Director of Special Education
Advanced Studies Certificate
Advance your skills in educational policy, facility planning, human resources, theories and philosophies as they relate to special education.
- Start in any term*
- Fulfills requirements for Iowa Endorsement #239
- Apply today!
Features
- Designed for those with a master's degree who are seeking endorsement in the state of Iowa to serve as an AEA Director or Assistant AEA Director
- Flexible courses delivered primarily online, developed specifically for practicing special education teachers, school principals and administrators, and AEA professionals.
- Allows you to maintain professional and personal obligations while completing the certificate.
- Courses taught by experienced, campus-based faculty with administrative, special education, supervision, and evaluation experience.
UNI is a family, everyone jumps in to support one another. There were always people to lift you up and inspire you to greatness. [The professors] were true servant leaders, always stepping up to tackle questions and help students apply the learning in meaningful ways.
As a UNI Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Program Coordinator and Enrollment Contact to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, and much more.
Kenneth Hayes, EdD
Program Coordinator
Instructor, Educational Psychology, Foundations, and Leadership Studies
kenneth.hayes@uni.edu
319-273-6264
Janelle Finke
Enrollment Contact
janelle.finke@uni.edu
319-273-7740
Request Information
Courses delivered primarily online
Courses are offered primarily online, either synchronously via Zoom and asynchronously using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates. Some courses may require in-person meetings.
*Students can start in any term, except for the term requiring a practicum.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Direct, implement, supervise, and evaluate special education services and programs.
- Improve Special Education policies and practices within your organization.
- Coordinate student placements in programs.
- Promote and ensure inclusionary policies and practices for students with disabilities.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the UNI Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Courses delivered primarily online
Courses are offered primarily online, either synchronously via Zoom and asynchronously using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates. Some courses may require in-person meetings.
*Students can start in any term, except for the term requiring a practicum.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Direct, implement, supervise, and evaluate special education services and programs.
- Improve Special Education policies and practices within your organization.
- Coordinate student placements in programs.
- Promote and ensure inclusionary policies and practices for students with disabilities.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the UNI Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Endorsement Requirements
To qualify for the Director of Special Education (#239) endorsement with the BOEE, candidates must:
- Hold or meet the requirements for one of the following:
- PK-12 principal and PK-12 supervisor of special education [282—18.9(272)];
- Supervisor of special education—instructional [282—15.5(1)(272)];
- Professional service administrator [282-- 27.3(5)(272)]; or
- A letter of authorization for the special education supervisor issued prior to October 1, 1988
- Have already obtained a master's degree
- Complete 15 semester hours (the following UNI courses):
- SPED 62XX Mediation and Conflict Resolution
- SPED 62XX Special Education Law and Policy II
- SPED 7278 Administration of Special Education
- SPED 6289 Seminar
- SPED 6290 Practicum
- Have one of the following:
- Option 1: Instructional. An applicant will hold a special education endorsement and have two years of teaching experience in special education or hold an administrator license with two years of experience in the administration of special education programs.
- Option 2: Instructional. An applicant will meet the practitioner licensure requirements for one of the following endorsement and have three years experience as a:
- School audiologist
- School psychologist
- School social worker; or
- Speech-language pathologist
Note: An individual holding a statement of professional recognition is not eligible for the director of special education endorsement.
Express Interest
Complete our online information form and the program coordinator will reach out to create an individual plan of study.
Admission requirements
To be admitted, students must submit:
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation
- Transcript (bachelor's and master's degrees)
Contact Us
Our team of support staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey.
Contact us at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu for assistance!
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.