Temporary Special Education Certificate Approach

Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, there will be another option for individuals to earn a Class B certificate endorsed for Collaborative Special Education (6-12) that is tailored for special education to comply with federal guidelines. Certificate is now available for completion 100% online through Online Temporary Special Education Certificate.

The following are the requirements to pursue this certification approach:

1. An applicant for the first Temporary Special Education Certificate (TSEC) must:
   1. Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
   2. Meet the 2.50 GPA requirements applicable to the PCTF approach.
   3. Document enrollment in at least one course provided by a college or university approved to provide this approach.
2. At the request of a local superintendent, the ALSDE will issue up to three, one-year certificates for a person who is making progress toward completing this approach.
3. A person will be eligible to receive a Class B certificate endorsed for Collaborative Special Education (Grades 6-12) based on documentation of:
   1. At least one full year of full-time special education teaching experience in Grades 6-12 while holding a Temporary Special Education Certificate, with oversight by an approved mentor.
   2. Credit (with a grade of “C” or better) for a bundle of five courses taken from one college/university and approved to address five major topics: survey of special education, collaboration/consultation, methods and assessment, special education laws, and behavior analysis/modification.
   3. Completion of special education modules developed by the ALSDE
   4. A passing score on the Praxis test for special education

The following are the required courses offered by UWA to pursue this certification approach:

• SE 301 Introduction to Collaborative Teaching in Special Education
• SE 303 Behavior Management or SEC 311 Effective Classroom Management and Organization
• SE 400 Introduction to Special Education
• SE 405 Teachers and the Law
• SE 451 Methods of Teaching Special Education (K-12)

Coursework completed ten or more years prior to July 1, 2022 will not be accepted.  All coursework must be taken at UWA for this approach.

For more information, criteria, and application go to www.alabamaachieves.org.