Find out what kinds of education supervisor certificate programs are available and the prerequisites for such programs. Get information about the classes typically offered and other requirements.
What Online Education Supervisor Certificates Are Available?
Education supervisor certificates are typically available online for special education. This type of certificate is a non-degree program and can typically be earned in less than a year. Special education supervisor certificates are available in fully online formats, as well as in hybrid formats that blend online courses with traditional classroom study. To attend your classes, you will log into an online learning platform offered through a schools website. Web conferencing or other special software may be required, in addition to a computer, meeting hardware and software requirements, and a high-speed Internet connection.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Options</b></td><td>Online and hybrid non-degree certificates available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Master's degree in special education, teaching license, special education teaching experience</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Special education issues, education law, intervention strategies, instructional supervision</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 3% for Special Education Teachers and Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median annual salary (May 2020)</b></td><td> $61,420 for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School and $98,490 for Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AreTherePrerequisites">Are There Prerequisites?</h3><p>Supervisor of special education certificates requires a master's degree in special education. You'll also need a valid teaching license and at least 3-5 years of special education teaching experience. If you don't have a master's degree, some schools will still allow you to apply if you can provide transcripts showing you've completed previous graduate work in special education or are willing to take some prerequisite courses to satisfy the requirement.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudy">What Topics Will I Study?</h3><p>Online special education supervisor certificates will provide you with the knowledge needed to manage special education programs, teachers and students in grades K-12, as well as help you transition from teaching to administration. You will learn leadership skills while adding to the instructional and curriculum development skills you already have. Some common course topics include:
</p><ul><li>School administration
</li><li>Special education issues
</li><li>Budgeting and finance
</li><li>Education law
</li><li>Teacher supervision
</li><li>Teaching and personal responsibility
</li><li>Education trends
</li><li>Program management
</li><li>Intervention strategies
</li><li>Normative and curriculum-based measurement
</li><li>Instructional supervision
</li></ul><p>In addition, these programs require a supervised internship in order for you to gain practical experience in special education administration. Some programs require successful completion of the PRAXIS II exam in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Educational_Leadership_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">educational leadership</a> in order to receive your certificate. Other conditions may also need to be met depending on your state board of education's requirements.</p>
