special education teacher requirements texas

Special Education Guide

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Texas

Texas special education.

Education Week reports that Texas’ special education system was rated “Needs Intervention” by the U.S. Department of Education, as of the 2010/2011 school year. Nine percent of this state’s student population has been identified as having disabilities, significantly lower than the national average of 13 percent. However, due to Texas’ large size and multiple urban areas with dense populations, the state employs nearly 20,000 special education teachers to serve in its 1,265 districts, according to Concordia University . The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees issues pertaining to Texas educators; its Special Education Division provides information for teachers working with students with special needs.

Licensure Requirements

For undergraduates, for graduates, types of licenses, reciprocity, special education degrees in texas.

Consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the top special education programs in the nation, the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin offers several courses of study for would-be special educators. Both master’s degree and doctorate programs are offered in the areas of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders, Multicultural Special Education and Rehabilitation Counselor Education. This school’s location in the arts-friendly city of Austin is considered a major plus. Texas A&M University, located in College Park, offers special education programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels, including an entirely online master’s degree program. Texas Women’s University awards bachelor’s degrees in special education at several grade levels. At the master’s degree level, the university offers two special education programs, Special Education: Intervention Specialist and Special Education: Educational Diagnostician. This school also offers a doctorate program with a focus on professional development for special educators.

For profiles of all the schools in Texas that offer master’s in special education programs, click here .

Alternatives to Certification

The TEA has approved alternative certification programs that allow would-be educators to teach in Texas classrooms as paid or unpaid interns under the supervision of an experienced mentor while completing certification requirements, provided that these candidates meet criteria such as demonstrable basic skills and content area knowledge. Texas Troops to Teachers advises veterans and military personnel on how to transition to high-need areas in Texas public schools. The Texas Institute for Teacher Education offers an online alternative certification program for aspiring teachers, and helps graduates find teaching positions upon completion of the program.

Special Education Teaching Jobs in Texas

Public schools, private schools, other programs, professional development.

The TEA’s basic professional development guidelines can be found on this agency’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Information webpage . The Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) provides online training and other professional development programs. Education Service Center, Region 20 (ESC * 20) provides workshops and other training opportunities, support and resources for Texas special education teachers.

Texas Professional Groups for Special Education Teachers

Texas has several state teachers unions, including the Texas State Teachers Association , the state branch of the National Education Association. Other unions for educators in the state include the Association of Texas Professional Educators , the Texas Classroom Teachers Association , the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers and the Texas Community College Teachers Association . The Arc of Texas is the state branch of a national organization that offers training, resources and support for individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as for educators. The Learning Disabilities Association of Texas is a non-profit volunteer organization for educators and other professionals concerned with special education, as well as individuals with disabilities and members of their families.

Texas Special Education Bloggers

• The Dynamic Duo : Kelley Hively and Orlanda De Los Santos work as a special education and speech therapy team at an Austin public school. They share curriculum, printable resources, techniques and tools for special educators.
• Awesomeness and Autism : Read stories and gain insight about teaching students with autism from Erin Stevenson-Bennett, a teacher who has spent 14 years working with students with learning disabilities, and the past four years teaching middle school students with autism.

• Related Articles

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Texas

Tuesday, December 08, 2015 | 12:00 AM

Special education teachers are often in demand as more and more students require individual attention and assistance due to early detection of learning disabilities and mainstreaming students of all education levels. It can be confusing, though, to determine how to become a special education teacher. There are several avenues through which one can become a special education teacher in Texas and each one results in special education certification. That certification is what is needed to be a fully recognized and licensed special education teacher.

Undergraduate coursework in special education

The first way to obtain special education certification is though undergraduate education coursework. Students can take courses in education, special education and specific subject areas. When complete, students have their bachelor's degree and the means to obtain their teaching certificate. There may be additional tests or courses required for special education teachers before they earn their certification.

Master's degree in special education

Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree and wish to obtain special education certification have a couple of choices in Texas. First, students can complete a teacher preparation course in special education. Or, students can complete a master's degree in special education , which contains the coursework needed to gain a license.

For teachers outside of Texas

Finally, for those individuals who would like to be special education teachers in Texas, but are coming from another state, there is an avenue to achieve special education certification in Texas. Teachers must submit transcripts, training courses and any certifications they hold to the Texas Education Agency. If approved, teachers must then work toward any necessary requirements in the state of Texas while teaching under a temporary certification for one year.

Special education certification requires a number of specialized tests and courses. It can be confusing to determine what programs and education are required when researching how to become a special education teacher. Texas has outlined several ways for undergraduate students, post-graduates and teachers from other states to become certified to teach in a special education setting. Navigating the requirements can take time and extra effort, but it can be rewarding to become a special education teacher.

Learn about University of Texas Rio Grande Valley online M.Ed. in Special Education program.

http://certificationmap.com/becoming-a-special-education-teacher/

http://www.specialeducationguide.com/teacher-certification/texas/

http://teach.com/states/become-a-teacher-in-texas

http://www.texasteachers.org/how-it-works/

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How to Become a Special Education Teacher

February 13, 2018

Steps to Become a Special Education Teacher

• Apply for free. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 to become a teacher in Texas
• Submit your bachelor’s degree transcripts to Texas Teachers
• Pass the following certification exams: *Core content exams: EC-6 or 4-8 *Special Education EC-12
• Complete the online training. Our training covers everything you need to know so that you are prepared, confident and ready to start teaching. Texas Teachers provides students with educational resources, a mentor, a study community and specialized training in Special Education areas like Life Skills, Co-teaching, Inclusion, IEPs, etc
• Should that be start instead of starting?

What can I Expect as a Special Education Teacher? Classroom Environment. Not all students with special needs attend contained classes. In fact, 66 percent of students with learning disabilities spend 80 percent or more of their school day in general education classrooms, according to a 2014 report by the National Center for Learning Disabilities . Overall, however, special education classroom sizes are smaller which allows for a more personal connection.

Individualized Education Plans (IEP): a written statement of the educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs. Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP , and it includes things like student performance, goals, accommodations, etc.

High Demand: It’s no surprise that 49 states report a shortage of special education teachers , and 82% of special education teachers report that there are not enough professionals to meet the needs of students with disabilities. In fact, the Houston Chronicle reported a 21 percent growth for special education teachers at the preschool through elementary school levels, and a 20 percent growth rate at the middle-school level.

Higher Pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median pay for special education teachers in 2016 was $57,910. On top of that, many districts will pay special education teachers a $1,000-$3,000 stipend each year.

Want to learn more about becoming a teacher? Check out our free guide on How to Start a Teaching Career or speak with one of our Program Advisors at 1 (877) 888-2640.

