Become a Licensed Special Education Teacher (PK-3, K-6, or 6-12)
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Stipends Available
The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education (PBSPED) is a statewide, 18-month, field-based program designed for those pursuing careers in teaching who have already earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree (in any field). This program is a State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP) leading to initial teacher licensure in special education.
For current teachers who already have a Hawaii teaching license in another field, please refer to our Special Education Add-a-Teaching-Field program option instead.
The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education program has two specialization options and three licensure level options:
Two specialization options
- The mild/moderate disabilities specialization prepares candidates to work with the largest population of students with disabilities. These students have learning disabilities, ADHD, or other high incidence disabilities. They typically follow an academic curriculum in the general education setting or special education resource setting.
- The severe disabilities/autism, or Extensive Support Needs (ESN), specialization prepares candidates to work with individuals with disabilities who need support learning functional academic and life skills (communication, social competence, and adaptive behavior). This emphasis focuses on improving the quality of life for students who may require more comprehensive support. This includes students with low-incidence disabilities (e.g. intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, multiple impairments) and may be taught in a fully self-contained classroom setting.
Three licensure level options in special education
- Early Childhood (PreK – Grade 3)
- Elementary (Grade K – Grade 6)
- Secondary (Middle and High School)
Please read the Gainful Employment disclosure for your career field.
Who should consider this program?
People who:
- Live or want to live on any island in Hawaii, and
- Already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and
- Are interested in becoming a licensed special education teacher, and/or
- Are licensed in another area and would like to add special education to their current license, and/or
- Are interested in later continuing on for a master degree, and/or
- Are interested in specializing in students with severe disabilities/autism who have extensive support needs.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must have graduated from a UHM recognized, accredited, four-year institution of higher education
- 2.75 GPA or higher
International Students
- Due to visa requirements, international students are unable to pursue our online or hybrid programs, including those who wish to pursue online courses from their home country. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- Individuals already living in Hawai‘i who have international transcripts for their degree may apply to this program and would need to submit transcript evaluations and translations if needed.
Application Requirements
- Official Transcripts
- If degree was obtained from a non-UH System institution, slease send official transcripts directly from the institution to UH Mānoa.
- International Transcripts
- Applicants who graduated from institutions outside of the U.S., please contact us for possible additional application requirements and HIDOE employment eligibility
- One option for international transcript evaluations would be through the MYIEE portal platform. Our MYIEE Evaluation Portal Link will provide our applicants with a discounted rate for this service.
- Resumé
- Statement of Objectives (about 1 page): Think of the most influential teacher you have had.
- Tell us who that person is (including their name, level, and school) and how/why that person impacted you the most.
- Then tell us what unique qualities and skills you have that would make you a successful teacher.
- Three (3) References: Provide name, email, and phone number. References will be sent a google form to complete on your behalf. Formal letters of recommendation are not needed.
- Video Recorded Responses & Essay: Applicants will need to answer a series of short video-recorded responses and write a 30-minute timed essay response that can be completed at a time of their choosing. Link is provided within the application. If you’re interested in learning more about the video recorded response component of the application and what to expect, please refer to the following resources:
Application Deadlines
| Starting Semester |
Priority Deadline |
Final Deadline |
| Spring Admission Only |
July 1 |
August 1 |
To automatically receive updates, notifications, and reminders regarding admissions, please complete the “Request More Info” form.
Applicants who submit their full application prior by the priority deadline may likely learn of their admissions decision before the upcoming school year. As an added benefit, those who pursue emergency hire positions will have access to our MUSE mentors, who can provide support for beginning and navigating the special education teaching position during the fall semester while you wait to begin the official program coursework in January.
How to Apply
Tuition & Funding
Approximately $471* per credit x 33 credits = $15,500 (RESIDENT)
*This program charges undergraduate tuition rates.
