Home » Outreach » Alternative Certification
Special Education
Alternative Certification
The Alternative Certification program is designed to prepare students to become effective classroom teachers. Special education teachers are in high demand. This two-year provisional certification program is an alternative route for candidates that have a bachelor's degree or higher and a desire to pursue a Missouri teacher's certification in the area of mild to moderate/cross categorical special education.
Interested candidates may contact the department to make an appointment for an initial audit to determine viability in the program. Students who meet the below admission requirements will teach in the area of special education in a Missouri school district while completing a program of study consisting of 32-33 graduate credit hours. Coursework may be completed through on-site and online classes available at Northwest Missouri State University, Kansas City Center in Liberty, MO, the St. Joseph Center, and other convenient locations based on demand. Supervision is provided for students through observations offering valuable feedback to students to become successful teachers. Completion requirements include above coursework, a passing score on the prescribed PRAXIS II exams for special education and a teacher work sample.
Upon completion of this program students will possess a Missouri initial teaching certificate in this area. Students meeting admission requirements to the M.S.Ed in Special Education will only have 15 additional graduate credit hours to achieve a master's degree.
Special Education Certification Course Requirements
(32-33 graduate credit hours)
Introduction to Teaching (61-614)
Two-week session summer before Year 1 |
3 hours |
Organizing for Learning (61-615)
One night per week fall Year 1 |
3 hours |
Organizing for Learning II (61-617)
One night per week spring Year 1 |
3 hours |
| Behavior Management Techniques (62-540) |
3 hours |
| Reading in the Elementary School (62-655) |
3 hours |
| Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities (62-654) |
3 hours |
| Intro to Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (62-642) |
3 hours |
| Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (62-643) |
3 hours |
| Psycho-Education Measurement (62-652) |
3 hours |
| Plus two out of the following: |
|
| Creating Inclusive Classrooms (62-504) |
3 hours |
| Techniques for Conferencing and Collaboration (62-635) |
3 hours |
| Transition/Career Education (62-508) |
2 hours |
Admission Requirements
Requirements and Qualifications
- Be employed as a teacher of record by a Missouri school district
- Have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in the subject area or closely related field (special education may differ)
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA overall and in the subject area
- Interview on campus may be required
- Special education candidates must complete the GRE within their first year of teaching
Application Process and Materials
If you meet these requirements and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact the Alternative Certification Office.
|
Contact
Alternative Certification
Northwest Missouri State University
St. Joseph Center
Suite 100 South
3500 N. Village Dr.
St. Joseph, MO 64506
Phone: 816.364.5000
Fax: 816.364.5010
Email: altcert@nwmissouri.edu
|
|
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete required program coursework
- Purchase TK20 Assessment System
- Submit a completed Teacher Work Sample to TK20 for evaluation to Alternative Certification Director
- Pass appropriate Praxis exam and report scores to Northwest Missouri State University (school code RA6488)
- Submit completed Final Degree Application to Alternative Certification Office
- Submit completed Initial Certification Application online to Northwest
Certification into a Master program
Special Education candidates must complete the GRE within the first year of the program. To pursue your MS.Ed. in Special Education upon completion of the Alternative Certification Program, you must receive a combined score of 280 or above.
Master in Special Education: An additional 15 hours of course work may be completed to receive your master's degree in special education.
| Praxis Test Information |
|
|
|
|
|
Licensure Area
|
CDT Test Code
|
PDT Test Code
|
Test Name
|
Qualifying Score
|
| Special Education: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Cross-Categorical (K-12) |
5543 |
0543 |
Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications |
158
|
For current course offerings, times, and dates please refer to the below link. Be sure to select the correct term/trimester while searching. Type in the five digit course number without dashes into the "Course Number" square and click "Get Class Openings"
Course Offerings on CatPAWS
Please check CatPAWS frequently for updated course offering dates and times.
To fulfill all requirements for class enrollment, please register at least 3 weeks in advance. Order your books early from the Bearcat Bookstore.