Why I Became a Teacher (Inspirational Quotes)

February 13, 2018 by astratton

Texas Teachers Certification Areas

Texas teachers currently offers 50+ certification areas:.

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272)
• American Sign Language (ASL) (184)
• Art EC–12 (178)
• Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
• Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)
• Business and Finance 6–12 (276)
• Chemistry 7–12 (240)
• Computer Science 8–12 (241)
• Core Subjects EC-6 (291)
• Core Subjects 4–8 (211)
• Dance 6–12 (279)
• English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)
• English Language Arts and Reading 4–8 (117)
• English Language Arts and Reading 7–12 (231)
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4–8 (113)
• Family and Consumer Sciences EC-12 (200)
• Health EC–12 (157)
• Health Science 6–12 (273)
• History 7–12 (233)
• Journalism 7–12 (256)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Arabic EC–12 (600 & 605)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French EC–12 (610)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin EC–12 (612)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Japanese EC–12 (602 & 607)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Mandarin Chinese EC–12 (601 & 606)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Russian EC–12 (603 & 608)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish EC–12 (613)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Vietnamese EC–12 (604 & 609)
• Life Science 7–12 (238)
• Marketing 6–12 (275)
• Mathematics 4–8 (115)
• Mathematics 7–12 (235)
• Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6–12 (274)
• Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114)
• Music EC–12 (177)
• Physical Education EC–12 (158)
• Physical Science 6–12 (237)
• Physics/Mathematics 7–12 (243)
• Science 4–8 (116)
• Science 7–12 (236)
• Social Studies 4–8 (118)
• Social Studies 7–12 (232)
• Special Education EC–12 (161)
• Speech 7–12 (129)
• Technology Applications EC–12 (242)
• Technology Education 6–12 (171)
• Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language™ (TASC–ASL™) (073)
• Theatre EC–12 (180)
• Trade and Industrial (T&I)

• Certification Areas
• How it Works

How Do You Get Sped Certified in Texas?

You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn how to become a special education teacher in Texas.

Special education is increasingly gaining importance in the Texas academic landscape. As students with different learning abilities join mainstream classrooms, they need sincere personalized attention. To cater to special education needs across grades and age levels, aspiring teachers can take coursework and standardized tests. These lead to the special education certificate and you become licensed to teach.

Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions about the special education certificate:

How long does it take to get the special education certificate?

Preparing for the certification begins right at college. Usually, it takes four years to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. The first step is acquiring an undergraduate degree in special education. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to teach children with disabilities, autism, and related disorders. Here you will also learn about the disabilities themselves along with child development and early intervention among other things. Find a university that is recognized by state-approved accrediting bodies for your degree to be valid.

If you do not possess an undergraduate degree, find out colleges near you that offer one in special education. While you can still apply to an EPP in your final year, acceptance to the program is subject to your passing the degree course. In addition, you need a GPA of 2.5 to qualify. While most school districts are happy with a Bachelor’s degree, a few others mandate a Master’s with a focus on Special Education at either undergraduate or graduate levels.

If you are from outside Texas but want to teach in state schools, you need to submit copies of your academic credentials – certificates, transcripts, courses, and proof of professional experience, if applicable, to the Texas Education Agency.

The need for Special Education teachers is spiraling out of control with 1 in 8 children being diagnosed with learning or other disability. As of now, there are more than forty thousand Special Education teachers working in Texas schools .

How long does it take to get an Alternative Teaching Certificate in Texas?

Any graduate in special education or a related field is eligible to apply for an alternative teaching certificate . It usually takes 12 calendar months or 2 back-to-back semesters to finish. At present, close to fifty percent of all Texas teachers have received their licenses through the alternative certification route.

Throughout the course aspiring special educators are trained on special education models, organization of the classroom, cognitive developments of disabled students, assessment of disabilities and early intervention, teaching strategies, assisting autistic students to achieve academic goals, inclusiveness, creating a safe environment for disabled learners and so on. The Alternative Certification route makes an aspiring teacher aware of the theoretical as well as the practical aspect of teaching.

Aspiring teachers who ask how to become a special education teacher in Texas should definitely contact the nearest Program to discuss their enrollment eligibility.  An EPP (Educator Preparation Program) is the mandatory next step if you are a university graduate. The EPP trains you to be a classroom teacher with a classroom teaching practicum. It also trains you for your licensing exam – TExES.

Is the TExES special ED test hard?

The text is not the most difficult of educator licensing exams but it is no walk in the park. There are 100 questions and 240 points are required to secure a Pass. You may write the test a total of 5 times. Your Program will help you understand the test pattern and make you aware of the question types. Some Programs help test takers get ahead of others through mock-ups.

So what is asked in the TExES Special Education?

All teaching aspirants have to take 2 tests – the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and the Content Area Test. The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility EC 12 is an online test and lasts for 5 hours. The second test, the TExES Special Education EC – 12, is specific for future special education teachers. There are 150 questions to be attempted within 5 hours and they test whether you are a right fit for a class of disabled children. There are four major areas of testing –

• how to identify and understand a child with disabilities
• how to help disabled learners achieve learning goals
• how to assist in their development
• what is the role of a special educator

After you pass these tests, you may be awarded the teaching certificate, provided you meet all the licensing requirements. If you have doubts about your eligibility, you should discuss with your Program to avoid last minute glitches. The final step is fingerprinting. As you secure a license, you are asked for a mandatory criminal background check. Post clearance, you are free to apply to Texas schools and teach your subject at your chosen grade level.

Sometimes it might get confusing as to which tests or certifications are the best fit for Special Education teachers and so enlisting the help of an approved EPP works to your advantage.

What can I teach with a special education certification in Texas?

By now you must have learned how to become a special education teacher in Texas. The only thing remaining is what you are expected to teach to students who need a special form of guidance.

• As a special educator, you are tasked with helping a special child adjust to a mainstream classroom and modifying teaching-learning materials to help them develop socially, cognitively, emotionally, and physically.
• Most Special education teachers incorporate sensory aids, a combination of audio-visual media, phonics, and drills to help disabled learners acquire learning better.
• You are also responsible for creating academic plans for each special child in your grade after due consultation with parents, subject teachers, counselors, social workers, and the school administration.
• As part of your professional responsibility, you are required to be patient, motivated, and reflective and maintain complete student records.

If you feel you have the necessary aptitude and drive to work with disabled learners, get in touch with the nearest EPP today.

This article does not contain legal, educational, or government advice. As regulations can change from time to time, readers are advised to check with their local education departments to receive up-to-date information.