See: https://www.outreach.hawaii.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-and-fees/
DOE STIPENDS (33 credits, resident or nonresident tuition): Available to fund in-state or out-of-state candidates who agree to teach as a special education teacher in a Hawaii DOE school for a minimum of 3 years after program completion.
- Upon yearly renewal of funds, this funding opportunity will automatically be offered to all admitted program candidates. The stipend is given each semester directly to the student while enrolled, therefore stipend is considered taxable and may impact financial aid award.
- Prior to accepting stipend, Non-U.S. citizens need to inquire with the Hawaii DOE to determine eligibility for employment upon graduation.
- All courses must be passed with a B- or higher. Stipend does not cover costs related to retaking coursework.
Financial Aid (FAFSA): Is available for this program. Submit your free application year-round to see if you qualify for student loans: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Eligible to receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness after completing 5 years of teaching as a special education teacher in a Title I school. For more information, visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher
See the following sites for additional funding information:
Pre-requisite Coursework
Prerequisites* (4 credits)
All prospective candidates can take these prerequisite courses in the Fall semester, prior to beginning the program in Spring at no cost for Spring 2024 admissions. Therefore, we recommend all potential candidates apply to the program first, and then information on how to register for these prerequisites will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
- SPED 501: program orientation (1 credit)
- Candidates will need to demonstrate basic introductory knowledge by enrolling and passing one of the following courses, based on their chosen specialization track (3 credits):
- SPED 304 (mild/moderate track only)
- SPED 412 (severe/autism track only)
Coursework Overview and Field Requirements
Program Coursework (33 credits)
This program is completed part-time over 18-months. The program is cohorted and provided in a specific sequence by chosen track specialization: (a) mild/moderate disabilities, or (b) severe disabilities/autism. For the first year, candidates will be enrolled in two (2) online evening courses on given weekdays, including during the summer. Please refer to the course sequences for each track specialization for more details.
Field Placement Requirements
In addition to coursework, candidates are required to be in classroom settings each spring and fall semester of the program. Fieldwork is completed part-time during the day in a local school. The final semester will be full-time student teaching in a local school. Candidates must take and pass the Praxis content knowledge exam in Special Education prior to starting student teaching. Details on registering for the appropriate exam will be provided by the program advisor during the program.
Types of Field Placements
Traditional placements are unpaid placements and are assigned by the field coordinator for candidates to observe and practice in a classroom with a licensed special education teacher.
In-place placements are for those already working in school settings and employed by the DOE. This field-based program is designed to accommodate those who may already be working in school settings across all islands of Hawaii, typically as an emergency-hire teacher or a classroom educational assistant. Positions working one-on-one with a student can not be approved to count towards field experiences. All candidates who are considering using their position to fulfill field requirements must first obtain departmental approval.
Professional Dispositions
Lastly, all UHM candidates are expected to meet college-wide professional dispositions. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from program.
Option 1: Mild/Moderate Track Course Sequence
Mild/Moderate Disabilities Course Sequence
Course sequence may be subject to change. Last Updated: 11/16/21
SPRING I (9 credits)
SUMMER I (6 credits)
Candidates need to pass the Praxis Subject Assessment in their Special Education specialization area prior to student teaching. Candidates can take the exam during the summer or in the fall semester. Please consult with the program advisor prior to registering.
FALL I (9 credits)
SPRING II (9 credits)
Option 2: Severe/Autism Track Course Sequence
Severe Disabilities/Autism Course Sequence
Course sequence may be subject to change. Last Updated: 10/28/22
SPRING I (9 credits)
SUMMER I (6 credits)
Candidates need to pass the Praxis Subject Assessment in their Special Education specialization area prior to student teaching. Candidates can take the exam during the summer or in the Fall semester. Please consult with the program advisor prior to registering.
FALL I (9 credits)
SPRING II (9 credits)
Advising & Faculty
Program Info & Inquiries
Please complete the “Request More Info” form and our recruitment specialist will be happy to answer additional questions, provide program or funding updates, and assist with the application process once admissions open.
