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10 Sped Program

Early Childhood Special Education and Cross Categorical Special Education Teacher Certification

The 10 Sped Program is approved by the  Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)  to provide both initial and additional  teacher licenses in both Early Childhood Special Education (Birth to Grade 3) and Cross Categorical Special Education  (Grades K-12). The 10 Sped Program offers two different pathways to obtain your special education teaching license depending on your current special education teaching license status.

Apply to the 10 Sped Program!

The 10 Sped Program 

Who is eligible for the 10 Sped Program?
The 10 Sped Program is for anyone who already has a bachelor's degree and wants to get an initial special education teaching license  or  for those who already have a general education teaching license  and want to  add a special education teaching license.
 
Paraprofessionals and substitute teachers who have a bachelor's degree and those on a  Tier 1 license with stipulations are strongly encouraged to apply!
 
What license will I have upon completing the program?
10 Sped Program completers  are eligible for  WI DPI Cross Categorical Special Education License #2801 or Early Childhood Special Education License #1809.
 
How long does it take to go through the program?
The 10 Sped Program is comprised of four semesters and takes approximately 16 months to complete. Each of the first three semesters of coursework is four months long. During the last semester of the program, students are required to student teach and follow the school district calendar during that semester (Fall or Spring). There are no class meetings during the student teaching semester.
 
How are classes offered?
Our programs are designed for full-time professionals who have a demanding schedule and family commitments. 
 

The  asynchronous cohort is taught online through weekly on-demand modules and weekly discussion posts that students complete at their convenience during each week.  

Why is a cohort model important?
The 10 Sped Program is a cohort model, which means students stay with the same instructor and the same classmates throughout their program experience. This allows our 10 Sped students to join a network of colleagues that they can stay in touch with long after their program is completed. Students apply the topics learned throughout the program and enjoy learning from others' perspectives - much like a department team!
 
Who teaches the 10 Sped Program cohorts?
All of our 10 Sped Program instructors are experienced and currently practicing directors of special education in Wisconsin school districts.  Students learn from leaders who are actively involved in teaching and learning in our  schools which keeps the  10 Sped curriculum  current, relevant, and practical. Our instructors offer an online environment that is supportive and caring to all students' learning needs. Academic advisement is personalized to help students make the most of their 10 Sped Program experience.
 
How is the program structured?

The online 10 Sped Program courses are taken in sequential order. Students must demonstrate proficiency during each semester to progress to the next semester. 

Semester I

EDWN 605: Special Education Law and Effective Practice is a 3-credit course. 

  • The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.  
Semester II

EDWN 606: Individual Development is a 3-credit course. 

  • The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.  
Semester III 

EDWN 608: Academic and Behavior Management for the Child with Disabilities is a 3-credit course.

  • The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.  

*Students are required to complete pre-student teaching requirements during Semester II or III before being eligible to student teach during Semester IV.

Semester IV 

EDWN 612: Student Teaching is a 3 credit practicum experience. Students choose up to 3 school districts where the student teaching will take place and the Program Administrator works with the districts in student's priority order to set up the placement. Student teaching occurs during the school year only (Fall or Spring) and students follow the Educate-WI/university calendar for the fall/spring semester. Students who are working under a 1-year license with stipulations in the area they are seeking certification, may student teach on the job!

Which tests are required?
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) - Students seeking an initial teaching license must pass the Foundations of Reading Test. The 10 Sped Program has  been approved by DPI to allow the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) Alternate Assessment which means registering, paying for, and passing this assessment s no longer required because it has been embedded in our curriculum! When students pass the Semester II course, they  pass the Foundations of Reading Test Alternate Assessment!
 
Content Knowledge Proficiency - Educate-WI carefully reviews student transcripts to determine if the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0  in language arts, math, science, and social studies has been met. If not, the student will need to pass the Praxis II.
 
When can I start?

Online cohorts begin every January, May, and September! Priority application deadlines for each semester are December 1, April 1, and August 1 (respectively). Applications may be accepted after that date. All application information must be completed and the enrollment fee paid by the application deadline date. See  Cohort Schedule  for detail on specific dates.

Is financial aid available?
Financial Aid is available through our partnership with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN). As part of the 10 Sped online application process, students must complete an application to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. On that application, students will select that they choose to enroll in Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts in Education with a Custom Specialization Program if they wish to apply for financial aid.  A student may opt to complete the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master's program at a later date. Students must complete an online FAFSA form and include the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Code   002380.
 
When the financial aid is awarded from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, the student receives the award  directly from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and must, in turn, pay Educate-WI for tuition in order to remain in good standing in the program.  Tuition is due on time to Educate-WI regardless of financial aid status.
 
What is the cost?
Enrollment                $     500       Non-refundable
Semester I                   $ 3,400      Tuition due on/before  the 15th of the first month of  Semester I
Semester II                 $ 3,400      Tuition due on/before  the 15th of the first month of Semester II
Semester III                $ 3,400      Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester III
Semester IV                 $ 3,400      Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester IV
*Subject to change without notice.
 
Will I earn graduate credits?

