Geneva College Responds to Changes to the PA Special Education Certification

BEAVER FALLS, PA (06/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Regulation changes being made by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will significantly impact all teachers seeking special education certification. In response, the Geneva College Masters of Education in Special Education program encourages all certified teachers considering obtaining special education certification to enroll in the program now.

After August 2013, the comprehensive kindergarten through 12th grade special education certification will no longer be issued, and will be replaced by separate pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and 7th through 12th grade certifications. Geneva's program can be completed in one to two years enabling students who begin by the fall 2011 semester to take advantage of the comprehensive K-12 certification before the August 2013 cut-off.

"A K-12 special education certification will provide the skills necessary to address the needs of all students," explains Program Director Dr. Karen Schmalz. "Teachers who hold the comprehensive special education certification are very marketable in today's challenging employment environment."

The program must be completed prior to the August 2013 deadline to obtain a K-12 special education certification. Students who do not complete the program by the deadline must choose either a PreK-8 or 7-12 certification program. The special education certification program is only available to those who currently hold an elementary or secondary teaching certification. Click here for more information and to enroll.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College's philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).