Skip to content
CAMPUS LIFE
ALUMNI
ATHLETICS
FOUNDATION

RESOURCES

SERVICES

PAGES

Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
Search Icon
SEARCH

Special Education: Para-to-Sped

About the Program:

The Sped: Para-to-SPED program prepares paraprofessionals to earn the credentials to become successful educators in a rewarding career. Candidates for the program will already hold an AA degree and have completed the MnTC. The candidates can continue working as paraprofessionals while earning the Special Education: Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS) K-12 degree. All courses are online. The program enables continual mentorship between supervising teachers and teacher candidates. Field experience placements will be set to accommodate the candidate's workplace and geographic location. The field experience placements will cover three grade bands: K-4, 5-8, 9-12 and with students in each of the five disability areas served by the SPED: ABS licensure: ASD, DD, EBD, LD, and OHD. The coursework encompasses two years while working as a paraprofessional, taking 2-3 courses per semester. The culmination of the program is a one-year mentorship student teaching experience.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the Special Education: Para-to-Sped: Academic Behavioral Strategist Program will be able to teach K-12 special education for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Graduates gain employment in school districts, learning centers, or area service cooperatives. Graduates with the Academic Behavioral Strategist teaching license are open to many opportunities for employment across the state.

Licensure for disability areas in the moderate-to-severe range will be added upon completing the Para-to-Sped program.

Advising Guide

teacher with student

 

“Entering the Para to Special Education Teacher Program was a great decision for me to make.  I am able to work full-time as a para and part-time as a bus driver while taking 3 or 4 classes each semester.  I'm married and have four children.  The past three years have flown by.  As a para, I thought I knew it all but, I've learned so much!  SMSU and the school I work for have been very supportive.   Everyone has been so willing to help make my dream come true!"

Janelle Christensen, 2019 Graduate

Last Modified: 3/7/25 1:05 PM | Website Feedback