Special Education Department

The UAF School of Education special education programs cultivate compassionate, skilled professionals who serve K-12 learners with disabilities. Our special education programs blend rigorous training, clinical practice and cultural responsiveness to effectively support and advocate for all students.

 

Programs overview

The UAF School of Education prepares future educators through Alaska‑focused programs. We provide a supportive learning environment for classroom teachers, subject-matter experts and community educators.

Explore our undergraduate and postbaccalaureate offerings:

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Minor in special education
Add specialized coursework and field experience to your elementary or secondary education major and enhance your ability to support students with exceptional needs. Leads to a K-12 endorsement in special education when completed as part of the BAE or BAS programs.
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K-12 postbaccalaureate initial teaching certification in special education
Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are not certified teachers, this certificate prepares you for special education K-12 licensure through focused coursework and clinical field experience. Specific training in the areas of disabilities, assessment, intervention strategies, current law and the implementation of programs, including the development of legally defensible documents related to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, make up the foundation of this program. You can apply all credits toward UAF’s special education M.Ed. program.

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K-12 postbaccalaureate certification with additional endorsement in special education
Designed for individuals who hold a teaching certification in elementary or secondary education and want to add a special education endorsement, this certificate prepares you for K-12 special education licensure through targeted coursework and clinical field experience. Specific training in the areas of disabilities, assessment, intervention strategies, current law and the implementation of programs, including the development of legally defensible documents related to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, make up the foundation of this program. You can apply all credits toward UAF’s special education M.Ed. program.
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M.Ed. in special education
Available fully online, this advanced degree builds on the foundation of the postbaccalaureate programs through the addition of three special education electives and an educational research course. Courses are digitally delivered using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats. Choose a track focused on initial certification, additional endorsement or a non-certification/endorsement option, all designed to enhance your ability to understand and support K-12 students with special education needs. 

 

Why choose UAF’s special education programs?

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Clinical focus
Both the initial teacher certification and additional endorsement programs prepare candidates for a K–12 special education endorsement. To help candidates gain experience supporting students with special education needs of different ages and ability levels and to practice collaborating in real school settings, fieldwork is carefully aligned with the concepts covered in each course. All but two courses in the EDSE collection provide students with fieldwork opportunities. 
Students participate in an Alaska Native cultural dance
Alaska-context learning
The UAF special education programs are designed with Alaska’s unique context in mind. Coursework emphasizes the needs of rural communities, Indigenous populations and multicultural settings, preparing educators to provide responsive support for learners across the state. Through this focus, candidates develop the skills to address educational challenges specific to Alaska while fostering equal opportunity and cultural respect, which directly aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Standard 2, specifically, 2.2 which states, “Candidates use their knowledge and understanding of various factors that influence development and learning, including differences related to families, languages, cultures, communities and individual differences, including exceptionalities, to plan and implement learning experiences and environments.”

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Flexible format
All courses in the special education programs are offered entirely online, combining synchronous and asynchronous formats. Classes are scheduled in the evenings to provide flexible options that accommodate the demands of working professionals.
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Career advancement
Initial K-12 special education certification, additional endorsement and graduate credentials.

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Delivery format

All coursework in the special education programs is delivered entirely online through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats. Course delivery options are designed to meet the needs of today’s professionals, with meeting times in the evening to accommodate busy schedules. Practicum experiences (classroom observations) and clinical practice experiences (student teaching) are completed in public school classrooms in settings that align with course content. Practicum and student teaching placements are granted at the discretion of the school district. UAF cannot guarantee placement.

Career pathways and outcomes

Graduates step into impactful roles across Alaska, other parts of the U.S.* and international settings.

* Each state has its own unique requirements for authorization. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings website.

Frequently asked questions

General education classroom

  • Students with disabilities learn alongside peers in the general education setting.
  • Special education teachers provide accommodations, modifications and supports (e.g., co-teaching, in-class support).
  • Focus is on promoting belonging and access to the general curriculum.

Resource room/pull-out services

  • Students spend part of the day in a smaller setting for targeted instruction.
  • Emphasis on individualized or small-group support in areas such as reading, math or behavior.
  • Students return to the general education classroom for the majority of instruction.
  • Designed for students who need intensive support across multiple academic or functional areas.
  • Smaller class sizes allow for individualized instruction and structured routines.
  • May serve students with significant cognitive, behavioral or developmental needs.
  • Examples include life skills classrooms, autism programs or behavior intervention programs.
  • Focus may be on functional academics, communication, social skills or vocational training.
  • Often integrates community-based instruction and individualized supports.
  • Special education teacher collaborates with general education teachers to provide strategies and resources.
  • May focus on modifying curriculum, providing professional development or supporting paraprofessionals.
  • Increases capacity for welcoming practices across classrooms.

 

Accreditation

All special education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). Graduates meet Alaska’s requirements for K-12 special education licensure, including passing the Praxis II special education exam.

UAF CAEP accreditation

CAEP Accreditated Shield