The Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential program provides preparation to teach mild to moderate disability special education students in special day classes, special schools, home/hospital settings, correctional facilities, non-public schools and agencies, and resource rooms.
This rigorous, specialized program emphasizes personal interaction integrated within the theoretical framework of social and educational justice. It finds its firm foundation in the School of Education’s mission to strive for educational equity and access for all students.
Combined coursework and fieldwork experiences are taken concurrently from the beginning of the program and require students to think critically and reflectively about the theory-to-practice continuum.
The Education Specialist Credential program curriculum prepares candidates to:
The University of Redlands Education Specialist program provides small class sizes and one-on-one interaction with faculty, fostering the development of interpersonal skills and overall academic success. School of Education professors care deeply about their students, supporting each individual in reaching their potential.
Students learn in a well-mentored cohort group and receive classroom training and field experiences that accentuate coursework and case studies. This close-knit community setting builds confidence and tactical teaching skills in order to be compassionate, effective special education teachers.
Furthermore, credential courses are offered in the evenings increasing access to this transformative program for students of all backgrounds.
The Education Specialist Teaching Credential can be obtained by students seeking only the credential as well as those pursuing the Master’s in Education: Learning and Teaching degree, providing two pathways to tailor to individual professional goals.
Learn more about the Master's degree with an Education Specialist credential.
Education Specialist students have the opportunity to put in-classroom theory into practice through the capstone student teaching experience in a special education classroom or setting. This culminating capstone also includes a presentation of a summative portfolio of assignments and case studies to address the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE) required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Student teaching consists of public-school placements for a total of 90 Days (35 days for candidates who hold another current California teaching credential). This required experience is a 14-week, full-time (5 days a week) commitment at an approved public school placement. The student teaching placements are supervised by both a cooperating master teacher at the school site and a University of Redlands supervisor.
The School of Education also offers an 18-week (90 days) supervised internship program to qualified candidates employed in Pre-K-12 school settings. A separate, mid-program, qualifying application process is required to be eligible for the internship experience.
These intensive hands-on learning experiences provided by the School of Education allow students to enter the teaching workforce confidently prepared to make a difference in their communities.
The EDSP courses in the Education Specialist curriculum are offered at the Redlands campus only, and the EDUC courses in the pathway are offered at the Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga regional campuses in addition to the Redlands campus.
The School of Education's teacher preparation programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Review the most recent Title II Annual Institutional Report Card and passage rates for the various programs offered in the state of California.
Become a confident, experienced teacher of students with mild to moderate support needs and those with autism spectrum disorders through the School of Education’s Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential program. This rewarding program combines coursework, classroom training, and field experience to ensure you are prepared to compassionately and effectively serve your students.
Take the first step in launching your special education teaching career. Request more information, or apply now!
Important Deadline Information: Please refer to the Application and Enrollment Calendar for deadlines.
The School of Education's innovative teacher preparation programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Credential courses are offered in the evenings, with access for individuals of different backgrounds.
The student-teaching requirement is a 14-week, full-time (5 days a week) commitment. Student Teaching consists of approved public school placement.
Students are supervised by both a master teacher at the school site and the University of Redlands’ supervisor.
The School of Education also offers an 18-week, supervised internship program to qualified candidates employed in Pre-K-12 school settings. A separate, mid-program, qualifying application process is required for the internship.
The coursework and field experience segments of the Preliminary Teacher Credential program are delivered in a prescribed sequence. For course descriptions, please view the most recent university catalog.
