The purpose of the Special Education teacher certification program is to prepare educators to serve as resources and advocates for persons with disabilities and their families. This includes working cooperatively within and outside the schools to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families and assuming leadership as warranted to enhance the education of all students.
In keeping with current trends in the schools, the completion of the Special Education teacher certification program will allow graduates to teach students with a wide array of experiences, backgrounds, and abilities. The Special Education program is cross-categorical in composition with licensable concentrations in Cognitive Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, or Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities. Included within the cross categorical program are options for certification for Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence, Early Adolescence through Adolescence, or both levels.
As the population of our nation’s public schools becomes increasingly multicultural, there is a growing need for teachers from diverse backgrounds. To strengthen the teaching profession and to enhance the quality of our preparation program, the Special Education faculty encourages qualified applicants from under-represented groups to apply for admission to the teacher education program.
The Special Education program has three primary components:
Students interested in Special Education usually begin their academic careers in the School of Education with a "pre-professional" designation ("Pre-Special Education" or "PSR"). Pre-Special Education students enroll in liberal studies, general education, and professional education courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Current on-campus students wishing to transfer to the School of Education can find a pre-professional application form at this link.
Students generally apply to the professional program during their sophomore year and begin the professional sequence as juniors. Most students require four years to complete the Special Education degree program.
Minimum eligibility requirements currently include 40 credits earned by the end of the fall semester before application; a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average; scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST; also called Praxis I); and completed application materials submitted by February 1. Applicants submit many items, including a description and dates of educational and work experiences, awards, and accomplishments; a list of references; statement of purpose; letters of recommendation; and other documentation. See Special Education Admission and Application Information for more details.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor at Education Academic Services (EAS). Each student interested in a School of Education program is assigned a specific EAS advisor. Advisors are located in Rust-Schreiner Halls, 115 North Orchard Street (call 608-262-1651 to make an appointment). Students admitted to the program will work closely with a Special Education faculty advisor.
Incoming freshmen discuss program options with advisors during the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) Program. At SOAR, advisors help students select courses and plan their first semesters at UW-Madison. Recognizing that students often have many academic interests and more than one possible career goal, School of Education advisors help students explore options and maintain academic flexibility. Prospective off-campus transfer students and on-campus students considering teacher education may meet with an advisor in an individual advising session.