Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
Specialist Credential Level 1, Track A

The current shortage of special education teachers creates a growing demand for educators with this credential. APU now offers a fifth-year credential in special education for the teaching of mild/moderate disabled candidates (K-12).

APU candidates prepare to work in schools as teachers and they must know and demonstrate the content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all candidates learn. Therefore, the Department of Teacher Education assesses candidates from admission through recommendation of credentials in these credential standards. As a result, our candidates are highly sought after because of fulfillment of these professional standards.

The program is offered in two distinct tracks to accommodate educators from various points of entry. The Level I Credential offers Track A for those without a full-time teaching contract; Track B is for the currently contracted teacher. Candidates must see an advisor for proper placement in tracks with this credential program. Course content is application oriented, enabling candidates to take what they learn in the evening and use it in their classroom the next day.

Those who successfully complete the program and earn the Mild/Moderate Disabilities Credential are granted five years within which they must enroll in Level II of the specialist program to clear the credential. The Level II Credential is renewable. In this program, candidates develop an Individualized Induction Plan under the supervision of their school district and an APU advisor.