Online, affordable and accelerated

Work and Learn: Special Education License and Degree

The Work and Learn online program at St. Thomas provides a non-conventional pathway for students to earn their initial teaching license and a master's degree in special education while working in their school district. Participants are able to maintain their employment all the way through student teaching.

Since the program launched in 2019, over 200 students have graduated with their Academic and Behavior Strategist license. Upon earning one's degree, students may easily add an additional license through our summer institutes.

Who is this for?

This program is open to all current or prospective special education employees in Minnesota school districts. Participants must hold a bachelor's degree and work full-time in Minnesota school districts employed as Tier I, II, III, or IV Special Education Teachers or Paraprofessionials.

What are the program benefits?

This fully online program is an affordable and accelerated pathway to licensure. The required credits have been reduced from 48 to 34 for an initial Special Education License and Master's degree, and students can maintain their current employment, full-time in Special Education, while earning their license. Additional special education licensure can easily be added.

I want to express my appreciation for this program designed for individuals like myself. Obtaining my master's degree has always been a goal, and this program has made it achievable. I particularly value how the professors and directors empathize with our life circumstances, including family commitments, and offer flexibility. Without the Work & Learn program, I doubt I would have reached graduation or my dream. I feel truly fortunate. Plus, you are not treated like a number, they treat you like a person!

Cathy Gorder '24 MA

FAQs

Earn your master's degree and Academic and Behavior Strategist (ABS) license in 2.5 years. Participants take only two courses at a time to provide work-life-school balance.

The coursework is synchronous, fully online.

Students receive advising and ongoing support from the Work and Learn coordinator throughout the program. After graduation, students may request further mentoring from any of the St. Thomas professors.