Program Overview
The Education Specialist Accelerated Pathway - Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) is designed for the
experienced teacher with a
Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential seeking to add a
Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Education Specialist Credential to their educational portfolio. Teachers with special education credentials in other areas of specialization are welcome to apply as well.
The pathway prepares candidates to provide specially designed instruction that enable students ages TK-22 to access grade-level
California Content Standards in the
Least Restrictive Environment. Our program is built around a framework of
High Leverage Practices (HLP) in Special Education and for Inclusive Classrooms.
This specialization authorizes the holder to conduct educational assessments related to students’ access to the academic curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional goals, provide instruction, and special education support to students with mild to moderate support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities:
- Autism
- Emotional disturbance
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Traumatic brain injury
Education specialists provide instruction and support in one or more of the following domains:
academics, communication, gross/fine motor, social-emotional, behavioral, vocational, and learning environment access skills.
Additionally, supports may extend to health, movement, and sensory support. MMSN practices may include a lower student-to-educator ratio.
Program Highlights
- This
internship-based program offers
coursework 100% online.
- Cohorts begin each semester in
Spring,
Summer or
Fall.
- Interns are assigned a mentor at their school site and a school district support provider.
- The program can be completed in less than 12 months and leads to a recommendation for a California Preliminary Teaching Credential.
Cohorts & Schedule
SUMMER 2025 COHORT!
- Deadline to apply: April 20, 2025
- Orientation: April 20, 2025
- Semester starts: May 3, 2025
Tuition and Fees
- Program cost:
$10,000 - $11,000 in most cases, depending on how many units you have to take. The price per unit is $500.
- Non-refundable application fee: $75
The Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential - MMSN coursework consists of courses that equip educators to serve students ages TK-22 with learning disabilities, autism, and similar needs to access grade-level
California Content Standards in the Least Restrictive Environment.
There are three cohort entry points into the program. Each of them as a
specific course sequence recommended and linked to it.
We want to emphasize the importance of taking your courses in the sequence designed by the program, because this sequence has been carefully developed to ensure your success and readiness as an educator.
Internship with a school district is required.
Internship Eligibility Requirements:
-
Clear Credential
-
Verification of Employment (VOE): Signed letter from your school district confirming full-time teaching in the appropriate specialization classroom.
An
Internship Eligibility Letter will be issued upon meeting requirements.
- Any experienced teacher who already holds a
Clear Teaching Credential and wants to add a Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) special education credential to their portfolio.
- Teachers who hold a
Preliminary Teaching Credential and have
at least two years of exemplary teaching experience and want to add a Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) special education credential.
-
Designed for the Working Professional: Learn from anywhere with our convenient online format with classes scheduled on evenings and some weekends.
-
Flexible Payment Options: We offer payment plans to fit your budget.
-
Established and Trusted Program: Hundreds of educators have successfully earned their teaching credentials through our program, gaining valuable support from experienced faculty, coaches, and mentors.
-
Accelerated Pathway: Can be completed in less than 12 months.
