About the Department
The Secondary and Special Education department provides degrees for students to pursue teaching professions in secondary education and special education.
Have a passion? Follow it here!
A degree from UVU’s Secondary and Special Education department allows graduates to pursue their specific interests while passing those interests to the rising generation. Whether that’s biology, history, art, math, or another subject – the choice is yours!
The Secondary and Special Education Department also offers degrees in special education that prepares its graduates to educate students with special needs and intellectual disabilities.
Faculty and Staff
The faculty and staff of UVU’s Secondary and Special Education department are here to help you succeed as an elementary educator. Backed with years of research, passion, and expertise, the Elementary Education professors offer an unparalleled educational experience.
The Professional Special Education Teacher Education Program at Utah Valley University is designed to prepare quality, entry-level candidates for teaching students with mild to moderate and severe disabilities in special education programs grades K-12. Students successfully completing the Teacher Education Program graduation and licensure requirements will receive a BS in Special Education and a Level I Utah Professional Teaching License. They will also receive endorsements to teach both mild/moderate and severe as well as a minor in Autism Studies. Additionally, students can choose to earn a dual license in Special Education and Elementary Education grades K-6 or Secondary Education. To continue in the Teacher Education Program, students are expected in all coursework, to maintain all program standards. They must maintain expected levels of competence in fieldwork and student teaching placements with all course grades at or above a B- and a program GPA of 3.00 or higher. In addition, teacher candidates are expected to adhere to standards of personal integrity, responsibility, and citizenship commonly expected of professional educators.
The Professional Teacher Education Program at Utah Valley University is designed to prepare quality, entry level candidates for teaching in secondary education programs grades 7-12. All students who matriculate into the professional licensure program must have a major in an approved content area. Students seeking licensure in approved content areas complete a major in that area and required coursework in Secondary Education to qualify for a Level I Utah State Professional Educator License for grades 7-12. To continue in the teacher education program, students are expected to maintain all program standards. They must maintain expected levels of competence in all coursework, field work, and student teaching with all course grades at or above a B- or higher. Additionally, teacher candidates are expected to adhere to standards of personal integrity, responsibility, and citizenship commonly expected of professional educators.
Graduates from the Physical Education K-12 Teacher Education (PETE) program will be prepared to meet all standards for Utah licensure for K-12 Physical Education. They should also be prepared to meet most standards for certification in the rest of the 49 states, since the National Initial Physical Education Teacher Education Standards have been used to develop, assess, and update the program on an annual basis. The focus of this program is on enhancing student outcomes – both for university students and for their future students. Outcomes that should be met by the end of the program include scientific and theoretical knowledge, skill and fitness based competency, planning and implementation, instructional delivery and management, impact on student learning, and professionalism. PETE majors learn to individualize instruction to enhance learning for all students, regardless of their abilities.
The Minor in Autism Studies will be beneficial to anyone needing to work with, or interact with, those who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This would include those in supervisory positions overseeing ASD adults, educators who may have students with an ASD diagnosis in their classrooms, counselors and medical professionals, emergency services personnel, information and insight.
The Autism Studies Certificate of Proficiency will be beneficial to anyone needing to work with, or interact with, those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This would include those in supervisory positions overseeing ASD adults, educators who may have students with an ASD diagnosis in their classrooms, counselors and medical professionals, emergency services personnel, librarians and other city personnel, and anyone seeking additional information and insight.