Learn more about the tools you need to pass your teacher certification exam!

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How To Become A Special Education Teacher In Texas

Becoming A Teacher

Aside from being successful, Abraham Lincoln, Isaac Newton, Walt Disney and Bill Gates have something else in common; they all had learning disabilities. Therefore, having special education needs does not mean that a student cannot become successful.

Many students face physical disabilities, behavioral problems and learning difficulties that challenge their ability to learn within a regular classroom. In fact, one in eight Texas public school students are in need of special education services, and you can help.

The valuable education that you received in college or the work experience you obtained through related job positions such as nursing, social work or as an educational aide may allow you to become a great special education teacher in Texas.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in education and are wondering how to become a special education teacher in Texas, here are the steps you’ll need to take along with some useful knowledge that will help you along your journey.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

There are several requirements that you need to fulfill and certification tests that you need to take, before you become a special education teacher in Texas.

Special Education Degrees And Programs

Many district job postings state that they are looking for special education candidates that have an educational background focused on special education or a specific learning disability, such as autism, in their chosen majors of undergraduate or graduate studies to land the best positions.

Some districts may REQUIRE an emphasis on special education with your educational background with either bachelors or masters level of study.

However, your bachelor’s degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in education in order to become a special education teacher. While you must have a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher in Texas , it can be in another subject area. You will then have to enroll in an educator preparation program to complete your certification training, which we’ll discuss in the section below.

However, the need in the state is very acute and some districts may waive these educational emphasis requirements to fill open positions. Some of the best candidates are people that don't check off the educational experience box, but have hands-on experience working with special needs children either as educational aides in the classroom or parents of special needs children.

Special education teachers should be prepared for focused preparation during certification and continued study to excel in the classroom. A good educator preparation program will teach the full complement of special education assignments and disabilities.

Apply for an Educator Preparation Program

Educator preparation programs are specialized programs that provide training on the necessary skills that you need to become a teacher in Texas. You must enroll in one of these programs that have been approved by the state. The programs include university teaching programs, school districts, community college and alternative certification programs.

Online Texas teacher alternative certification programs (ACP) are steadily rising in popularity as the option of choice for candidates switching careers or those who have graduated from college, but did not go through university education programs. In fact, 49% of all new teachers in Texas are prepared through alternative certification programs .

To be eligible for an educator preparation program, Texas Administrative Code says you must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on an official transcript or in the last 60 semester hours of courses completed
• Be at least in the final semester of your bachelor’s degree program in which you need to provide a copy of your final semester schedule of classes, a letter from an academic advisor indicating you are eligible for graduation and an official transcript through the previous semester

Complete Your Teacher Training

After you’ve applied and been accepted in an EPP, the required training will consist of online or in-person courses or a combination of both. You will need to both complete coursework and field experience. Here is a more detailed look at what your training includes:

• A minimum of 300 hours of training to receive a standard teaching certificate
• Of these 300 hours of training, 30 must be dedicated to observation by a teacher advisor or in a classroom environment

It’s important to note that the 30 hours of observation by a teacher advisor is a very important part of your certification process. These certified teachers recommend your credential program whether you are ready or not to teach in the classroom.

Here is where the program you choose makes a difference. ECAP has former principals, vice principals and teachers who have extensive experience to help you through this process. Not all programs do this . Some simply send past teachers who are ex-students of their program to evaluate you, so it is important to contact the program you are considering to ensure that you are going to get the best advisor to help you.

Pass Certification Examinations

To become a certified special education teacher in Texas, you must pass a series of certification exams provided through the state. These tests are aimed at determining whether you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to teach students with special needs and disabilities. They vary based on grade level and subject area.

You must first take a certification exam to get your intern certificate. You’ll take a content exam specific to special ed as part of this process. The TExES content exams are available in more than 60 specialties, which you can explore in our article, List of Texas Teacher Certification Tests: What You Must Take To Teach .

Depending on the content exam you choose, you may also have to take the Science of Teaching Reading . This teaching reading exam is required if you plan to get certified in one of the following areas:

• Early Childhood: EC - Grade 3
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood - Grade 6 or Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading - Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading - Grades 4-8

Currently, you must take the PPR as well. The PPR, or Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, “is designed to assess whether a test taker has the requisite knowledge and skills that an entry-level educator in this field in Texas public schools must possess,” according to the TEA.

However, there is a VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE to this exam that we’ll go over in the next section about when you should begin your teacher training.

When To Begin Your Teacher Training

One of the most common questions from those interested in beginning a teaching career in special education programs is when they should begin their teacher training courses .

The answer is: As soon as possible.

Initially, the Texas State Board of Education sought to replace the PPR with a new requirement called the edTPA, a strenuous exam that would have made it more difficult and costly to become a teacher. The board ultimately rejected this testing requirement for certification, expressing concerns that it wouldn’t help solve the state’s teacher shortage .

However, while we narrowly avoided another contributor to the shortage, nobody knows what’s coming down the pipeline. State board members have expressed their displeasure for the PPR exam, calling it inadequate. What will replace it hasn’t been determined.

The solution could involve bringing back the edTPA and finding a way to work it into the current curriculum, or the state could develop an entirely new tool. 

No matter what, while there is a reprieve in testing changes, for now, there could be another new requirement in the pipeline within the next one to three years.

If you consider earning your teaching license, NOW is the time to act while current certification requirements remain. If you wait until as soon as the 2023-24 school year to begin your program, you may face more difficult barriers to earning certification .

Special Education Teachers are in High Demand

The United States government projects that special education teachers will be one of the  high demand teaching jobs for the foreseeable future.

In fact, the Texas Education Agency has consistently named Special Education as an area experiencing a significant teacher shortage. This can offer a benefit for those considering teaching in this field since educators who teach in shortage areas may be eligible for student loan forgiveness .

According to the projections made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of all special education teachers is predicted to increase by 8 percent nationwide from 2020 to 2030. An average of about 38,600 openings for special education teachers are projected each year.

Because there is a high demand for special education teachers, you may be offered a higher salary, especially if you are a teacher in a high-need area. You can read more about some of the factors that influence teachers’ salaries in our article, Highest Paying Teaching Jobs In Texas .

Special Education Teacher Job Description

A typical job description might include the following duties:

• Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and meet students' varying needs and interests
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the student's individualized education programs (IEPs), by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based on a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students
• Meet with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms
• Assist in the collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate
• Assist in the preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities
• Perform related work as required

As you can see by the above-listed duties, additional education is required for this type of position.

