Director of Special Education Program Details

Our Director of Special Education License prepares you to best serve students and their families. You’ll be ready for leadership in an administrative role as you build skills in problem-solving, organizational management and communication, resource allocation, and policy.

We have opportunities to start throughout the year. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for more information.

Total credits

34

Finish in as few as

2 years

Courses

• Leadership & Theory Foundations (EDUC800)

  Examination of the roles school leaders play as they pertain to ethics and influencing the school community. Analysis of the historical, philosophical and cultural aspects of educational reform. Analysis of leadership simulations using a combination of models for decision making, human communications, conflict management, organizational change, vision building, and school communication Exploration of the balance between personal faith and/or values and professional leadership in an environment characterized by separation of church and state.

  4 credits

• Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment (EDUC810)

  Engages in contextual learning applying principles of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Develops effective curricular and instructional plans for organizations. Analyzes district-wide literacy initiatives and leads school-wide literacy efforts. Explores professional development, research, and best practices for integrating curriculum, instruction, and technology.

  4 credits

• Leadership for Inclusive Learning Environments (EDUC825)

  Exploration of the dynamics of engaging differences, including cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, ability, age differences, and others. Focus on providing effective leadership in pluralistic systems, including creating a hospitable organizational environment and maintaining relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders. Analysis of assumptions, beliefs, behaviors, and capacities with regard to differences.

  4 credits

• Administration of Essential Educational Programs (EDUC830)

  Analysis of school policies and procedures to ensure that essential programs are in place. Awareness of how personal belief systems affect decision-making. Examination of school relationships, communication, culture and environment, teachers and student engagement, school supervision, safety, instructional supervision, and student learning.

  4 credits

• Operations and Personnel Administration (EDUC840)

  Application of personal and organizational management skills. Synthesis of school/district mission and vision in systemic planning and relationship between leadership and conflict management. Development of communication to foster public relations and address organizational politics. Analysis of the factors of school cultures. Integration of faith/worldview and core values with leadership strategies.

  4 credits

• Legal Issues in School Administration (EDUC860)

  Examination of educational laws and policies, the process by which they are created, and their impact on schools. Analysis of leadership and communication around legal issues and policies, with emphasis on accuracy, clarity, and correct implementation. Evaluation of laws and policies, their application and outcomes, and recommended changes.

  4 credits

• Resource Management (EDUC865)

  Examines constitutional authority for public school funding and tax structures. Evaluates budgets and publications against best practices. Applies emerging practices and key aspects of human resource management. Analyzes resource allocation to improve student learning. Explores connections between personal values, ethics, and resource management in schools.

  4 credits

• Director of Special Education (EDUC868)

  Applies state and federal laws, rules, and procedures governing Special Education funding, administration, and district practices, including board meetings and policies. Evaluates available resources and agencies serving Minnesota students with disabilities and families. Designs, implements, and assesses Special Education programs through needs assessment and program development.

  4 credits

• Director of Special Education Internship (EDUC889)

  School-based experience of at least 320 hours; at least 40 hours at a special education administrative unit other than student’s primary experience. Jointly supervised by Bethel faculty and onsite licensed and practicing special education director. Direct experience in administrative duties; synthesis of learning between academic program and host district administrative needs.

  2 credits

How is the license awarded?

The Director of Special Education License is awarded through the Minnesota Board of School Administrators after completing all required steps, including:

• Director of Special Education Internship: A paid or unpaid school-based experience of at least 320 hours to be completed over 12 continuous months. Students are placed in their local area.
• Electronic Portfolio: A portfolio demonstrating skills learned throughout the program through audio, video, and other forms of electronic documentation.
• License Review Panel: A panel of practicing administrators and program directors reviews each student based on their portfolio, a presentation, and a question and answer session with the panel. A license application process is initiated for students who meet the standards. Students who do not meet the standards will work with their onsite mentor and advisor to reinforce skills that need improvement.

Please note that this license program is not eligible for financial aid.