Lead the Way as a Director of Special Education
If you have been working in special education, you know this field requires focused, experienced leadership. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an opportunity to obtain an advanced credential and pursue a role as a director of special education.
Our online Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate program is for professionals who already have a master’s degree and teaching experience in the field of special education. Are you ready to take the lead in developing curriculums, setting policies, and advocating for students who learn differently? Here, we discuss the skills required and the details of our program.
Develop Administrative Skills That Benefit Special Education Programs
The goal of all special education professionals is to help students living with disabilities engage with educational resources. As you know, this teaching vocation often is characterized by individual, one-on-one interactions. Depending on the specific special education program this can be accomplished in a variety of settings, including classrooms designed exclusively for special education or in situations where students at all levels and abilities learn together.
Often, special education is a collaborative undertaking, with specialists working together to create an individual education plan for each student based on their needs and abilities. Parents and family members may be more involved with special education students than their mainstream peers, and some legalities and regulations must be considered.
When it comes to leadership skills for special education teachers, professionals can develop skill sets and attributes that aid the progress of special education students within and outside of the school system. Our Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate program is designed to help leaders confidently use administrative skills, including:
- Overseeing special education programs
- Developing and implementing programs
- Evaluating program progress
- Supervising teachers and other staff
- Using advanced assessment tools
- Solving problems creatively
- Serving with integrity
Modern special education is founded on an appreciation for diversity and a passion for equality. Leaders and teachers hold high ethical standards. They practice compassion and service within their job roles. However, the work of special education leaders requires an understanding of physical operations, as well as financials, budgets, and human resources management. The graduate certificate program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota helps special education professionals further develop and refine skills that will help them become leaders in the field.
About Our Director of Special Education Program
The Director of Special Education Certificate program can be completed in two years, and most of the coursework is accomplished online. All students meet during the two-day Summer Institute on the Minneapolis Campus. This unique gathering offers inspirational speakers and opportunities to explore the principles behind the work of special education. Our graduates are welcome to return to Summer Institute and often do. It is an opportunity to refresh, learn, and network.
Our curriculum complies with the rules of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators that governs licensure programs for directors of special education. It covers required competencies, such as:
- Equity and culturally responsive leadership
- Political influence and governance
- Community relations
- Safety and security
- Values and ethics leadership
The program focuses on policy and law as it pertains to special education and leadership roles. Students learn how to facilitate planning, design assessment strategies, and monitor the effectiveness of diversity initiatives. Courses include:
- Legal Issues in Special Education
- Leadership: Purpose and Motivation
- Ethical Decision-Making for School Leaders
- Continuous Improvement for Learning
- Leading Flourishing Schools
- Director of Special Education Field Experience I, II, and III
Our Catholic Education Standards Set Us Apart
The mission of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota aligns with that of all education professionals and perhaps especially with those who are motivated to pursue the role of director of special education. In every classroom, whether in person or online, we offer relationship-driven, person-centered education. Honoring our Lasallian Catholic education tradition, we endeavor to awaken and empower our students to enter into service and leadership.
Obtain the Skills and Credentials Leaders in Special Education Need
Take the next step in your special education career and set your sights on ethical leadership with our Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate program. We encourage all potential students to connect with our admissions staff, who can help you determine eligibility for this program. Special education is an important, potentially ground-breaking area of education today, and our communities need qualified professionals to lead the way. For more information, contact us today.
