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Knowles Teaching Fellowship - Planning to Teach High School Math or Science?  See if you'd qualify.

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Knowles Teaching Fellowship - Planning to Teach High School Math or Science?  See if you'd qualify.

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Our special education programs teach you the skills to work with students with disabilities in US schools. You will work with several mentors as you learn skills and responsibilities of a public school special education teacher. Courses are 100% online, including Zoom video teleconferencing to learn from members of your cohort, expert faculty, and professionals in the field. Because the program is online, it accommodates full-time work. You'll only need to consider scheduling for the Zoom meetings.

Master of Arts in Education: Special Education

The Master of Arts in Education: Special Education is a 32-credit program. Upon completion, you may apply to the Colorado Department of Education for an endorsement as a Special Education Generalist.

Licensure

You can complete this program and earn you Master of Arts in Education: Special Education; in 32 credit hours, building off your existing teaching license.

If you do not already have a teaching license, you may add 6 credits of coursework to the MAE program (for a total of 38) and complete 800 hours of student teaching to prepare you for initial licensure.

Special Education Endorsement

The Special Education Endorsement is a 24-credit program, including 240 internship hours in a special education classroom, or engaged in administrative or professional development activities. If you already have a teaching license, you may want to add a special education endorsement to your teaching qualifications. Through our program, you will be able to monitor progress for students with disabilities, advocate for students with disabilities, plan transitions for a variety of settings, and process and identify strategies for Response to Intervention (RtI).

Special Education Alternative Certification

The Special Education Alternative Certification is an 8-credit program that allows non-special education licensed educators to fill special education positions with guidance and support from mentors and an instructor while gaining a special education endorsement. Through our program, you will be able to monitor progress for students with disabilities, advocate for students with disabilities, plan transitions for a variety of settings, and process and identify strategies for Response to Intervention (RtI). See an overview of the coursework.

See learning outcomes for all of our Special Education programs.

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Our special education programs teach you the skills to work with students with disabilities in US schools. You will work with several mentors as you learn skills and responsibilities of a public school special education teacher. Courses are 100% online, including Zoom video teleconferencing to learn from members of your cohort, expert faculty, and professionals in the field.

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Course sequence

All courses are taught in a hybrid format, with online components and class meetings (either in person or by Zoom video conference).

Fall 1

12 credits

ED 611: Engaging Learning Environments (3 credits)

ED 613: Content Methods (3 credits)

ED 620: Cultural Competency & Schools (3 credits)

ED 605: Student Teaching I (3 credits)

Spring 1

9 credits

ED 621: Engaging Learning Environments II (3 credits)

ED 623: Content Literacy (3 credits)

ED 615: Student Teaching II (3 credits)

Summer 1

3 credits

ED 600: Introduction to Graduate Research in Education (3 credits)

Fall 2

6 credits

ED 603: Instructional Schools Technology

ED 619: Teacher Professional Growth I (3 credits)

Spring 2

6 credits

ED 680: Capstone Project (3 credits)

ED 625: Teacher Professional Growth II (3 credits)

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All courses are taught in a hybrid format, with online components and class meetings (either in person or by Zoom video conference).

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Application Checklist

Apply Online

Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission. Select your program preference on the drop-down menu for "Application Type." When you submit the application, you will be required to pay the $50 application fee by electronic check or credit card. This fee is non-refundable. If you are experiencing difficulties with the submission of your graduate application, email gradstudies@fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7097.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework are required for admission to FLC Graduate Studies. Electronic official transcripts are preferred. Please have electronic transcripts directly from the institution you attended (or National Transcript Clearinghouse) to the Fort Lewis College Graduate Studies. Unofficial transcripts or emailed transcripts from a third party are not considered official.

Fort Lewis College transcripts will be obtained for you. If you attended FLC in the past and had transfer work, please email a list of the institutions you attended to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu and we will inquire with the Undergraduate Admissions office if these official transcripts are on file. Admission documents are only required to be kept for one year. If your transfer transcripts are not available, it is your responsibility to request official transcripts to include with your application.

In addition to degree applicable coursework, official documents are required for all professional and personal development for which you received credit on a college transcript (this includes conference attendance or coursework for licensure credit). If any of the transcripts show work in progress, final transcripts must also be submitted.

Submit official transcripts to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu or

Fort Lewis College
Graduate Studies
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301

Essay

Submit a 1,200 to 1,500-word statement in a Word document or PDF that describes: 1) your interest in graduate education and how it contributes to your personal and professional goals and 2) how the Fort Lewis College graduate program to which you are applying will help you meet your goals. Email your finished statement to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write APPLICATION ESSAY [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

Résumé

Email a copy of your current résumé in a Word document or PDF to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write RÉSUMÉ [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

Background check & fingerprints

Principal Leadership, Special Education, and Teacher Licensure only

The Teacher Education Department will complete a background check in Colorado as well as your current state of residency. Get started using these fingerprinting instructions and contact the Teacher Education Department's Administrative Assistant 970-247-7291 to request the materials.

