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

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

About the Program

Curriculum

Admissions

Careers

Faculty

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 (15 credits):

EAD 510: Educational Supervision (3 credits)
EAD 531: School Law for Administrators (3 credits) (Summer)
EAD 651: Organizational Behavior in Education (3 credits) (Spring)
SED 520: Law and Policy Affecting Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits) (Spring, Summer, and Fall)
SED 630: Internship in Special Education Administration (3 credits) (Fall)

Course Descriptions

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

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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.

Contact Amanda

Schedule an Appointment

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 consultants or even political advisers on key legislative topics.

Note: Although faculty can advise, students are responsible for knowledge of certification requirements in the state in which they are seeking certification.

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.

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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.