Demand Is on the Rise for Supervisors of Special Education Programs

Supervisors of special education programs are certified professionals who function as liaisons between school administration and the special education staff in K-12 public schools. Supervisors have direct influence over program budgets while working to maintain the professional development requirements of their staff. Additional responsibilities include program design and development, along with staff recruitment, hiring, and evaluation.

Penn State World Campus has partnered with the College of Education to offer a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved online graduate course of study leading toward PDE Certification as a supervisor of special education.

Penn State Graduate Study Leading toward PDE Certification as a Supervisor of Special Education

Penn State offers a PDE-approved online program that helps you meet the Pennsylvania requirements for certification as a supervisor of special education, and may also be subject to reciprocity in other states. Our program can enable you to fulfill the responsibilities delineated by PDE standards associated with:

• enhancing your school district's ability to meet its goals to best serve students with special needs
• directing other special education professionals
• providing direct input to administrators regarding the personnel management of special education professionals

Upon your successful completion of both Penn State and PDE certification requirements, you will be recommended to the PDE for certification as a supervisor of special education. Certification is awarded by the PDE, not Penn State.

Penn State’s College of Education is regularly ranked among the nation’s best graduate schools, according to U.S. News & World Report, and this online graduate program is taught by the same nationally recognized faculty. In addition, Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so all course work counts toward professional development hours.

Act 48 Approved

Penn State is an Act 48-approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the Special Education Supervisory Program for PDE Certification may count toward professional development hours.

Who Should Apply

This program is intended for special education professionals committed to their field, who wish to advance their career and work closely with school administration to achieve district goals. To apply, you must have a valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate in one or more areas of special education (speech pathology, mentally and physically handicapped, visual impairment, or hearing impairment). Please note that this program does not lead to initial teacher certification. 

Out-of-state educators who are interested in pursuing the supervisory certificate should contact Dr. James McAfee, the program academic adviser, prior to applying.

Career Prospects for Graduates

As a graduate of this program, you can have the knowledge and background to move into supervisory and director-level roles in special education. In some school systems, highly experienced teachers can also become mentors to less experienced teachers.

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.