Online Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Assistant Special Education Director
Assistant Special Education Directors assist the Special Education Directors in decision-making and providing students with disabilities the proper attention, assistance, and education to help them succeed.
Graduates of the online Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Assistant Administration will learn 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 in accordance with 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
Curriculum
Classes are offered online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
Core Courses
The following courses are required (12 credits):
- EAD 531: School Law for Administrators (3 credits) (Summer)
- SED 520: Law and Policy Affecting Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits) (Spring, Summer, and Fall)
- EAD 560: Functions and Theories of Educational Leadership (3 credits) (Fall)
OR EAD 651: Organizational Behavior in Education (3 credits) (Spring 2023, 2025, and 2027) - SED 630: Internship in Special Education Administration (3 credits) (Fall)
Admissions
- Fall Deadline: August 15
- Summer Deadline: April 15
Requirements
- 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)
- Minimum of three years of satisfactory special education teaching experience or a minimum of three years of equivalent experience in providing supportive services to special education students
- The ability to complete required assignments with students in PK-12 classrooms
Application Materials
The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:
- An online application
- An essay demonstrating adequate writing skills, capacity for reflection, and commitment to the field of special education
- Official academic transcripts
- 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.
- Current résumé
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Assistant Special Education Director online with UMaine? Contact Amanda Cupps, UMaineOnline Senior Advisor, at 207.581.3452 or at amanda.cupps@maine.edu.
Careers
This certificate can lead to Maine certification in Assistant Administrator of Special Education (035). Upon graduation, students seeking initial certification must apply through the Maine Department of Education’s (or their state’s DOE) transcript review process to obtain certification.
Earning a certification in other states through this program may be very simple. Please visit your state’s department of education for information or visit the United States Department of Education website. Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.
Graduates can also find opportunities outside the classroom as educational advocates or consultants or even political advisers on key legislative topics.
Faculty
Our faculty actively conduct research in effective special education practices giving them a depth of knowledge about the unique challenges experienced by those who work with students with disabilities. They are also leaders in institutions, such as the Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research, dedicated to improving the lives of those with special needs. Their passion and expertise will help you develop practical skills and grow as a professional educator.
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, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
