Lehigh PACE (Pennsylvania Accelerated Certification for Educators) is a unique opportunity for individuals within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to earn their PK-12 special education certification and a master's degree in Special Education in only 15 months.
Overview
Lehigh PACE (Pennsylvania Accelerated Certification for Educators) program is fully online with synchronous class sessions via Zoom so students throughout Pennsylvania can enroll.
Within the program, students will participate in summer field experiences, district mentoring and ongoing university support throughout student teaching. The program is designed for teachers and paraprofessionals to complete while working full-time within a PK-12 setting. The program uses a cohort model so students can gain support from other educators within the program.
The PACE program is 11 courses, 33 credits total, and results in PK-12 special education certification and a master's degree in Special Education upon completion. To be eligible to apply, teachers must hold a bachelor's degree in any field, work in a PK-12 setting within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and teach students with disabilities.
Many districts offer tuition credits to teachers who are enrolled in a certification program, reducing costs.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate)
- Two letters of recommendation, personal essay
- Proof of English language proficiency
Quick Facts
Eligibility: Must possess a bachelor's degree in any field, work within a PK-12 setting in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and teach students with disabilities.
Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
Deadline: July 15 for fall start, December 15 for spring start and April 15 for summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
Modality: Online
Course Requirements: 11 courses (33 credits)
Typical Course Load: first summer (3 courses), fall (3 courses)**, winter (1 course), spring (3 courses)**, second summer (2 courses) **fall and spring semesters include 2 content courses and 1 student teaching course.
Time to Completion: 15 months, but varies depending on starting semester. Please see the PACE course schedule.
Please Note: Due to Pennsylvania Department of Education criteria, international students are not eligible for PDE certification. Lehigh is unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this program. International students may apply to the M.Ed. Special Education program.
Career Opportunities
Our Special Education faculty are noted experts in such areas as autism, learning disabilities, academic intervention and emotional behavior disorders and positive behavior support. Master’s candidates learn best practices for designing instruction and working with students with a wide variety of disabilities.
Once graduates of the program are certified to teach in Pennsylvania, that certification has reciprocity in most states.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Requirements
It is important for individuals considering teaching as a career to be aware of the fairly rigorous academic, health, and personal character requirements for teacher certification that are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for teacher candidates statewide:
- An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (both graduate and undergraduate).
- Clearances through the Office of Professional Certification
Please refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for additional information on Pennsylvania Certification.
Curriculum
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| SPED 332 | Introduction to Inclusion and Exceptional Education |
| SPED 432 | Positive Behavior Support |
| SPED 418 | Alternative Curricular Approaches |
| SPED 452 | Assessment in Special Education |
| SPED 419 | Intensive Intervention in Reading |
| SPED 420 | Student Teaching Field Experience (2 credits) |
| SPED 404 | Cultural and Linguistic Diversity |
| SPED 421 | Intensive Intervention in Mathematics & Content Area Literacy |
| SPED 465 | Advanced Inclusionary Practices K-12 |
| SPED 420 | Student Teaching Field Experience (1 credit) |
| SPED 411 | Early Childhood Education |
| SPED 423 | Supporting Transition for Individuals with Disabilities |
Faculty & Staff
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Donna Toothman
Program Coordinator, Teaching, Learning, and Technology & Special Education Programs
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Dr. Minyi Dennis
Associate Professor
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Dr. Julie Fogt
Director of Centennial School and Affiliated Professor
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Dr. Sara Kangas
Associate Professor and Program Director
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Dr. Lee Kern
Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice
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Dr. Kristi Morin
Associate Professor
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Dr. Elise Settanni
Teaching Assistant Professor