Helpful Skills and Strengths

Ideal candidates to become special education teachers normally have the following attributes:

Calm and Composed: a classroom atmosphere can be intense and intimidating, especially for students that need special attention. A good special education teacher should, therefore, be able to maintain a calm and composed environment that reduces stress and anxiety among students.

Creativity: Teachers should have an open-minded approach to teaching. They should be willing to try new ideas and different teaching styles in response to how students are reacting in the classroom. Therefore, good teacher candidates are those who are willing to think outside the box.

Pay attention to Detail: candidates who pay attention to detail can identify changes in the behavior of students and identify a problem that the student may be having.

Desire to Learn:  of all the teaching disciplines, special education teachers have a need for continuing education.  Changes in teaching techniques and specialization for specific learning disabilities make these positions challenging and require a great deal of preparation for continued learning.  Ideal candidates will have the motivation and desire to stay current on advancements in their field to make the most impact in the classroom.

If you possess these qualities and feel that you are called to work with special needs children, becoming a special education teacher may be a desirable career path.

Download a copy of “ The Ultimate Checklist On How To Become a Teacher in Texas ” to learn about the steps required to start your career.

Topics: Becoming A Teacher

Written by Micah Fikes

Micah is the Director of Curriculum & Technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature, from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Teaching, from Louisiana College. In his previous career, Micah served for 14 years as a banker and bank manager. For the majority of this period, Micah managed the Downtown Fort Worth location of Frost Bank. In 2005, Micah finally surrendered to his true calling to be an educator. After a brief, but fulfilling term teaching high school English at Flower Mound High School in Lewisville ISD, Micah went to work for the family business, training teachers.

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SPED Programs

Department of Special Education

Undergraduate students can major in special education that leads to a recommendation for teacher certification in special education (EC-12) and general education (EC-6). Students learn the foundations of teaching and supporting children with mild to severe disabilities. Our master’s and doctoral programs inspire students as advocates for special education. Our students engage in coursework led by experts in the field, and innovative research aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Graduate Programs

Autism and Developmental Disabilities

The Department of Special Education offers master’s (M.Ed., M.A.) and doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (A&DD). Our program curricula are Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approved and many of our graduates become Board Certified Behavior Analysts at the master’s (BCBA) or doctoral (BCBA-D) level.

Beginning in Fall 2024, the M.Ed. in Autism and Developmental Disabilities will be offered both fully online and in person.

Early Childhood Intervention

Featuring a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approved course sequence at the master’s level, our Early Childhood Intervention Programs prepare students to become leading experts in instruction and intervention for young children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Ph.D. program features intensive research and mentoring experiences with a focus on early language development.

Beginning in Fall 2024, the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Intervention will be offered both fully online and in person.

Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders

Learn to improve the quality of education for students with disabilities. This Ph.D. program takes an interdisciplinary approach to special education by encouraging students to develop leadership, research and practice skills by participating in studies and teaching alongside faculty.

Equity and Diversity in Special Education

Focus on the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and their families from diverse socio-cultural and linguistic communities. Students will become prepared to work in higher education, leadership roles in schools, research roles in education, and as critical thought leaders in multicultural special education.

Undergraduate Program

Special Education Undergraduate Studies

Graduates with a background in special education are in high demand by elementary and secondary schools.

Learn about courses taught in Spanish

Terry Falcomata Graduate Advisor

Katie Tackett Undergraduate Advisor

SPED Graduate Program Application Process

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Special Education Courses Taught in Spanish

Our Spanish-taught courses will prepare you to connect with Spanish-speaking students with disabilities, their families and their communities.

Graduate Program Wiki

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Even those not strictly in a special education role should understand the basics of serving students with disabilities.

The Basics of Special Education

Individuals with disabilities education act (idea).

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates a “free appropriate public education” for students with disabilities —  as defined by the statute  — and ensures special education and related services to those children. IDEA, along with Texas state regulations, outline the process of how a student in need of special education services is identified and tested, as well as how their curriculum and classroom placement should be modified.  

Students with disabilities should learn alongside other students in the classroom as much as possible to promote inclusion. Aids or extra services must be provided by the district to make this inclusion a reality. This might include a variety of accommodations, including technical support, teacher training, or extra assistance. If a student ends up with a placement outside of the traditional classroom, there must be proof by the district of the setting not benefiting the student.  

Section 504

Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including in public education. While IDEA provides funding for the education of students with disabilities defined by that law, Section 504 is an anti-discrimination regulation that is not tied to funding.

If a student does not qualify for IDEA funding but has a condition that meets the definition of disability, they may qualify for accommodations under Section 504. There is no federally mandated procedure for identifying and evaluating students for Section 504 accommodations, and policies are set by local school districts.

Assessing Students for Special Education Services

Assessing whether a student needs special education services follows a defined procedure. After a referral from a teacher or another figure with knowledge of the student, an assessment should be provided (with the permission of a parent or legal guardian) within 60 days.  

The student’s school is financially responsible for the assessment.  

Special Education Placement

Once a student has been assessed, an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee determines eligibility and placement in special education services.  

An ARD committee includes the student’s parents or legal guardian, a special education representative, a general education classroom teacher, and a school administrator. Depending on the child’s disability, other people may be required (or optional) to be in attendance as outlined by the  Legal Framework .  

That committee constructs an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines educational goals for the student and the plan to achieve those goals, including checkpoints, modified curriculum, and other possible services specific to the student. Teachers must follow the guidelines and requirements for the IEP of their student, and every teacher who interacts with that student must be aware of the relevant components.  

The Texas Education Agency has a  model IEP form  on its website. 

The ARD committee is also responsible for determining, at any point, whether services should be discontinued for the student. ARD committee meetings can be requested at any time. 

Student Discipline

A student who receives special education services is subject to the same state standards regarding removal from class for excessive disruptive behavior, but long-term alternative placement (more than 10 days) of such a student can be made only by an ARD committee. For more information, see our guide to the  Safe Schools Act .  

For student safety, the Texas Education Code specifies that special education classrooms may be required to record (with audio and visual elements) classroom activities upon a request by a parent or legal guardian, a member of the school board, or a staff member. 

Legal Information

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  
• Safe Schools Act    
• Section 504  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your  local union . If you’re a member of the  Associate Membership Program , please contact the  AMP service department .       

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Master of Education in Special Education with Certification (100% Accelerated Online Classes)

Complete your graduate degree with the flexibility of our 100% online classes.

No GRE or GMAT required for unconditional admission for most students.

Help pay for your degree and apply for competitive scholarships and grants, including a TEACH grant of up to $3,772 per academic year for qualified applicants.

View the UTA Tuition Estimator for an estimation of the program cost.

