Special Education Teacher

Designed For

Longhorns in Residence prepares teachers for special education classrooms across grade levels, equipping them to create inclusive, effective learning environments for students with disabilities.

The All-level Special Education program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs in elementary, middle and high school settings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for positions including:

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Resource Teacher
  • Inclusion Specialist
  • Behavior Support Teacher
  • Transition Services Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher (EC-6)
  • ESL-Certified Elementary Teacher
  • Instructional Support Teacher
  • Elementary Intervention Teacher

Program Overview

The All-Level Special Education pathway prepares educators to deliver specialized instruction and individualized support for students with disabilities across a wide range of educational environments.

Through graduate coursework and an intensive residency experience, you’ll learn how to collaborate with families, teachers and school personnel to help every student thrive.

What You’ll Learn

  • Foundations of special education
  • Inclusive instructional practices
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
  • Assessment and progress monitoring
  • Behavior support and intervention
  • Collaboration and consultation strategies
  • Legal and ethical issues in special education

Certification Recommendation

Upon successful completion of certification requirements, candidates will be recommended for Early Childhood-Grade 12 Special Education Certification.

Coursework and Schedule

Online coursework, which will include two classes per semester during the summer, fall and spring terms, will be announced soon.

Summer

Residency Experience

  • Complete 50 hours of Field-Based Experience and 60 hours of Independent Learning Modules
  • Resident Orientation with assigned district (late July/early August)

Fall

Residency Experience

  • Four days per week in the classroom
  • One day per week for UT coursework

Spring

Teacher Certification Activities

  • Take the STR and SPED EC-12 Specialist exams

Residency Experience

  • One day per week for UT coursework
  • Four days per week in the classroom

Information Sessions

We encourage you to attend an information session before applying. Please sign up to receive program updates, including information session details.

Oct. 19 – 5:30 pm (CST)

Nov. 03 – 12:00 pm (CST)

Dec. 09 – 5:30 pm (CST)

Jan. 11 – 12:00 pm (CST)

Jan. 26 – 15:30 pm (CST)

Feb. 03 – 5:30 pm (CST)

Tuition and Financial Aid 

Tuition for the Longhorns in Residence program is the same as the College of Education’s graduate tuition rates. The program consists of 18 total credit hours, taken as six credit hours per semester over three semesters. You can estimate your costs using the tuition calculator. 

The Longhorns in Residence program is eligible for federal financial aid. The College of Education also has scholarship opportunities. 
Additionally, partner school districts will pay teacher residents at least $20,000 for the August through May assignment. 

Contact Us

Headshot of Sarah Johnson, Project Manager-Teacher Education Residency Programs.

Sarah Johnson

Project Manager-Teacher Education Residency Programs