The Special Education Generalist Certificate of Proficiency for Endorsement prepares educators to support students with diverse abilities in inclusive and equitable learning environments. This program provides teachers with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based practices, collaborate with families and professionals, and advocate for the academic, social, and emotional growth of all learners.
Teachers seeking this added endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education must hold a valid Colorado professional teacher license.
By completing this certificate, teachers can apply to add the Special Education Generalist endorsement to their Colorado teaching license. This 24-credit (eight-course) program, approved by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), is designed to prepare educators to work with students who have exceptional learning needs, including a wide range of learning, emotional, and physical disabilities. You will develop the skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support students’ cognitive, academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional development. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, inclusive pedagogy, and family-centered approaches to support areas of need that honor students’ unique strengths and diversities. Each course includes practicum hours in partnership with local school districts, providing real-world experience in supporting students with disabilities.
In order to add any endorsement to a Colorado teaching license, once students complete the required coursework at CMC, they must take all required assessments, obtain a program verification form from the Director of Education or fill out the Endorsement Worksheets on the CDE website, and apply directly through CDE to receive the endorsements. The state also has experience requirements on top of any required classes.
The curriculum in this certificate includes many of the courses in the Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degree and credits may be applied toward that degree.
Completers of this program will receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from Colorado Mountain College in Special Education Generalist.
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