Online - All of the program courses are online. Clinical field experiences (in-classroom experience) and student teaching (leading a classroom as a student teacher) must be done in-person at a school.
Accelerated format - The Accelerated Special Education (ASPED) Program is designed to be completed in 3 years, if a student starts with zero credits. The ASPED program requires clinical field experiences during semesters 1-5. And the program also requires student teaching during semester 6.
Courses - Curriculum was developed in view of the traditional undergraduate program. Within coursework, there are highly-collaborative education courses. There are also non-education courses such as math, science, communication, English, religion, etc. These courses are more self-paced.
Start dates - You have two opportunities to begin this program. Cohorts begin in July and January of each year.
Practicum and classroom experience - In the beginning, the clincial field experiences are developmental in nature, more observational. Semesters one through five of six total semesters have these clinical field experiences. The third and final year presents more leadership classroom experience. The 6th and final semester is student teaching.
A background check is required to begin clinical field experiences and student teaching. Students need to have a cooperating teacher in a regular school and the teacher needs a valid teaching license, at least 3 years experience, and been in their current building for a year.
License - This program leads to Wisconsin teaching licensure for K-12. Applicants from out-of-state should check with their departments of education to see how courses translate to other states. Concordia will help you with a program course review.
Credit opportunities - Students may transfer up to 84 credits. Applicants may apply for life and work experience credit toward practicum coursework up to 6 credits.
LTD opportunity - Do you want to get your Lutheran Teacher Diploma? You can take 9 additional credits of theology and education courses to qualify.
Financial opportunity - Uncommon scholarships are available. The TEACH grant qualifies. This program is offered at the accelerated tuition rate.
Add on licenses -Once you complete our program, you are eligible to engage in our opportunities for any of the six add-on licenses listed below: