{"id":11940,"date":"2026-09-03T14:25:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T14:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/?p=11940"},"modified":"2026-09-03T14:25:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T14:25:16","slug":"purdue-university-launches-new-online-transition-to-teaching-program-in-special-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/purdue-university-launches-new-online-transition-to-teaching-program-in-special-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Purdue University launches new online transition to teaching program in special education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Purdue University is launching a new online Transition to Teaching Licensure Program in Special Education<\/a> (SPED). The program assists professionals who want to transition into teaching careers with a focus on special education by preparing them to earn initial licensure in special education \u2013 mild intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taught in an online, flexible format, the program was designed for working professionals who are interested in teaching careers or already working in education as paraprofessionals. SPED teachers are in high demand across the country. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America<\/a>, 21% of schools report at least one vacancy in special education and 55% of schools report difficulty in filling special education positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students in the program complete a robust curriculum focused on evidence-based approaches to special education, including interventions for reading difficulties, transition education, SPED assessments and special education policies. All online courses are taught by faculty who teach on Purdue\u2019s flagship campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Launch your teaching career with Purdue University<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n Request Info<\/a>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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To set students up for success in real-life classrooms, the program emphasizes career-ready skills and mentorship. Students are paired with a mentor early in the program, giving them access to consistent coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities. Students also complete a hands-on student teaching experience that lets them apply what they\u2019ve learned in a classroom environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What sets Purdue\u2019s TTT SPED program apart is its commitment to supporting candidates throughout their journey,\u201d said Kristie Jones, program director and clinical assistant professor of special education at Purdue University. \u201cIn addition to coursework and field experiences, students participate in mentoring and targeted seminars designed to address real-world challenges, strengthen professional practice and create a community of support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPED teachers have the chance to make a daily impact on the lives of students with disabilities. They are essential to creating welcoming and inclusive K-12 schools, and the skills they possess are critical to setting students up for future success. Purdue\u2019s Transition to Teaching program in SPED gives aspiring teachers the skills they need to start making that impact immediately after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“There is a consistent demand for highly qualified special education teachers who are passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities,\u201d said Jones. \u201cBeyond job stability, transitioning into a special education career provides the intrinsic reward of helping students gain the academic, social and self-determination skills they need to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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SPED teachers help students discover their strengths, grow as learners and achieve their goals.<\/p>\n\n <\/blockquote>\n

Kristie Jones<\/p>\n

Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Graduates of the program are prepared to earn their teaching licensure in special education. The licensure is applicable to mild SPED interventions only. This program does not confer a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree upon completion. Students must hold a valid baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution to qualify for the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more by visiting the program\u2019s webpage.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Purdue University is launching a new online Transition to Teaching Licensure Program in Special Education<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":662,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[],"area-of-study":[10],"person":[73,75,74],"class_list":["post-11940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-program-news","area-of-study-education","person-alumni","person-faculty-staff","person-students"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t