Special Education Endorsement
Special Education (P-12) Certificate - Unleashing the Potential of all Students
The Special Education Certificate is an endorsement designed to prepare teachers to work with children and students at risk for or with identified disabilities in inclusive P-12 settings.
Courses are designed to address national and state standards endorsed by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) to promote professional competencies and key skills for teachers who will serve in special education roles. The endorsement includes a real-world clinical component where enrolled students gain experience working in classrooms with students with special needs.
UM offers undergraduate and graduate programs in special education for those seeking initial teaching licensure or those seeking to add a special education endorsement to a current teaching license.
Special Education Endorsement Program of Study - Undergraduate/Graduate
Scholarship Opportunity with SIMS Scholars
Funded by OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs), SIMS (Specialized Interventionists for Montana Schools) Scholars is an opportunity for future special educators and speech-language pathologists to be fully funded through their programs (2 years). In return, they work for Montana schools for four years. Learn more on the SIMS Scholars webpage.
Special Education Program Admission
You must be accepted into the Teacher Education Program to enroll in the Teacher Librarian Certificate Program. If you are currently in the Teacher Education Program, please consult with your College of Education academic advisor.
Available for anyone wanting to complete the program for undergraduate credit without a degree.
Applications for Teaching and Learning programs are reviewed beginning the first Wednesday of each month. Applicants can expect feedback within two weeks of submitting their application.
- Apply to UM as a degree-seeking post-baccalaureate student, as applicable.
- Complete and submit the program-specific Application Packet to the department via email at edadvising@mso.umt.edu. Submit two letters of recommendation using the attached form.
Applications for Teaching and Learning Graduate programs are reviewed beginning the first Wednesday of each month. Applicants can expect feedback within two weeks of submitting their application. You may submit an online application to the Graduate School at any time.
Graduate-level Certificate
Available for anyone wanting to complete the program for graduate credit, but not a full master’s degree.
- Apply to the Graduate School at UM via the online application portal.
- In the listings in the application, select Enrollment Status: Degree Seeking (includes certificates), Major: Teaching & Learning - Special Education Certificate, Degree: Post Baccalaureate/Graduate Certificate.
- Submit/upload the materials as listed in the Graduate School portal.
Special Education Faculty
Trent Atkins
Professor
Department of Teaching & Learning
trent.atkins@umontana.edu
406-243-4978
Morgen Alwell
Professor and Department Chair
Department of Teaching & Learning
morgen.alwell@umontana.edu
406-243-5512
Licensure Information
Kathy Schneider
Licensure and Clinical Experiences Specialist
Teacher Education Services
kathy.schneider@mso.umt.edu
406-243-4846