Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education

Special Education Teaching Certificate (PK–12 Endorsement Pathway)

The Special Education Teaching Certificate provides the coursework required for a Special Education endorsement (PK–12) in the state of Montana. Montana State University participates in Montana’s Special Education Endorsement Program, and completion of this certificate supports endorsement eligibility in accordance with Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) requirements.

The certificate supports two pathways. Undergraduate students may complete the certificate coursework in combination with another Montana-approved teaching endorsement, leading to eligibility for a Special Education endorsement (PK–12). Licensed teachers who do not currently hold a Special Education endorsement may complete the coursework to meet endorsement requirements.

Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practices, collaboration with families and professionals, assessment and intervention, and inclusive instruction for students with mild to moderate disabilities across PK–12 settings. Not all courses are offered every semester; students are encouraged to plan coursework carefully. EDSP 306 is offered every semester.

Completion of the certificate provides the required coursework for endorsement but does not, by itself, constitute licensure. Final determination of endorsement eligibility is made by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

For additional information or advising, contact Leslie Rogers at leslie.rogers1@montana.edu.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Content: Candidates understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines and can create standards‐based learning experiences that make these aspects of subjects or content knowledge meaningful for students.
  • Diversity: Candidates create learning environments that allow ALL students to be socially and academically successful, by validating students’ cultural heritages, integrating their life experiences, and promoting their overall development. Candidates demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions to address the instructional responsibilities needed to integrate Indian Education for All across the curriculum in a culturally responsive manner.
  • Pedagogy: Candidates understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to foster students’ motivation for learning and encourage the development of students’ conceptual understandings and performance/work force skills. Candidates use knowledge of effective communication techniques and make appropriate use of educational technology to support planning, instruction, and student learning.
  • Assessment: Candidates understand and demonstrate use of formal and informal assessment strategies and tools to direct planning of instruction for the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of all learners. This ongoing practice includes pre‐, formative and summative analysis of student learning, individually, in groups, and in whole class settings. Candidates plan lessons and instructional sequences are based upon knowledge of subject matter, standards, learning outcomes, students, and the community.
  • Professionalism: Candidates demonstrate the ability to reflect on classroom decision‐making with regard to content, diversity, pedagogy and assessment in order to improve teaching and learning. Candidates are reflective practitioners that examine their own biases and endeavor to provide equitable educational opportunities for students. Candidates demonstrate an understanding that education happens in a context and develop effective relationships with family and community members.

Proposed Curriculum: 

EDSP 306Exceptional Learners3
EDSP 458Assessment and Intervention4
EDU 438Literacy Assessment, Diagnosis and Instruction3
EDSP 462 Special Education Law, Policies & Practices3
EDSP 410Supporting Diverse Learners Through Collaboration3
EDSP 464Methods of Instruction for Students with High Incidence Disabilities 3
EDSP 434Behavioral Principles of Teaching & Learning 3
EDSP 498Internship: Special Education2
Total Credits24