If you are employed as a teacher outside of Colorado, you will need to complete a background check and submit your fingerprints to the Colorado Department of Education.

Content Tests

Special Education and Teacher Licensure only

Take the Praxis test in your content area (Special Education students take the Elementary Education #5001 exam) and have the official score report sent to Fort Lewis College Teacher Education.

Letters of Recommendation

Principal Leadership only

One letter should be from your potential mentor principal or a current school principal who would provide insights into your leadership skills and ability to succeed as a principal. The second letter should be from a peer or colleague addressing your leadership experience and professional skills that will make you succeed as a principal. Email letters to: gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

Employment Confirmation

Special Education Alternative Certification only

You may download this statement of assurance form and complete the top section, obtain the signature of your employer, and email to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write SOA [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

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Application Checklist & Deadlines | Graduate Studies | Fort Lewis College

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Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission. Select your program preference on the drop-down menu for "Application Type." When you submit the application, you will be required to pay the $50 application fee by electronic check or credit card. This fee is non-refundable.

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Students in the Special Education field qualify to apply for the Teacher Residency Program grant with a living wage salary of $55,000.

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Because everyone deserves an education, and one size does not fit all. Because you value and appreciate the uniqueness every person holds, and thrive in connecting with people. Grow as a mentor, role model, and educator as the young people you work with overcome challenges, and find joy in discovery.

This is an online program with no scheduled course meetings, so it fits with a variety of schedules. You must have a bachelor's degree to enroll. You may enroll in an additional six credit hours to qualify for teacher licensure while you earn your graduate degree or you may add a special education endorsement to your existing teaching license.
Request information
Program options

Master of Arts in Education

The Master of Arts in Education: Special Education is a one year, 32-credit program that focuses on students with disabilities in US schools. You will work closely with mentors as you develop the skills and responsibilities to become a public school special education teacher.
See the MAE course sequence
Special Education Endorsement

Seek an endorsement in special education to augment your existing teaching license and expand your practice as a teacher.
See the Endorsement course sequence
Alternative Certification

Enroll in our alternative certification program to become a licensed special education teacher when you hold district-approved employment in special education.

Candidates receive mentoring from a school or district experienced educator and from a college supervisor

All courses are online

Scholarships up to $6,000 available

See the Alternative Certification course sequence

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Master's in Special Education | Fort Lewis College | Durango CO

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Because everyone deserves an education, and one size does not fit all. Because you value and appreciate the uniqueness every person holds, and thrive in connecting with people. Grow as a mentor, role model, and educator as the young people you work with overcome challenges, and find joy in discovery.

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Science and Mathematics fields  qualify to apply for the Teacher Residency Program grant with a living wage salary of $55,000.

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Our teacher preparation program incorporates 800 hours of school-based experiences required for Colorado teaching licensure in an innovative, immersive, and structured approach. This five-semester hybrid program will allow you to earn teacher licensure and a Master of Arts in Education.

As a student, you will be eligible for a Colorado teaching certificate at the conclusion of the second semester and be able to complete your Master of Arts in Education after two more semesters, likely during your first year of teaching. And, the course schedule allows for field placement in the schools between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Features of the program include:

Earn your teaching license in K-12 or Secondary areas in the first year.

Study and work in schools with highly qualified teachers, guided by experienced college faculty.

Join a cohort of like-minded career changers in the culturally diverse Four Corners region in hybrid courses an innovative program model.

See the Teacher Licensure course sequence.

Eligibility & career possibilities

You must have earned a bachelor's degree to begin this program. Associate degrees do not qualify.

Teach high school subject areas

With Secondary Education licensure you can teach English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in public school grades 7-12. Undergraduate majors in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, English, History, Humanities, or Mathematics typically prepare students well for this license.

Teach specialty areas K-12

K-12 licensure supports teaching the specialties Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, and Theater in grades K-12. This licensure does not support becoming an elementary classroom teacher. Undergraduate majors in Art, Drama/Theater, Exercise Science, Music, and Spanish typically prepare students well for this license.

Elementary education

For licensure in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, check out our Post-Baccalaureate program. We currently do not offer a master's level program for licensure specifically in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.

For detailed information about licensing, consult the Colorado Department of Education Licensing Office.

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Teacher Licensure | Fort Lewis College | Durango Colorado

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Our teacher preparation program incorporates 800 hours of school-based experiences required for Colorado teaching licensure in an innovative, immersive, and structured approach. This five-semester hybrid program will allow you to earn teacher licensure and a Master of Arts in Education.

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Make informed choices about your academic, career, and life goals with support from faculty advisors who actively listen to your desired direction and direct you to available resources.

Set up advising appointment

Call the Graduate Studies office at 970-247-7097 to schedule an appointment.

This appointment can be held on campus or over the phone. Let us know if you need special accommodations or other options.

Or contact your faculty directly.

