The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.

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Center for Student and Professional Services

The School of Education offers resources and support for you in the Center for Student and Professional Services (CSPS). Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing you with resources to help you excel personally, academically and professionally.

Faculty & staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Division of Teacher Residency & Education. Our faculty's K-12 experience informs their teaching; they know what it's like to manage a classroom, plan curriculum and teach a wide variety of learners, so they have the expertise necessary to prepare you for your future classroom.
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Daniel Mourlam

Division Chair
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Susan Gapp

Associate Professor
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Jing Williams

Associate Professor

Specialty

Social Studies Education
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John Williams

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Lisa Hazlett

Lisa Hazlett

Professor

Specialty

Young adult literature; secondary ELA education
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Nicki Carr

Instructor
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Danielle Davenport

Senior Secretary
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Kristen DeMuth

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Jamie Hovden

Jamie Hovden

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Monica Iverson

Monica Iverson

Senior Lecturer

Specialty

Special Education
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kelly Knutson

Kelly Knutson

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Carla Kozak

Carla Kozak

Instructor

Specialty

K-12 Special Education
SecondaryEducation
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kevin Reins

Kevin Reins

Associate Professor
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Take Your Classes Online

We're committed to bringing our knowledge to you. USD serves the largest number of online students in the state of South Dakota. With competitive tuition rates for online programs, we offer the same price whether you are an in-state resident or live out of state.


Take classes at your own pace. Enroll in an online class today!


Surprisingly Affordable

Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program. 

Graduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Graduate Assistantships

USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.

 


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