Special Education, Grades K-12
Mild-Moderate Disabilities
Alternative Teaching Certification
Earn your Special Education Teaching Certificate Online
The Teacher in Residence (TIR) Programs allow students who already hold a bachelor's degree to receive employment in a classroom while simultaneously completing their education coursework toward certification. The Post Baccalaureate Teacher in Residence Programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Education and utilizes the Alternative Teaching Certificate.
Students in the Special Education program are preparing to teach children from kindergarten through 12th grade. This program requires in-person field experiences and a student teaching experience in a K-12, special education setting.
Prior to enrolling, students must be recommended by a school district for employment, as a contracted K-12 special education teacher, and provide a current IVP fingerprint card.
CIPS Code: 13.1001
Program Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher in Residence, Special Education, Post Baccalaureate Educator Preparation Program required.
Program Update: Post Baccalaureate Mild/Moderate Special Education
Beginning Fall 2025, the Mild/Moderate Special Education program has been updated to reflect new course requirements and program enhancements required by the Arizona Department of Education. The information provided below applies to students who begin the program during or after the Fall 2025 term. Students who have been continuously enrolled prior to Fall 2025 will remain on their original program plan. However, if you are interested in moving to the updated plan, please contact the Educator Preparation Program for guidance and advising support.
Notes
- The total amount of credits required for this program is 42 credit hours.
- Contracted teaching position must be in a special education K-12th setting.
- TIR program staff will register students for all courses. Payment and/or payment arrangements need to be paid upon registration.
- All TIR students are also required to participate in field experiences observations, webinars and formal evaluations.
- Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses required within the program. • Minimum GPA: 3.00
- All application materials are purged after one year from receipt when program enrollment does not transpire.
Required Courses – Year 1
Required Courses – Year 1
Required Courses: All classes must meet the 3.0 overall GPA. Courses with a final grade of “D” or “F” must be retaken regardless of GPA.
| Semester | Course# | Course Title | Credits | Field Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sem 1 | EDU235 | The Exceptional Learner | 3 | See Syllabus for Details |
| Sem 1 | EDU276 | Classroom Management and Behavioral Analysis | 3 | See Syllabus for Details |
| Sem 1 | EFE291AC | Special Education: Mild-Moderate Student Teaching I | 2 | Employment Teaching K-12 Special Education |
| Sem 2 | EDU297 | Language Arts Methods & Curriculumn Development | 3 | 0 |
| Sem 2 | EDU268 | Science of Reading Including Systematic Phonics Instruction | 3 | See Syllabus for Details |
| Sem 2 | EFE291AD | Special Education: Mild-Moderate Student Teaching II | 2 | Employment Teaching K-12 Special Education |
| Summer 1 | EDU242 | Language Development and Disorders | 2 | 0 |
| Summer 1 | EDU244 | Special Education Collaboration and Communication Practices | 1 | 0 |
| Summer 1 | EDU223AF | Assessment and Eligibility in Special Education | 3 | 0 |
Required Courses – Year 2
Required Courses – Year 2
Level 2 Prerequisites: Successful completion of year 1 courses and 3.0 overall GPA. Courses with a final grade of “D” or “F” must be retaken regardless of GPA.
| Semester | Course# | Course Title | Credits | Field Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sem 3 | EDU225 | Professionalism & Ethics in Education | 1 | 0 |
| Sem 3 | EDU267 | Reading Instructional Practices, Interventions, and Assessments | 3 | See Syllabus for Details |
| Sem 3 | EFE291AE | Special Education: Mild-Moderate Student Teaching III | 2 | Employment Teaching K-12 Special Education |
| Sem 4 | EDU226 | Methods in Special Education *Available Fall 2026 |
3 | See Syllabus for Details |
| Sem 4 | EDU293 | Mathematics Methods and Curriculum Development | 3 | See Syllabus for Details |
| Sem 4 | EFE291AF | Special Education: Mild-Moderate Student Teaching IV | 2 | Employment Teaching K-12 Special Education |
| Summer 2 | POS220 OR POS221 AND POS222 OR AEPA Exam |
U.S. and AZ Constitution (3) OR Arizona Constitution (1) AND U.S. Constitution (2) OR AEPA Exam — Passing score on the Constitution of the United States and Arizona (transcript evaluation required) |
3 | 0 |
| Summer 2 | EDU239 OR EDU240 |
Structured English Immersion Grades K-8 OR Grades 6-12 45-clock-hour workshop credit certificate from an approved vendor (transcript evaluation required) |
3 | 0 |
