Paraprofessional to Teacher Certification Special Education B.S.

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A New Path to Teacher Certification

The adult degree completion program for paraprofessionals at Georgia College & State University empowers education professionals through a specialized curriculum that covers critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. This program is designed for paraprofessionals seeking to complete their degree and earn a teaching certification in Special Education. 

Why Choose Adult Learning at GCSU?

  • Accelerated 8-week courses to accommodate busy schedules of adult learners.
  • 100% Online Courses: Study on your own schedule, from wherever you are, allowing adult learners to balance education with work and family life, making it easier to achieve academic goals.
  • Personalized support through dedicated advisors, financial aid counselors, and mentors through the Office of Adult Learner Services.
  • Leverage prior learning through transfer credits, CLEP, and course challenges. 
  • You'll learn strategies and concepts that you can immediately apply in the classroom such as Foundations in Special Education, Differentiated and Individualized Instruction, Instructional Strategies and Procedures for Mild Disabilities and more.

Admission Requirements:

  • Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; or equivalent credits to meet core complete requirements by entry term.
    • Has successfully completed the required pre-requisites:
      • EDUC 2110
      • EDUC 2120
      • EDUC 2130
      • MATH 2008
  • Have a minimum cumulative 2.75 grade point average or higher in transferable college-level courses (excluding learning support, developmental and remedial courses)
  • Currently serving as a paraprofessional with 2 years of experience.
  • The student can acquire a letter of support from the principal of the school where they are currently employed. The principal must agree to the student’s participation in teaching requirements as outlined in the program of study. Students will have to complete fieldwork hours in classrooms other than the one in which they serve as a paraprofessional
  • Eligible to re-enroll in good standing from your previous institution.
  • Upon admission to the program, the student will complete the GACE 360 Educator Ethics Exam and will provide the university with a certificate of completion.
  • Upon admission to the program, the student will be able to obtain a GaPSC Pre-Service Certification (this will include a background check, verification of lawful presence, etc.)

For more information about the Paraprofessional to Teacher Certification in Special Education adult degree completion program or other adult learner programs, visit the Office of Adult Learner Services.

Complete the Pre-Screening Form to see if you are eligible for this program.

Program of Study
SemesterHours
June-July courses meet for eight weeks8
ADSE 3001 Field Placement I2
ADSE 3110 Foundations in Special Education    3
ADSE 3200 Foundations of Special Education II  3
Fall I12
ADRD 3500 Foundations of Literacy for Special Educators (A)3
ADIT 3220 Instructional Technology for Teachers (A)3
ADSE 4123 Instructional Strategies and Procedures for Mild Disabilities (B) 3
ADSE 4223 Inclusive & Collaborative Teaching for the Special Educator (B)  3
Spring I12
ADSE 3170 Culture, Identity, & Diversity in Teaching  (A)3
ADSE 4124 Instructional and Curriculum Planning for Mild Disabilities (B)      3
ADSE 4275 Individual and Classroom Management (AB)3
ADSE 3002 Field Placement II (AB)3
Summer 212
MAED 4295 Mathematics Concepts for Special Education Majors 3
ADSE 4001 Field Placement III3
ADSE 4050 Differentiated and Individualized Instruction 3
ADSE 3269 Supporting Language and Communication in Diverse Learners 3
Fall 29
ADSE 3501 Literacy Strategies (AB) 3
ADSE 4276 Educational Assessment and Evaluation (AB)3
ADSE 4334 Teachers as Leaders 3 (B)3
Spring 29
ADSE 4960 Student Teaching Internship (AB) 3
ADRD 4500 Literacy Assessment Intervention and Materials (AB)3
ADSE 4494 Capstone Experience in Special Education (B)3
Total Cohort Hours60
Scheduling of Courses

“A” - First 8 weeks in a semester 
“B” - Second 8 weeks in a semester  
“AB” - Course will run for the entire semester (16 weeks)