What is a Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential?

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with extensive support needs. This includes students with multiple disabilities, neurodivergence, and cognitive disabilities in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who require more intensive support and specialized instruction.

Do teaching credentials expire?

Even if you stay in your home state and have no intentions of moving, most teachers still have to renew their credentials every five years. One of the main criteria for renewal is showing proof of dedication to continuing education, whether through in-service training sessions or formal academic study.

What's the difference between an Extensive Support Needs Credential and a Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential?

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in general and inclusive classrooms, focusing on behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education, with a focus on working with students with fewer support needs.The Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential is distinct from other special education credentials primarily because of its specialized focus on students with higher support needs, including those with autism, multiple disabilities, or cognitive disabilities. This credential authorizes the holder to teach students in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. It prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills.Other California special education credentials include Early Childhood Special Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Standards Visual Impairments.

How does adding a Master of Arts in Teaching benefit me beyond having my bachelor’s degree and teaching credential?

Earning a master’s in teaching has numerous benefits for an educator. Here are a few key benefits: Expertise — You’ll expand your skills as an educator through the additional courses needed to earn your MAT, which all focus on broader issues in education. Increased salary potential — Most school districts offer higher pay tiers depending on the level of education. Career options — Having a master’s degree expands career options into areas such as curriculum coordinator, department head, assessment director, and various administrative roles. Expanded teaching — Should you choose at some point to broaden your teaching from the special education realm, an MAT can allow you to do so, although you may still have to gain subject matter expertise if you move into a completely new area. Still, your MAT would open possibilities teaching at community colleges, doing educational consulting, working at education nonprofits, and other options.

How long does it take to earn an MA in Teaching with a SPED Credential?

You can earn an MA in Teaching with a Special Education (SPED) teaching credential at UMass Global in as few as 15 months if you study full-time (taking 2 classes each session), or in about 30 months if you study part-time (taking 1 class each session). UMass Global offers 6 sessions per year, with each session lasting 8 weeks. This allows you to progress at the pace that fits your schedule.If you choose the UMass Global Internship Pathway, you can become an intern teacher—the teacher of record in your own classroom—after just four courses. This means you can begin earning a salary and gaining hands-on experience while finishing your credential coursework.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs Credential?

Obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs offers numerous benefits for educators and their students:Specialized Training: This credential provides educators with specialized training to effectively teach and support students with moderate to severe disabilities. This includes strategies for behavior management, communication, and adaptive skills.Career Opportunities: Educators with this credential are highly sought after due to the specialized nature of the role. There is a growing demand for teachers who are qualified to work with students who have extensive support needs. While this credential is specifically for teaching SPED in California, it lays the groundwork for a teacher to also work in other states with some additional coursework or testing.Making a Difference: Educators can make a significant difference in the lives of students with extensive support needs, helping them achieve their fullest potential in academic, social, and personal development.Advocacy and Leadership: Teachers with this credential often become advocates for students with disabilities, influencing policy and promoting inclusive education practices within their schools and communities.Collaboration Skills: Working with students with extensive support needs requires collaboration with families, therapists, and other educational professionals, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.Personal Fulfillment: Many educators find personal fulfillment and a strong sense of purpose in helping students with significant challenges overcome barriers and succeed in their educational journey.Earning a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs Credential equips educators with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality education to students with significant support needs, while also offering a rewarding and impactful career path.

What are key characteristics of a special education teacher?

There are many essential characteristics for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:They are active listenersThey have strong social perception skillsThey understand how to support different learning stylesThey are adept at complex problem-solvingThey are service-oriented

Course Based Programs

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global Course-Based Benefits

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Convenient online classes start every 8 weeks, 6 times a year.

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Teaching & Education

Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

Empower students with disabilities through UMass Global's MAT in Extensive Support Needs. CTC-accredited credential with intern eligibility and career advancement.

Next Start Date:

May 4, 2026

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Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Empower students with disabilities through UMass Global's MAT in Extensive Support Needs. CTC-accredited credential with intern eligibility and career advancement.

Degree Earned: Master's

Next Start: 05/04/2026

Learn More

Next Start: 05/04/2026

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA

Support diverse learners with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. CTC-accredited K-22 program with intern eligibility.

Next Start Date:

May 4, 2026

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Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Support diverse learners with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. CTC-accredited K-22 program with intern eligibility.

Degree Earned: Master's

Next Start: 05/04/2026

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Next Start: 05/04/2026

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject, MA

Inspire teenagers with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT & Single Subject Credential. Choose from 7 content areas with intern eligibility and career advancement.

Next Start Date:

May 4, 2026

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Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject, MA

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Inspire teenagers with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT & Single Subject Credential. Choose from 7 content areas with intern eligibility and career advancement.

Degree Earned: Master's

Next Start: 05/04/2026

Learn More

Next Start: 05/04/2026

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Teaching Credential - 2042 Single Subject

Teach your passion with UMass Global's California Single Subject Teaching Credential. CTC-accredited program covering 7 content areas with intern eligibility.

Next Start Date:

May 4, 2026

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Teaching Credential - 2042 Single Subject

CA Only

Teach your passion with UMass Global's California Single Subject Teaching Credential. CTC-accredited program covering 7 content areas with intern eligibility.

Degree Earned: Credentials & Authorizations

Next Start: 05/04/2026

Learn More

Next Start: 05/04/2026

I would have never been able to quit my job to enroll in school. That was not an option because I'm a breadwinner in my household. Having the opportunity to keep my job and continue to work, and to work around my schedule as a full-time employee and a mother of a toddler was really the icing on top.

Monica T.

Business Administration, MBA

My journey at UMass Global has been transformative. The university not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success but also instills a sense of purpose and a passion for lifelong learning. If you are considering applying to UMass Global, be prepared to embark on a fulfilling educational adventure that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Julia R.

Teaching, MA with Extensive Support Needs Credential

SDC Teacher, Palmdale School District

The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.

Dominique H.

Psychology, BA

Course-Based Programs

Instructor-Led Learning, Built For Busy Lives

WASC Senior College and University Commission

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global Course-Based Benefits

Designed for Adult Students

Dedicated Resources

Faculty-Led Courses

Programs Offered

Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA

Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA

Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject, MA

Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject, MA

Teaching Credential - 2042 Single Subject

Teaching Credential - 2042 Single Subject

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