The Special Education program prepares you to work with mild to moderately disabled children in a self-contained or resource classroom. You will learn child development, differentiated learning, behavior intervention strategies, working with families and community resources, and strategies to teach students with learning deficits.
The Department of Education faculty is committed to the professional preparation of teachers for employment in special education programs. The goals are to prepare teachers who are:
- Classroom leaders, professionally prepared to accept responsibility for student learning
- Highly knowledgeable in their cognitive areas
- Skilled in the techniques and methods of teaching across a diverse student population
- Practiced in the application of six domains of positive teacher dispositions
The Professional Semester – Special Education
A student enrolled in Cross Categorical Disabilities Student Teaching will assume the daily teaching schedule of the cooperating teacher. Cross Categorical Disabilities Student Teaching (EDU 427 Cross Categorical Disabilities Student Teaching) is to be taken during the student’s senior year. Seminar in Elementary Education & Human Relations (EDU 403 Seminar in Elementary Education and Human Relations) is to be taken concurrently with Cross Categorical Disabilities Student Teaching. A passing score on the appropriate Content Area Assessment is required before enrollment in EDU 403 Seminar in Elementary Education and Human Relations and EDU 427 Cross Categorical Disabilities Student Teaching.
Course work during the professional education semester is usually limited to EDU 403 Seminar in Elementary Education and Human Relations and EDU 427 Cross Categorical Disabilities Student Teaching. Petition for any additional course work must be submitted to the Education Department in the semester prior to Student Teaching.
All of Missouri Western’s teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Want to become a Certified Special Education Teacher?
Missouri Western State University offers two flexible pathways to certification for working paraprofessionals.
Why Choose Our Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Program?
- Affordable & Flexible: Our program is designed with working paraprofessionals in mind, providing a balance between work, study, and life commitments.
- Earn Certification: Become a certified K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education teacher through Missouri Western’s accredited program.
- Cohort-Based Learning: Join a supportive cohort of fellow paraprofessionals, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
- Funding Opportunities: Gain access to financial support, including the Workforce Incentive Grant (WIG), making it easier to achieve your goals without financial stress.
We are proud to partner with Saint Joseph School District and Kansas City Public Schools to provide this unique apprenticeship opportunity.
Take the next step in your career today with Missouri Western’s Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Program!
Students will receive a personalized plan to complete both your bachelor’s degree and special education certification (K-12, Mild- Moderate Cross-Categorical). This tailored approach allows you to continue working while advancing your career.
Mapping your degree plan is important. Consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.