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Program Overview
Autism Endorsement for Teachers (12-credits)
The Autism Endorsement for Teachers certificate program is designed for currently licensed special education teachers to acquire the competencies necessary to conduct assessments, develop appropriate individualized education programs, and provide specially designed instruction to serve the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through both coursework and a field experiences, students develop skills to assist with coordinating related services, consult and collaborate with other educators such as general education teachers, and teach students with autism.
Eligibility for Autism Endorsement
To be eligible for the autism endorsement, applicants must hold the pre-requisite Massachusetts teaching license; complete all of the curriculum and field experiences; and be endorsed through the DESE ELAR portal by Endicott's Licensure Officer.
Prerequisite License for Autism Endorsement
Educators who hold one of the following licenses* at either the Initial or Professional level:
- Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8; 5-12)
- Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All)
- Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (All)
- Teacher of the Visually Impaired (All)
*Educators with comparable licenses may satisfy the prerequisite license requirement. For example, licenses such as Children with Severe Special Needs, Intensive Special Needs, Teacher of Special School and Classes, and Special Needs. Field Experiences for Autism Endorsement There are two ways to meet the required field experiences component of the endorsement:
1. Complete a 150-hour field based experience of which at least 75 hours must be in an inclusive school setting.
2. For teachers with an appropriate prerequisite license and at least one year of teaching experience with students with autism; completion of a 75 hour field based experience, of which at least 50 must be in an inclusive school based setting.
To view additional program application requirements please see the Curriculum tab.
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Curriculum