USF equips educators through Alternative Certification in Special Education

May 23, 2019

The University of Sioux Falls’ Fredrikson School of Education is proud to continue offering coursework that fulfills the South Dakota Department of Education’s Alternative Certification in Special Education.

Educators like Sunny Pierson, a Bennett County School District teacher, are able to maintain their full-time responsibilities with the coursework’s online convenience, while simultaneously benefitting from the hands-on special education experience. Read more about Pierson’s story HERE.

Under new rules authorized by the DOE in 2017, current teachers can apply for an alternative route to a special education endorsement to help fill the state’s great need. Typically a bachelor’s degree in special education is required, but the alternative route allows experienced educators with the support of their school and approval by the DOE to obtain the 15 credits of approved coursework needed to sit for the state certification exam. 

The USF courses were developed specifically for this alternative certification to ensure all objectives of the DOE’s alternative certification are exceeded or met. All courses are delivered online through USF’s Center for Professional Development.  

The first course, Special Education Law and Procedures, is scheduled for July 9­–August 17, 2019. To find out more about the certification click HERE.