This course guides current and aspiring special education teachers through the essential tasks required to successfully meet the needs of students with disabilities. Offered through accredited school partners, the course delivers practical, classroom‑ready knowledge for teaching in special education environments and supporting inclusive classrooms. Learners explore legal foundations, evidence‑based instructional practices, and strategies for managing the many roles and responsibilities of special education professionals
Module 1: Foundations of Special Education Practice
Introduces essential knowledge for new educators, including job readiness, teamwork, and the legal foundations of special education such as IDEA and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Module 2: Becoming an Accomplished Special Educator
Focuses on professional organization, collaboration, behavior management, balancing responsibilities, and establishing high expectations for students.
Module 3: Instructional Approaches in Special Education
Explores instructional frameworks, continuous improvement of teaching practices, and the application of evidence‑based instructional strategies.
Module 4: Evidence‑Based Instruction for Diverse Learners
Addresses instructional practices for students with severe disabilities and health needs, integration with the general education curriculum, delivery of IDEA services, and the importance of lifelong learning for educators.
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
Recall the key principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Identify foundational actions that support effective special education practice
List evidence‑based instructional practices across multiple content areas
Recognize strategies for managing instructional, administrative, and non‑teaching responsibilities
Identify professional resources that support career development in special education
Certificate of completion.
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.