Future Students Start Here

Take classroom learning beyond the books in our unique, 100% online Master of Education in Special Education. Through this degree, teachers and educators will equip themselves with the know-how to meet the learning and educational goals of students with special needs. Options are available for individuals who are already certified teachers and those who need to obtain initial certification.

Interested in a Grant-Funded Degree?

Consider Project Match Made in Schools and join a cohort of future educators and social workers committed to teaching and holistically supporting some of the nation's most vulnerable students. The program pays for 100% of tuition and partial fees for one year towards a master's degree.

About the Program

• Program Benefits
• Completion Time
• Cost & Funding Options
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Ready to become a special education teacher? Learn to meet the needs of students with disabilities in our online M.Ed. in Special Education, with in-person field placements. This option is for those with a bachelor's in another field who need to prepare for teacher/special education certification.

Program Advantages:

• Prepares you for the Special Education Ec-12 TExES (161) and PPR EC-12 TExES (160) exams.
• Approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as an Educator Preparation Program.
• Taught by leaders in the field (nationally and internationally!) in special education who were all classroom teachers.

Learning outcomes for this program include:

• Preparation to succeed in the critical role of an effective special education teacher within EC-12 schools
• Understanding and application skills to employ research and evidence-based practices with a wide range of students with disabilities
• Implementation of data-based decision making to assess, design and implement quality individually designed instruction
• Emphasis on Multi-tiered Systems of Support, including response to practice and positive behavior supports across school and community settings

Career Opportunities:

Students who start in the Fall Semester can be done in as few as 4 semesters.

Note that this program only admits students into the Fall cohort. 

Cost of Attendance

Paying for School

We offer competitive funding options, including TEACH grants , which provide up to $3,772/year to help you pay for school. View more funding options , including scholarships, on our website.

Certificate Information for Texas Residents

The M.Ed. in Special Education includes a heavy emphasis on teaching and learning with assistive technology, evidence-based behavioral strategies, and research. This graduate program has multiple emphasis areas including an option for initial teacher certification preparation. Students who successfully complete the certificate coursework, state and program requirements, and required exams will be eligible to apply for Texas EC-12 (early childhood-12th grade) Special Education certification. This program is uniquely focused on the needs of students with disabilities.

Information for Out-of-State students who complete education programs

Program requirements may change as state/TEA certification requirements change.

Rewatch our info session

Priority application date for fall cohort, fall semester.

Submit by July 26

Classes start mid-late August

Application Deadlines*, Course Start Dates & More

Additional Information: 

*The M.Ed. in Special Education program (with or without certification) only admits students into the first Fall Cohort. 

** To meet this deadline, applicants should have applied to UTA's Graduate School. This includes completion of their ApplyUTA application, paying the application fee , and submitting their official transcripts . 

***Applicants may still need to complete a program-specific application process after being admitted to the Graduate School. 

Official Catalog: Admissions Requirements & Important Information

View the official catalog for additional admissions criteria and important information for the: 

• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Principal Certificate Courses
• M.Ed. in Special Education without certification  
• M.Ed. in Special Education with initial teacher certification  
• Principal Certification Only

Recommendation Form

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Education must submit two* recommendation forms. The required Recommendation Form is available for download here . Please wait until you receive your 10-digit, UTA student ID number and until a member of our academic team contacts you to submit your recommendation forms. 

*Note: The Principal Certification Only Program requires three recommendation forms. 

International Students

Program eligibility, international admissions and english language test score requirements.

Information for Permanent Residents and International Applicants 

Our fully online programs are open to United States Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and International Students who do not hold F1, J1, B1, and B2 status. In addition to the required application and admission documents, the following materials must also be submitted:

• Lawful Permanent Residents: Submit a copy of your Permanent Resident Card.
• The TOEFL* or IELTS is required if an applicant’s native language is not English or if the applicant does not hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. It typically takes 10-15 business days for scores to arrive from ETS and be processed by Admissions. The test must be taken in time for results to arrive and be processed in Admissions before completion of the second course. Those wishing to request a waiver of this requirement should contact the graduate advisor . You are required to submit an official test score report sent directly from the testing agency. UTA's ETS institutional code is 6013.

* Certification programs only accept TOEFL due to Texas Education Agency requirements. 

View test score requirements online . 

Additional Resources

• International Student Checklist .
• UTA International Admissions . 
• Office of International Education .
• International Student Forms . 
• UTA Official Catalog . 

Have additional questions? 

Email UTA's international office at  [email protected] .

*The resources provided here are for informational purposes. Please review the UTA's website and Official Catalog for official information. 

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Course of Study

The following are requirements for the M.Ed. in Special Education within initial certification.  Total 30 hours, including: 

• 100% accelerated online classes
• In-person field experiences 
• Non-Thesis (no thesis is required for this degree program)

Special Education Degree Plan

Review the M.Ed. in Special Education degree plan based on the semester you start the program.

Program Director & Faculty Members

Dr. ambra green.

Interim Department Chair

Associate Professor, Special Education

Email: [email protected]

Phone #: 817-272-2515

Office: 412 Hammond Hall

Research Interests: Multi-tiered systems of support and equity, disproportionality, equity, behavioral disorders : Ambra L. Green, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Special Education within the College of Education at The University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Green is a national scholar with publications and research focused on students of color with and at-risk for disabilities, issues related to inequitable school practices experienced by students of color (i.e., disproportionality in special education and discipline practices), behavior disorders, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and teacher use of evidence-based practices. She is the Primary Investigator on a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Education Office for Special Education Programs (OSEP) personnel preparation grant which provides rigorous training for master’s special education and social work students to support K-12 students with disabilities and high intensity needs. Dr. Green also has experience working within the U.S. Department of Education Office for Special Education Programs (OSEP) and serves on the OSEP National Technical Assistance Center on PBIS Equity workgroup  Dr. Green was a special educator at the middle school level and a PBIS Coach. She holds current teacher certifications in EC-6 Generalist, 4-8 Generalist, and EC-12 Special Education in the state of Texas. 

• Faculty Profile

Dr. John Romig

Assistant Professor, Special Education

Research Interests: Writing assessment and writing instruction, SCRD, meta-analyses, RCT

Email: [email protected]

Phone #: 817-272-1444

Office: Hammond Hall 418

Bio: Dr. John Elwood Romig is an assistant professor of special education. He is a former high school special education teacher with experience teaching students with mild-moderate disabilities, including learning disabilities, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other disabilities. His experience as a classroom teacher influences his research and preparation of future teachers. His research examines methods of writing instruction and writing assessments that can be used to guide instruction and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. He was recognized as a Lasting Legacy Honoree at the University of Virginia for his teaching, and his dissertation received the Student Research Award from the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division for Research. He serves on the editorial review board for several journals, including Teacher Education and Special Education, Intervention in School and Clinic, and Journal of Special Education Technology.  