Self-service tools

Registrar's Office: Offers assistance with interpretation of catalog guidelines and adherence to degree program requirements and compliance with college procedures, policies and deadlines. Also provides information services regarding transcripts, enrollment verification, registration, curriculum, degree audits and commencement.

Writing Center: Get help writing papers.

Academic appeal information

See the Process to appeal
Download the Academic Disqualification form

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Advising | Graduate Studies | Fort Lewis College | Durango CO

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Make informed choices about your academic, career, and life goals with support from faculty advisors who actively listen to your desired direction and direct you to available resources. Call the Graduate Studies office at 970-247-7097 to schedule an appointment. This appointment can be held on campus or over the phone.

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Dr. Jill Choate
Assistant Professor
jnchoate@fortlewis.edu
(970)-247-7276

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Application Checklist

Apply Online

Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission. Select your program preference on the drop-down menu for "Application Type." When you submit the application, you will be required to pay the $50 application fee by electronic check or credit card. This fee is non-refundable. If you are experiencing difficulties with the submission of your graduate application, email gradstudies@fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7097.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework are required for admission to FLC Graduate Studies. Electronic official transcripts are preferred. Please have electronic transcripts directly from the institution you attended (or National Transcript Clearinghouse) to the Fort Lewis College Graduate Studies. Unofficial transcripts or emailed transcripts from a third party are not considered official.

Fort Lewis College transcripts will be obtained for you. If you attended FLC in the past and had transfer work, please email a list of the institutions you attended to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu and we will inquire with the Undergraduate Admissions office if these official transcripts are on file. Admission documents are only required to be kept for one year. If your transfer transcripts are not available, it is your responsibility to request official transcripts to include with your application.

In addition to degree applicable coursework, official documents are required for all professional and personal development for which you received credit on a college transcript (this includes conference attendance or coursework for licensure credit). If any of the transcripts show work in progress, final transcripts must also be submitted.

Submit official transcripts to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu or

Fort Lewis College
Graduate Studies
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301

Essay

Submit a 1,200 to 1,500-word statement in a Word document or PDF that describes: 1) your interest in graduate education and how it contributes to your personal and professional goals and 2) how the Fort Lewis College graduate program to which you are applying will help you meet your goals. Email your finished statement to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write APPLICATION ESSAY [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

Résumé

Email a copy of your current résumé in a Word document or PDF to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write RÉSUMÉ [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

Background check & fingerprints

Principal Leadership, Special Education, and Teacher Licensure only

The Teacher Education Department will complete a background check in Colorado as well as your current state of residency. Get started using these fingerprinting instructions and contact the Teacher Education Department's Administrative Assistant 970-247-7291 to request the materials.

If you are employed as a teacher outside of Colorado, you will need to complete a background check and submit your fingerprints to the Colorado Department of Education.

Content Tests

Special Education and Teacher Licensure only

Take the Praxis test in your content area (Special Education students take the Elementary Education #5001 exam) and have the official score report sent to Fort Lewis College Teacher Education.

Letters of Recommendation

Principal Leadership only

One letter should be from your potential mentor principal or a current school principal who would provide insights into your leadership skills and ability to succeed as a principal. The second letter should be from a peer or colleague addressing your leadership experience and professional skills that will make you succeed as a principal. Email letters to: gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

Employment Confirmation

Special Education Alternative Certification only

You may download this statement of assurance form and complete the top section, obtain the signature of your employer, and email to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write SOA [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.

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Application Checklist & Deadlines | Graduate Studies | Fort Lewis College

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Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission. Select your program preference on the drop-down menu for "Application Type." When you submit the application, you will be required to pay the $50 application fee by electronic check or credit card. This fee is non-refundable.

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Graduate Program Tuition & Fees, Fort Lewis College

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View our current tuition and fee information for our graduate programs.

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-Official Transcripts from all schools attended
-Official Fort Lewis College Application
-Personal Essay
-Passing score on Praxis Elementary Core Content Test

Praxis 5001 / Passing Score for each sub-test:

Reading (5002) 157

Math (5003) 157

Social Studies (5004) 155

Science (5005) 159

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See the change, be the change

Whether you want to start your career as an excellent teacher, develop a specialized skillset, or advance the field of education, our graduate programs prepare you to be the change in young people's lives.

Affordable online & hybrid programs

Online and hybrid programs make it possible for working professionals to go back to school, and with scholarships available, our programs are exceptionally affordable.

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Master's in Education Programs | Teacher Education | Fort Lewis College

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Whether you want to start your career as an excellent teacher, develop a specialized skillset, or advance the field of education, our graduate programs prepare you to be the change in young people's lives. Online and hybrid programs make it possible for working professionals to go back to school, and with scholarships available, our programs are exceptionally affordable.

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In order to complete Field Experience / Residency at a school site, you will need to complete the CDE Procedure for Fingerprinting and Background Check.  You'll find the directions here.

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In order to complete Field Experience / Residency at a school site, you will need to complete the CDE Procedure for Fingerprinting and Background Check.  You'll find the directions here.

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Student Fingerprint and Background Check Directions_REV 8-18-2021