Teaching Students with Exceptionalities, Advanced Certificate

Program Director: René Hauser, Ph.D.

This program is designed for those teachers who wish to better meet the needs of all students in their classrooms. All coursework focuses on meeting the academic, socio-emotional and communication needs of students who require specialized instruction either due to a disability or giftedness. This program prepares teachers to personalize learning for all students through utilizing differentiated instruction, advanced collaboration, and assistive technologies.

The mission of this program is to provide teachers with high-level skills in meeting the needs of diverse learners through focusing on the conceptual framework of competence, experience and social justice. Coursework in this program provides field experience that allows students to transfer what they learn into practice in real-life settings.

Information About Certification

This program is an advanced certificate program that prepares teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners. This program DOES NOT lead to teacher certification in any area.

Admission Requirements

The admission committee reviews the following in considering candidates for this program:

1. Candidate holds a teaching certificate
2. 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or previous graduate degree
3. Transcripts from all colleges previously attended
   1. Ability to do graduate work
   2. Success as a teacher
4. Interview
5. Writing Sample
6. Additional information, if requested by program director

Course Requirements

Field-Experience Requirements

St. Bonaventure’s teacher preparation programs are extensively field-based, and students should expect field-based projects on a routine basis in SPED courses.  SPED-510 requires 15 hours of field-work with students and disabilities.

Exit Criteria

In order to successfully complete the program, a student must achieve a 3.0 GPA in all courses.