Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Teaching Credential

Special Education Program Outcomes

The education specialist plans and delivers instruction for mild to moderate disabilities. The candidate plans and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction based on the California Content Standards. The teacher candidate incorporates a variety of teaching strategies and resources to make the subject matter accessible and engaging to the needs of diverse students.

The education specialist uses assessment for a variety of purposes. The candidate designs and interprets a variety of assessments, and also uses assessment data to plan instruction, monitor instruction, design and monitor the classroom environment, and learn about and place students. In addition the teacher candidate uses reflective practice as a means of self assessment.

The education specialist provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The candidate creates a positive social environment and a safe and welcoming physical environment that supports learning for all students. The teacher candidate uses instructional time wisely and efficiently.

The education specialist models a servant-leadership lifestyle. The candidate models servant-leadership, exhibits a professional attitude and communicates effectively with students, families and school personnel. The teacher candidate is aware of and carries out legal and ethical responsibilities.

Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Preliminary California Credential

Concordia’s Special Education Program prepares candidates to teach students with special needs. This program leads to a California Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Preliminary Credential. This credential authorizes candidates to teach students with learning disabilities, mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities, attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism, and emotional disturbances. Candidates entering this program with a baccalaureate degree may combine the credential courses with advanced work to complete a Masters of Education degree.

Required: 38 semester hours for Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Credential

Education Specialist Coursework

Semester 1 (15 units)

• EDUC 200 The Teacher and Technology 1 unit
• EDSP 204 Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations (20 hours field experience) - 2 units
• EDSP 301 Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners - 3 units
• EDSP 501 Planning and Assessment for Inclusive Classrooms - 3 units
• EDSP 502 Creating Positive and Inclusive Learning Environments - 3 units
• EDSP 551 Language and Culture - 3 units

Semester 2 (11 units)

• EDSP 525 Advanced Curriculum Methods – 3 units
• EDSP 526 Assessment, Case Management, & Collaboration – 3 units
• EDSP 560 Literacy Development in Diverse Classrooms – 4 units
• EDSP 580 TPA Practicum: Field Experience – 1 unit

40 hours of field experience are connected with Semester 2 EDSP Courses

Semester 3 (12 units): Student Teaching Semester

• EDSP 584 Student Teaching II: Special Populations – 12 units
  Student teaching for the education specialist is full-time for an entire semester. In all field experiences, including student teaching, candidates gain a variety of experiences in planning and delivering instruction and services in the broad range of service delivery options under the umbrella of the Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate credential. Candidates collaborate with parents and special education personnel and gain experience with the full range of disabilities set forth in the Mild-Moderate categories.

Apply now, read about Test Requirements, or attend the next Info Night.

Dual Credential Program

For those candidates interested in earning an Education Specialist Credential and a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential concurrently, Concordia offers a Dual Credential program. Candidates will complete one additional semester of coursework and fieldwork leading to two separate credentials: EDSP + Multiple Subject or EDSP + Single Subject. To work toward a dual credential, you will complete a carefully designed sequence of coursework for both programs, followed by one semester of student teaching. Half of your student teaching will be in a general education setting and half will be in a special education setting.

Contact Us

To learn more or to apply to Concordia's Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Teaching Credential Program, please fill out our inquiry form or contact our Assistant Director of Admissions, Jenna Lucas, at jenna.lucas@cui.edu or (949) 214-3013.