Requirements for Childhood/Special Education Teacher Certification

Students who wish to qualify for recommendation for an initial dual certification in childhood and special education in New York state (grades 1-6) must complete the childhood curriculum major and select one of the eight options for their emphasis area: American Sign Language, art, English, family and child studies, global studies, mathematics, Spanish, or science.  They must complete all degree requirements for the major; they must complete one semester of a foreign language or its equivalent (three years of of a single language in high school fulfills this requirement); they must complete the required hours of field experience working with students in their area and level of desired certification, students with disabilities, and students in a high-needs school; they must complete workshops in mandated reporting, substance abuse, and violence prevention; and they must complete the required New York state teacher exams.  Further details on these examinations are available in the division office.  Teacher candidates must apply for New York State certification through NYSED.gov.