Educate-WI students earn 12 graduate credits throughout the 10 Sped Program and can request an official transcript from SMUMN. The credits earned through Educate-WI courses can be applied to the 30 credit  SMUMN M.A. with Custom Specialization Degree.

Graduate credits are recognized by some districts for salary advancement!

What are the admissions requirements?
The 10 Sped Program admissions requirements are:
  1.  A  cover letter which describes your interest in the program and becoming a special education teacher.
  2. An  official transcript that provides evidence that you hold a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS), Juris Doctor Degree (JD), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) from an accredited college: or university or a foreign credential evaluation that verifies the equivalent to a BA/BS in the U.S.                                                        The student must  request that an official transcript, that includes degree  conferred date be sent by  the university either through the mail or electronically through their parchment service to Educate-WI  to be admitted to the program. 
  3. A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from employers/supervisors who can provide evidence to support your qualifications as a graduate student are required.
  5. Acceptance at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota  to be admitted to the 10 Sped Program. 
  6.  Criminal  background check with no conviction or plea bargain for crimes which may impact school children and/or the maintenance of a safe and healthy school. The background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission and include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels. 
How do I Apply?
Create an Educate-WI  account  and complete the online application for the 10 Sped Program by clicking the orange link below.
 
When your application has been accepted by Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN), you will receive an email from SMUMN that will include your SMUMN  ID number. The SMUMN Student ID number verifies  you have been accepted at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. You will NOT need to register for courses through Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - you will be automatically registered upon successful submission of your 10 Sped application.

The 10 Sped Add-On Program 

The 10 Sped Add-On Program is for teachers who already hold a teaching license in special education and want to add on an  Early Childhood Special Education or Cross Categorical Special Education teaching certification.
 
What license will I have upon completing the program?
10 Sped Program completers  are eligible for  WI DPI Cross Categorical Special Education License #2801 or Early Childhood Special Education License #1809.
 
How long does the program take?
The program can easily be completed in less than a semester. Refer to the timeline table below
 
Where are classes offered?
The self-paced 10 Sped Program Add-On course is online. Students must conduct independent research to complete the assignments within the timeframe described below. The student teaching experience can take place in the district the student chooses.
 
How is the program structured?
The 10 Sped Add-On Program consists of one online course and a student teaching experience. Students must demonstrate proficiency during  student teaching at either the Early Childhood Special Education level (Birth-Grade 3) or the Cross Categorical  Special Education level (K-12)  as observed by their cooperating teacher and Educate-WI supervisor. Both evaluations can be conducted during the same lesson. The lesson must be taught within the time frame described below.
 
Which  tests are required?

Content Knowledge - Students must demonstrate proficiency in content knowledge related to their certification area(s). Proficiency can be demonstrated by either:

  • 3.0 GPA or higher in language arts, math, science, and social studies courses as demonstrated on official transcripts (courses not related to these subject areas will not be considered); or
  • Praxis II - Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent on content knowledge exams for certification in Early Childhood or Cross-Categorical Special Education. 
 
When can I start?
Students can begin the 10 Sped Add-On Program on six different dates throughout the year. Please refer to the table below to see the coursework and student teaching timelines for each start date.
 
Start Date Coursework Deadline Student Teaching Start Date Student Teaching Deadline
Jan 5 Feb 10 Mar 5 Jun 5
Mar 5 Apr 10 May 5 Jun 5
May 5 Jun 10 Sept 5 Nov 5
Jul 5 Aug 10 Sept 5 Nov 5
Sept 5 Oct 10 Nov 5 Jan 5
Nov 5 Dec 10 Jan 5 Mar 5
 
Is financial aid available?
The 10 Sped Add-On Program is offered for no graduate credit, therefore, students in this program are not eligible for financial aid.
 
What is the cost?
Enrollment                      $    250.00         *Non-refundable
Add-On Course           $1,000.00          Assignments must be completed per coursework deadline
Student Teaching      $3,400.00           Evaluations must be completed per student teaching deadline
 
Is the program offered for graduate credit?
The 10 Sped Add-On Program is not offered for graduate credit.
 
What are the admissions requirements?
The 10 Sped Add-On Program admissions requirements are:
  1.  Already have a special education teaching license.
  2. A  cover letter which describes your interest in the program and becoming a special education teacher.
  3. An official transcript that provides evidence that you hold a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS), Juris Doctor Degree (JD), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) from an accredited college: or university or a foreign credential evaluation that verifies the equivalent to a BA/BS in the U.S.  The student must  request that an official transcript, that includes degree  conferred date be sent by  the university either through the mail or electronically through their parchment service to Educate-WI  to be admitted to the program. 
  4. A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
  5. Two letters of recommendation from employers/supervisors who can provide evidence to support your qualifications as a graduate student are required.
  6.  Criminal  background check with no conviction or plea bargain for crimes which may impact school children and/or the maintenance of a safe and healthy school. The background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission and include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels. 

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100%
Placement Rate
16
Months to Complete the Program
3
Start Dates Throughout the Year
2
Special Education Choices
Programs
10 Sped