• Undergraduate Degrees Overview
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How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Jump to section, what are the requirements for special education teachers, who will my students be, what does a special education teacher do, special education teacher jobs & job description, where can certified special education teachers teach, special education teacher organizations & associations, what is the salary of a special education teacher.

Great teachers empathize with children, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built on. Ann Lieberman

A career as a special education teacher will involve instructing students with emotional, physical and learning disabilities. Special education teachers may work with individuals of all ages from infants to adults. Their job will consist of helping their students develop problem solving, motor and social skills needed to complete their education and live independent lives. They may work with their students on personal and life skills in addition to academic curriculum and advancement.

Qualities of a Special Education Teacher

Special education teacher requirements include fantastic communication skills since they will be working with students, parents, and educators. They must be able to work in a one-on-one setting with students as well as in a group setting. Being able to meet the individual needs of their students is very important. Good computer skills and organization skills are important due to needing to keep detailed records of each student's progress. Being familiar with assistive technology devices in a classroom is a plus. An encouraging personality as well as the ability to be creative and flexible are all great qualities for a special education teacher.

Job Growth for Special Education Teachers

The employment growth for special education teachers is 3% at the national level for the 10-year period ending in 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This will vary according to which state you live in, however, and be driven by increased demand for special education services, and the need to replace teachers leaving their occupations.

All certified special education teachers in the United States must have at least a bachelor's degree and hold a state-issued license or certificate specific to teaching special education students. However, each state has their own specific licensing requirements.

Education Requirements for Special Education Teachers

Many universities and colleges offer special education degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

Special education teacher degree classes will include gaining knowledge of disabilities like autism, downs syndrome, visual impairment and more. Students will also learn practical procedures for teaching science, math and reading skills to students who have special needs.

Specialized classes could examine topics like technology for differentiated instruction, low incidence disabilities and more. Special education teacher training will also include curriculum development courses and supervised classroom student teaching. Most special education teachers earn a degree in Special Education or Education .

Special Education Teacher Preparation Program

If your school does not offer a degree in special education, you can enroll in a special education teacher preparation program after receiving your degree. This type of program will lead you toward becoming a certified special education teacher. Licensure/certification can be attained through the completion of a teacher education program that is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Due to the high level of specialization among special education teachers, many states may require additional training before you can get a professional license.

Tests to Pass if you Want to Become a Special Education Teacher

Prospective special education teachers are also required to take and pass all special education content area assessments in order to obtain certification at the special education level. These standardized tests vary from state to state. Licensing and competency exams should be taken in the state where you wish to teach.

Find Information About Becoming a Teacher In Your State

Each state has different requirements for becoming a certified teacher. To find out specific requirements, click on your state.

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington, DC
• West Virginia

Special Education Teacher by Degree Level

The tables and charts below break down the education level obtained as averaged across the U.S.

Data taken from BLS Educational attainment for workers 25 years and older by detailed occupation, 2010-11 (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_111.htm)

Special education teachers will have students with learning, physical and emotional disabilities. Many special education students may have delayed motor and social skills and will need to be worked with in these areas on a daily basis. Special education students can range from pre-k to 12th grade, depending on your area of specialty.

Special education teachers will work with students who have a wide range of disabilities ranging from learning, physical, mental and emotional. They are responsible for adapting general education lessons to meet the needs of their students. Subjects taught include reading, writing and math as well as basic skills like literacy and communication techniques. Their students may have disabilities ranging from mild to moderate to severe.

Job Duty Requirements for Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers must be able to meet their students' needs to ensure that each individual student receives proper attention and the assistance needed to succeed in school and life. This may include providing one-on-one assistance in the setting of a general classroom, adapting materials, providing appropriate testing opportunities and more.

Special education teachers provide the families of their students the tools they need to grow as independent individuals in their communities. These teachers work with parents, other teachers and paraprofessionals to create individual education plans (IEP) for their students in order to help meet the individual needs of each child.

A complex and demanding career path, the role of the special education teacher is difficult to encapsulate briefly, given that every teacher's caseload of students looks very different from the next. While there are similarities between elementary to secondary, there are differences as well.

Becoming an Elementary Special Education Teacher

Often considered a generalist (though perhaps with special interest or training in one or two areas of need) elementary special education teachers work hard to ensure that students with special needs are able to achieve all their abilities dictate that they can. Elementary special education teachers:

• Work with students who have Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), autism, Asperger's syndrome, those who are blind, low-vision, deaf or hard-of-hearing, who have Central Auditory Processing Delays (CAP-D), physical disabilities, cognitive impairments or developmental delays.
• Spearhead the development of an Individual Education Plan each year as a working document for teachers, support staff, administrators, guardians/parents, and other professionals to contribute to in order to ensure best outcomes for students
• Outline accommodation and/or modification and/or alternate programming to classroom tasks
• Meet with parents/guardians and internal and external stakeholders for an annual review of IEP particulars and program goals, known as Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings
• Mentor and advise professional support staff such as speech pathology, audiology, interpreting, psychological assessment, occupational therapy, social work and medical services
• Ensure that accommodations or modifications during instructional time are also in place during assessments
• Create a transition plan from year to year, and from elementary to high school with post-secondary planning being a relevant goal and timeline
• Set academic and developmental goals for students to strive for - ensure that metrics are in place so that every success is measurable
• Communicate proactively and professionally about student assessment and behavior with teaching and non-teaching staff, individual students, their families and associated professionals, bearing in mind the impact of confidentiality regarding vulnerable persons
• Support the school's culture and practices for inclusion through extracurricular and co-curricular activities and staff leadership

Becoming a High School Special Education Teacher

Often considered a specialist (though perhaps a generalist due to diversity of need or size of school population) high school special education teachers work hard to ensure that students with special needs are able to achieve all their abilities dictate that they can, and then some. High school special education teachers:

• Assess student learning needs in the classroom on a holistic basis, taking into account the students current and past achievements, current cultural and familial framework, and future goals
• Spearhead the continuation of an accurate and effective Individual Education Plan each year as an editable working document for teachers, support staff, administrators, guardians/parents, and other professionals to contribute to in order to ensure best outcomes for student growth
• Act as a daily point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including the student themselves as their individual need dictates
• Act as a friendly face and advocate, helping students learn the valuable skill of self-advocacy as they approach the end of high school
• Function as a resource for school to work transitioning
• Advocate for and promote students for extensive co-operative education placements both in and outside of the school
• Outline accommodation and/or modification and/or alternate programming to classroom tasks; keep rigorous metrics
• Proactively meet with parents/guardians and internal and external stakeholders for an annual review of IEP particulars and program goals, known as Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings
• Suggest beneficial reductions in support for the student to foster self-reliance, reduction in vulnerability, and independence
• Understand theories of adolescent development and how special needs may alter these developmental arcs
• Advocate on behalf of the student's needs to classroom teachers and administration, either individually and on an ad-hoc basis or in a more formal setting
• In-service teaching staff, support staff and administration on student behavior and general best practices for interaction and engagement
• Create a transition plan from year to year, and from high school to post-secondary education or job training. Ensure timelines are accurate; work backward from end-goal.
• Set academic and developmental goals for students to strive for - ensure that metrics are in place so that every small success is measurable

Certified special education teachers have many employment avenues open to them, including consultation, policy development, advocacy and administration.

