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Online Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Assistant Special Education Director

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15 Credits

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Fall Deadline: August 15 | Summer Deadline: April 15

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No GRE/GMAT Required

About the Program

Assistant Special Education Directors support Special Education Directors in making decisions and providing students with disabilities the proper attention, assistance, and education to help them succeed.

The online Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Assistant Special Education Director teaches you how to:

  • Positively affect the quality and future of special education and promote the general welfare of children with disabilities
  • Serve and support children with disabilities and their families
  • Protect the privacy of students and families per State and Federal laws
  • Foster and support maximum self-determination and independence on the part of exceptional children
  • Utilize impartial professional judgment in evaluating the needs of exceptional children and their families

Contact Us

Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Assistant Administration online with UMaine? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.

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Amanda Cupps, M.Ed.

UMaineOnline Senior Advisor


207.370.4199 amanda.cupps@maine.edu

Curriculum

Classes are offered 100% online, both synchronously and asynchronously.

The following courses are required (15 credits):

  • EAD 510: Educational Supervision (3 credits) Spring
  • EAD 531: School Law for Administrators (3 credits) Summer
  • EAD 651: Organizational Behavior in Education (3 credits) Variable
  • SED 520: Law and Policy Affecting Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits) Fall, Spring, and Summer
  • SED 630: Internship in Special Education Administration (3 credits) Fall
  • Note: To complete the course requirements, you must work or volunteer with PreK–12 students with disabilities.

Admissions

  • Fall Deadline: August 15
  • Summer Deadline: April 15
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university or a minimum of 36 semester hours in special education with a valid Maine certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities (282)
  • At least three years of teaching special education at a satisfactory level or providing support services to students with disabilities
  • The ability to complete the course requirements with students with disabilities in a PreK-12 classroom

The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all of your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current résumé or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 400-500 word essay describing your motivation for obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership that also demonstrates your 
  • writing skills, capacity for reflection, and commitment to the field of special education
  • Evidence of fingerprinting and a completed background check
  • Proof of teaching certification if you currently hold a teaching license
  • One letter of recommendation from your Special Education Director or supervisor.
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Careers

This certificate can lead to Maine certification in Assistant Administrator of Special Education (035). Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.

Graduates can also find opportunities outside the classroom as education advocates, consultants, or political advisers on key legislative topics.

  • Note: Although faculty can advise, students are responsible for knowing the certification requirements in the state where they’re seeking certification.

NC-SARA Statement

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories and the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.