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Special Education

If you feel passionate about identifying and championing the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, CU Denver has the programs to help you meet this critical need. Whether you’re getting your special education endorsement, entering the profession as an aspiring teacher in special education, or wanting to obtain an MA in Special Education, our focus on inclusive classrooms and an assets-based approach will take you to the next level.

We support you (pre and post graduation) with networks and training that prepare you for the inclusive classroom.

Training

CU Denver equips you with the most impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms and collaborating with the professionals in the field and the community.

Families

We prepare you to be an effective advocate for children and families who are seeking quality education for students.

Faculty

Faculty members who specialize in literacy, language, social and emotional growth, gifted and talented learners, students with learning disabilities, and building a diverse teacher workforce.

Top School

As one of the top education schools in the country, we have led the development of programs focused on inclusion of students with disabilities in general classrooms. Every child deserves a highly qualified teacher in their inclusive classroom. We help put them there.

Assets Based Approach

Our strengths-based/assets-based approach to teaching focuses on preparing you to understand the strengths of every child in every family.

What Makes us Unique

We specialize in emotional/behavioral disabilities and specific learning disabilities. Be the professional schools seek and children deserve.

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Whether you are a licensed teacher looking to advance in the profession or are new to education and feel this is your calling, we have several pathways for you.

Endorsement, Special Education Generalist

Degree Earned: Endorsement Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes Prepares teachers holding an initial license to identify and champion the strengths and assets of individuals ages 5 - 21 with differing abilities, including those with identified disabilities. Designed for teachers who want an endorsement but are not seeking a master's, equipping them with impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms and collaborating with other professionals.

Early Childhood Special Education (License)

Degree Earned: License Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes Offers a perfect fit for those interested in providing culturally responsive, family-centered, developmentally effective early education for children with disabilities in an inclusive setting. Specialists in early childhood special education are in high demand in Colorado and nationally, and play an important role as both lead teachers and specialists who support classroom teachers.

Endorsement, Director of Special Education

New Degree Earned: Endorsement Classroom Type: Fully Online University of Colorado Denver’s Director of Special Education endorsement program includes 150 clinical practice (internship) hours. It provides the coursework necessary for a practicing P-12 educator with a principal license and a master’s in Special Education or equivalent degree accepted by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to receive the Director of Special Education endorsement from CDE.
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