Special education teachers can work in elementary schools, charter schools and private schools.

Public Schools

Public schools are required to admit any student who lives within the district, regardless of ability, ethnicity or socioeconomic backgrounds. In public schools, special education teachers tend to work with a diverse group of children with varying needs. Prospective public special education teachers are often required to apply directly to the district prior to seeking employment at a specific school.

Private Schools

Since private schools charge tuition for a child to attend, special education services are generally not free. Many smaller private schools do not even offer special education services. With that said, families of students with special needs may be required to hire a private one-on-one aide to assist the child. These schools are generally governed by a private school board or organization and may have religious affiliations.

If a prospective special education teacher is interested in teaching at a private school, they should check with the school in which they wish to teach to find out specific criteria. Many private schools do not have the same requirements for special education teachers as their public school counterparts. In some cases, relevant experience or a bachelor's degree will suffice.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are independent schools that do not require tuition. They have more flexibility than public schools, but are expected to perform better and have a greater accountability. Charter schools are typically smaller and more selective. They may have additional requirements for their education teachers. However, some charter schools may not have dedicated special education services. To inquire, contact the charter school of your interest.

NASET - National Association of Special Education Teachers: NASET is a national membership organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to those preparing for or teaching in the field of special education.

CEC - Council for Exception Children: The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

IASE - International Association of Special Education: The IASE works to improve the quality of life and service delivery for all individuals with special needs.

NAPSEC - National Association of Private Special Education Centers: NAPSEC is a nonprofit association that supports access to appropriate special education programs with more than 200 programs nationally and over 400 at the state level through the Council of Affiliated State Associations.

The median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,030 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with entry-level teachers earning less than $40,730, and the highest 10% of experienced teachers earning more than $98,530 per year.

In addition to the salary, educators get great health and retirement benefits. Given the degree of specialty training that a special education teacher receives, he or she has an average salary that is somewhat higher than their mainstream counterparts, although private school teachers do earn less than public school teachers. Like other teaching roles, salaries are based mostly on experience and education.

Visit our Teacher Salary-What to Expect? page to find out more.

(Salary data for special education teachers reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2019. Figures represent state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed March 2021.)

Special Education Teachers (Preschool)

Salary (2022) and job outlook (2012 to 2020) by state.

According to the published BLS data from 2022, the national average salary for Special Education Teachers (Preschool) is $69,620, with an estimated 22,970 being employed nationwide. Also, the job outlook growth projection from 2012 to 2020 is expected to increase by 16.2%.

Data taken from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oes/) for Special Education Teachers (Preschool) (SOC Code: 25-2051)

Salary (2022) By Largest Metropolitan Areas

Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School)

According to the published BLS data from 2022, the national average salary for Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School) is $68,580, with an estimated 195,010 being employed nationwide. Also, the job outlook growth projection from 2012 to 2020 is expected to increase by 6.2%.

Data taken from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oes/) for Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School) (SOC Code: 25-2052)

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Are you "highly qualified" according to NCLB?

Provisions of the federal legislation known as the No Child Left Behind Act require that all teachers of core academic subjects be "highly qualified" by the end of the 2005-06 school year with teachers newly hired after the first day of instruction for the 2002-03 school year required to be "highly qualified" when hired. (See TEA's Guidance for the Implementation of NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher Requirements .) Note: This requirement still applies to special education teachers under the updated federal legislation, now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act.

As a result of TCTA efforts, the U.S. Department of Education approved Texas’ revised highly qualified plan, an action that not only extended the deadline to meet highly qualified requirements to the end of the 2006-07 school year, but gave secondary experienced teachers who have been determined to be "highly qualified" and are subsequently reassigned out-of-field the ability to use HOUSE until the end of the 2008-09 school year. Districts must use at least 5% of their Title 1, Part A funds to help teachers become "highly qualified."

The Act specifies that core academic subjects are English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history and geography.

Definition of "highly qualified"

To be "highly qualified" under the NCLB Act, a teacher must have:

• At least a bachelor’s degree;
• Full state certification* (includes probationary certificates in some circumstances, and for charter school teachers, state certification requirements specific to charter schools);
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned.

Demonstrating competency

The options for demonstrating subject competency differ for elementary (EC-5) and secondary (6-12) teachers*, as well as for new and experienced teachers. "New" is defined as a teacher who has never taught elementary, middle or high school. "Experienced" is defined as a teacher who has previously taught elementary, middle or high school.

For new elementary teachers , the only option for demonstrating subject competency is passage of the applicable state certification exam. For experienced elementary teachers , there are two options: pass the applicable state certification exam OR meet a "high, objective, uniform standard of evaluation" ( HOUSE ).

For new secondary teachers , the options are to pass the applicable certification exam OR have an academic major or coursework equivalent for the subject taught (i.e., 24 semester hours, with 12 of the hours being upper-division (junior- or senior-level) courses in the core academic subject area). For experienced secondary teachers , the options are to pass the applicable certification exam OR have an academic major or coursework equivalent to the subject taught OR meet HOUSE .

The USDE issued a “reinterpretation” of the “highly qualified” requirements for certain elementary teachers (defined in Texas as EC-5 teachers*) new to the profession when hired for the 2009-10 school year, holding subject-specific certification or EC-12 special education certification, to take and pass an additional generalist certification exam in order to be highly qualified.

Affected teachers include those holding certification in 4-8 math, 4-8 science, 4-8 social studies, 4-8 math/science, 4-8 ELA/reading, 4-8 ELA/reading/social studies and EC-12 special education. According to the TEA, passing the TExES EC-4, EC-6, or 4-8 generalist; TExES EC-4, EC-6, or 4-8 bilingual generalist; or TExES EC-4, EC-6, or 4-8 ESL generalist will meet the requirement.

