Special Education - Undergraduate Teacher Licensure K-12

Supporting coursework (39 credits)

General Education coursework including a survey course in American History (3 credits)

Required courses and Plan of Study

Required courses for Special Education licensure

Required courses for cross endorsement in Elementary Education (Grades K-6)

Continuation Requirements

Throughout the teacher licensure sequence, the department reserves the right to recommend withdrawal of any candidate demonstrating insufficient progress toward professional experiences and interpersonal relationships. Evidence of satisfactory progress may be manifested in the following acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions as described in the School of Education Conceptual Framework and Statement of Candidate Dispositions:

• Critical thinking skills (e.g., the ability to analyze information)
• Capacity to form interpersonal relationships with colleagues and individuals that are characterized by sensitivity, mutual respect, constructive collaboration, and advocacy
• Responsibility as demonstrated in the timely completion of assignments, commitment to quality performance, and professional growth and
• Commitment to the mission and philosophy of the department
• Achievement of grades of C+ or better in all EDUC, SPEC, and general education courses
• Continued minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
• Achievement of a grade of B in Tuesday Experience

Requirements for application to Student Teaching

Only candidates who have been accepted into the Teacher Licensure Program (see Criteria for Admission) are eligible to apply for student teaching. Candidates who apply for student teaching will be evaluated by department faculty, who will consider:

• Academic proficiency as indicated by coursework
• Communication facility as reflected in oral and written expression and listening
• Social sensitivity and skills as demonstrated by interactions with peers, children, and professionals

An application form to student teach may be obtained from the Office of Student Teaching. Completed application forms for fall student teaching are due February 1.

1. The application form must be accompanied by:
   • The candidate’s official letter of acceptance into the Teacher Licensure program
   • A copy of Teacher Licensure Planned Program
   • An unofficial transcript with most recent semester’s grades
   • An autobiographical essay of no more than two pages
   • A completed Field Experience document
   • Continuation of a minimum cumulative 2.67 GPA
   • Documentation of having taken Praxis II in Special Education, Elementary Education, and the Foundations of Reading Test
   • A typed information sheet for the cooperating teacher with the following information:
     • Completed courses
     • Previous teaching experience
     • Previous experience with children or adolescents
     • Work experience
2. Candidates must successfully complete the Saint Joseph College Writing Portfolio prior to student teaching
3. All Alert Forms in a candidate’s file must be resolved prior to student teaching
4. No other courses, except the Field Study for cross endorsement, may be taken during the semester of this experience. The Field Study for cross endorsement must be taken in the same semester as student teaching.
5. Attendance is required at all student teaching seminars

Comprehensive Exam

During the winter intercession of senior year, candidate knowledge will be assessed in a written comprehensive examination. Successful completion of the examination is a requirement for conferral of the B.S. in Special Education.

Teacher Licensure

Upon completion of entrance requirements, the prescribed programs and exit requirements, candidates for Special Education (K-12) with cross-endorsement in Elementary Education (K-6) will be recommended to the State Department of Education for licensure.

Exit from Teacher Licensure Program

A Licensure Program Completer is a candidate who has completed all the requirements for proposed licensure endorsement area(s), including the successful completion of the Praxis I and Praxis II or ACTFL, and Foundations of Reading Test when required. Therefore, to be recommended to the Connecticut State Department of Education for licensure, applicants must:

• Complete all program requirements for the major and for licensure, including the Connecticut State Department of Education requirements for coursework and student teaching
• Fulfill general education requirements and content with no grade lower than a C+
• Complete a successful student teaching experience with a grade of B or better.
• Submit successful Praxis II assessment results (or for World Language candidates a rating of “intermediate high” on ACTFL assessment) for each endorsement area and the Foundations of Reading test for Elementary and N-3 candidates
• Show evidence of appropriate educator dispositions
• Submit application for a teaching license to teacher licensure officer.

International Honor Society - Kappa Delta Pi

The installation of the University of Saint Joseph Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education took place May 3, 2009. The society has a long-standing commitment to “recognizing excellence and fostering mutual cooperative, support, and professional growth for educational professionals.” Letters of invitation are sent in February to students eligible for membership informing them of a March orientation meeting and an initiation ceremony in the spring.

Laboratory Schools

The School of Education benefits from two laboratory schools. The Gengras Center, an oncampus school for exceptional children,  and the School for Young Children, a nursery school nearby  offer opportunities for on-site observations, field work, practicum, and course-related applications.

Cross Endorsement Opportunities

A person who holds a teaching license may, upon application, obtain additional endorsements to such license, subject to the same terms and conditions as the license they currently possess, except that endorsements shall not be issued with course work deficiencies.
(Sec. 10-145d-429, Regulations Concerning State Educator Certificates, Permits, and Authorizations, State Board of Education.)

These regulations give exclusive authority to the State Department of Education (DOE) to issue cross endorsements.  Licensed educators seeking a cross endorsement in elementary, secondary, or special education must apply directly to the Connecticut State DOE.  A State DOE consultant will review transcripts, determine which additional requirements are needed and provide a written response to the educator.  This response will be used by the necessary USJ advisor to select courses that fulfill requirements. Licensed educators may take a few courses as a non-matriculated candidate or may apply courses used for cross endorsement towards a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood, Education or Special Education.

Exception:  Connecticut State DOE Regulations require a completion of an approved program for early childhood and family and consumer sciences.  Therefore, licensed educators seeking cross endorsement in early childhood or family and consumer science may request a review of official transcripts by the Univeristy of Saint Joseph Licensure Officer.

Internship in PreK-12 Schools

The University of Saint Joseph provides opportunities for students completing graduate studies and/or licensure courses to serve as interns in public school classrooms during the school year. The participating schools provide the opportunity to have up to 18 University of Saint Joseph credits waived within a one year period. In addition, a small stipend is provided for books and materials each semester. Contact the Director of Student Teaching and Clinical Experiences for further information.

Internship in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The School of Education offers an internship program in Autism Spectrum Disorders in collaboration with public schools. This progam provides certified teachers the opportunity to pursue graduate-level coursework and training. Interns participate in supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorders under the supervision of a specialist teacher on a full-day, full school year schedule. Benefits of this two-year internship include:

1. 30 credits of graduate coursework applied to a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders
2. A $9,000 stipend per school year
3. Supervision by a teacher with expertise in educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
4. On-site professional development and mentorship by the University of Saint Joseph faculty
5. Flexible course schedule

Please contact the director of the Autism Institute for details.

Internship for Master of Arts in Literacy

 The Literacy Internship is for licensed teachers. Selected interns, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, receive 15-30 credits of coursework plus a stipend in exchange for working within a school district as a reading tutor for one to two years. The program places an emphasis on developing candidates’ reading intervention skills. This program is directed by the Teacher Licensure Officer.