Online Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Licensure (PAIL) in Special Education: General Curriculum
The primary goal of the online PAIL program is to prepare professionals for diverse roles in working with individuals with disabilities across the lifespan in a variety of inclusive educational and community environments.
Successful completion of this online program culminates in a license, not a degree.
Example Careers:
Special Education Teacher, Inclusion Specialist, Resource Teacher
Designed For
This online PAIL program is designed to provide initial teacher licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum to individuals who have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university in a field other than education and desire to work in K-12 classrooms. The online PAIL program is designed for anyone seeking initial licensure in special education. Students in the online PAIL program have consisted of individuals already working in schools, such as teacher assistants or those looking for a career change. This program is ideal for students who need to work from a distance, eliminating travel to campus.
Career Opportunities
Throughout their online coursework, students have numerous opportunities to use cases and problem-based learning that includes appropriate implementation of inclusive practices. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are prepared to teach students with disabilities who are following the general curriculum in a variety of inclusive settings.
Research Interests
We value diverse and evidence-based pedagogical, instructional, curricular, and positive behavioral approaches as well as research methodologies designed to produce appropriate learning outcomes for all students.
Program of Study
- 21 credit hours
- 10 week Full-Time Student Teaching placement
Review the PAIL Program of Study and Licensure Requirements in the bulletin, here.
Minimum Program Requirements
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a resume, three letters of recommendation and Personal Statement of goals, past experience and unique skills. Applicants must submit all application materials required by The Graduate School by the appropriate deadline.
Additional Information
Candidates will need to submit an electronic portfolio which is assembled from projects completed during coursework. Candidates will need to take a licensure exam after (or during) coursework is complete in order to get a special education teaching license.
Students who complete the online PAIL program have the option to transition into the MEd in Special Education in which they may be eligible for an advanced license in Special Education. Course work from the plan of study for the online PAIL program in Special Education may be applied to the MEd in special education provided the student meets all admission requirements of The Graduate School and the Department of Specialized Education Services.