The USDE agreed to grandfather new elementary teachers hired prior to the 2009-10 school year who had already been determined to be highly qualified under the former interpretation, as long as the teacher remains in the same teaching assignment, or if they are documented as meeting HOUSE.

*On Feb. 19, 2014, TEA announced that it had requested and received from the U.S. Dept. of Education, permission to change sixth grade from an elementary to a secondary grade level designation for purposes of determining the NCLB highly qualified teacher status, effective immediately.

“Highly qualified” rules eased in certain situations

• Multiple-subject secondary teachers in rural schools who are “highly qualified” in one of the subjects they teach at the time of hire can use HOUSE to demonstrate competence in additional subjects taught within three years of the hire date.
• Multi-subject special education teachers who are new to teaching special education, if highly qualified in language arts, mathematics or science at the time of hire, may use HOUSE to demonstrate competence in additional subjects within two years of the date of hire. The HOUSE option may only be implemented after completing one year of teaching experience. This option applies to special education teachers who are new to the teaching profession or teaching special education for the first time.
• Visiting international teachers, who participate in foreign teacher exchange programs officially recognized by the State Board for Educator Certification and the Texas Education Agency, may use HOUSE to demonstrate highly qualified teacher status for a period not to exceed three years.
• Any experienced secondary teacher may continue to use HOUSE to demonstrate subject matter competency for any course accepted by the Texas State Board of Education for required graduation credit for documenting highly qualified teacher status. This includes Career and Technology Education courses and other teachers who are teaching CTE or other courses for graduation credit.

Special education teachers

The law requires experienced special education teachers to demonstrate competency in every core subject area they teach, just like all other experienced teachers, either through HOUSE, passing the applicable certification exam, or the extra option for secondary teachers of having an academic major or coursework equivalent to the subject taught by the end of the 2006-07 school year.

The law does contain some options for certain circumstances:

• For special education teachers who teach core academic subjects exclusively to students who are assessed pursuant to alternate achievement standards (STAAR-Alt), if the teacher is providing instruction at the elementary (PK-5*) level, even if the special education teacher is at the secondary level, the teacher may meet the highly qualified teacher requirements for an elementary school teacher; if the teacher is teaching the same population of students and providing instruction at the secondary level, the teacher is considered “highly qualified” by demonstrating the subject matter knowledge appropriate to the level of instruction being provided, as determined by the Agency, needed to effectively teach to those standards. For this purpose, the Agency has defined “appropriate level of instruction” as the Secondary Special Education HOUSE option.
• Experienced secondary special education teachers can meet “highly qualified” requirements via HOUSE for secondary special education teachers.

HOUSE options assist visiting international teachers

Visiting international teachers who participate in foreign teacher exchange programs officially recognized by the State Board for Educator Certification and the Texas Education Agency, may use HOUSE to demonstrate “highly qualified” teacher status for a period not to exceed three years.

Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

a. Teachers in ACP programs, who are not yet fully certified may be considered to meet the certification requirements in the NCLB definition of a highly qualified teacher if they are participating in an SBEC-approved alternative route to certification program under which they:

(1) receive, BEFORE AND WHILE TEACHING, high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction before and while teaching;

(2) participate in a program of intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support for teachers, or a teacher mentoring program;

(3) assume functions as a teacher only for a specified period of time not to exceed three years; and

(4) demonstrate satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by state statute.

b. Holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; and

c. Has demonstrated subject matter competency in each of the academic subjects in which the teacher is assigned to teach, in a manner determined by TEA and in compliance with Section 9101(23) of ESEA.

(1) For new elementary ACP interns, this would be demonstrated by passing a rigorous State test of subject knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the basic elementary school curriculum (WHICH CONSISTS of passing a TExES certification exam or tests in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the basic elementary school curriculum).

(2) For new secondary ACP interns, this would be either passing the appropriate TExES exam or having an academic major or graduate degree or the coursework equivalent to an undergraduate academic major [i.e., 24 semester hours, with 12 of the hours being upper-division (junior- or senior-level) courses] in the core academic subject areas in which they teach.

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	Aug 09, 2024   2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog     2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog | (See General Requirements for all Bachelor’s Degrees   ) Academic Foundations and Core Curriculum - 42 semester hours (See Academic Foundations and Core Curriculum - 42 semester hours   ) Core Curriculum Specifics (44 total hours for core, including these specific courses) MATH 1233 - College Algebra 3 GNSC 1104 - Life/Earth Science 4 GNSC 1204 - Physical Science 4 MUSC 1033 - The Appreciation of Music 3 COUN 2023 - Human Development 3 EDUC 2013 - School and Society 3 COUN 2143 - Human Diversity 3 Choose 3 hours from the following courses: ENGL 2413 - World Literature I 3 ENGL 2423 - World Literature II 3 ENGL 2613 - Survey of American Literature I 3 ENGL 2623 - Survey of American Literature II 3 ENGL 2813 - Survey of English Literature I 3 ENGL 2823 - Survey of English Literature II 3 Teaching Field (Major) - 60 hours GNSC 1104 - Life/Earth Science 4 * GNSC 1204 - Physical Science 4 * GNSC 3104 - Concepts of Science 4 HIST 1133 - Survey of American History to 1865 3 * HIST 1233 - Survey of American History since 1865 3 * HIST 3003 - Survey of Texas History 3 KNES 1213 - Health, Fitness, and Physical Activity for Children 3 MATH 1233 - College Algebra 3 * MATH 2033 - Structure of the Number System I 3 MATH 2043 - Structure of the Number System II 3 POLS 1333 - American and Texas Government I 3 * POLS 1433 - American and Texas Government II 3 * READ 3023 - Word Study: Language Structures and Phonics 3 SPED 3313 - Teaching Strategies for Cognitive Disorders 3 SPED 4123 - Assessment 3 SPED 4313 - Tier III Reading Strategies 3 SPED 4513 - Teaching Strategies for Affective Disorders 3 SPED 4523 - Vocational/Transitional Education 3 SPED 4533 - Early Childhood Special Education 3 *23 hours are duplicated in Academic Foundations and Core Curriculum, but the total program hours do not change. 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Students learn the foundations of teaching and supporting children with mild to severe disabilities. PDF Special Education Requirements Special classes, separate schooling, or other removals of children with disabilities from the regular education environment occur only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education and regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. Special Education The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates a "free appropriate public education" for students with disabilities — as defined by the statute — and ensures special education and related services to those children. IDEA, along with Texas state regulations, outline the process of how a student in need of special ... Texas Administrative Code RULE §231.701. Special Education Teacher. 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