Educator Preparation
Overview
Highly qualified educators is a priority for The Utah State Board of Education (USBE). The educator personnel preparation team supports individuals seeking an alternate path to licensure in the areas of Special Education (K-12+), Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5), Speech-language Technician, and Special Education Eligibility Evaluator (endorsement). Professional development for paraprofessionals through DirectSTEP is also supported by the personnel preparation team.
USBE offers an Alternate Path to Professional Educator Licensure – Special Education (APPEL-SpEd) program. This program is for individuals with a bachelor's degree who want to become a licensed special education teacher. It is available to those who have a special education teaching assignment or are working as a paraprofessional in a special education setting.
APPEL-SpEd Program Components
During the APPEL-SpEd program a participating teacher or paraprofessional will:
- Receive a custom Professional Learning Plan (PLP) derived by the APPEL-SpEd team
- Complete the requisite coursework and pedagogical performance assessments
- Work with a USBE approved LEA assigned mentor
- Track Clinical Experience Hours
Completing the requirements for the Professional Educator License could take up to three years depending on previous credentials.
Utah State Board of Education Educator Preparation Programs
Contact:
Kathy Webb
Personnel Preparation/Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (801) 538-7688 | E-mail
Special Education (K-12+)
For those interested in being awarded a Professional Educator License in the area of Special Education, grades kindergarten through 12+. The APPEL-SpEd program provides an alternate route to licensure for individuals who are not enrolled in a university-based educator preparation program. It offers courses through USBE content and partnering universities. The program focuses solely on licensure and does not grant a degree.
Preschool Special Education
For those interested in being awarded a Professional Educator License in the area of Preschool Special Education, ages birth through 5.The APPEL-SpEd program provides an alternate route to licensure for individuals who are not enrolled in a university-based educator preparation program. It offers courses through USBE content and partnering universities. The program focuses solely on licensure and does not grant a degree.
Speech-Language Technician
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) created a Speech-Language Technician (SLT) license area of concentration for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or Speech and Hearing Science at an accredited higher education institution approved by the USBE and additional training as approved by the USBE.
Special Education Eligibility Evaluator
The Special Education Eligibility Evaluator (SpEd-EE) endorsement attaches to a Utah educator’s Professional level license who also holds a Professional Educator License area of concentration in Special Education (K-12+), Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5), Speech Language Pathology, School Counseling, or School Social Work including a minimum of three years of related field experience.
DirectSTEP for Paraeducators
A paraprofessional provides instructional and non-instructional support under the direct supervision of a licensed educator or other licensed/certified professional (Utah Code Ann. § 53F-2-411). Ongoing training is important for paraprofessionals to ensure they have the skills needed to support students. A paraprofessional or a paraeducator may be referred to as a teaching assistant, aide, instructor, or other similar titles in school districts and charter schools.
DirectSTEP Training
Resources
APPEL-SpEd Frequently Asked Questions
Pedagogical Performance Assessment Information
Transcripts and Reimbursement Information
Book a 30 minute consultation:
- General APPEL-SpEd Questions
- PLP Initial Review (Professional Learning Plan)
- APPEL-SpEd Mentor Support
- PPA (pedagogical performance assessment) Questions
- Speech-Language Technician ARL Questions
Canvas Courses:
- APPEL-SpEd Program Details (informational)
- APPEL-SpEd Mentor Information (informational)
- USBE's Minimum Special Education Content Competencies
- Special Education Law Training
- Postsecondary Transition
USBE Special Education Rules (June 2023)
Employment
Department of Workforce Services (DWS)
Utah Schools and Educational Institutions (UEN)
Scholarships and Other Fiscal Support
U of U College of Education Scholarships
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
State of Utah Scholarships and Aid Programs
USBE's Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP)
Paraeducators to Teacher Scholarship Opportunity (PETTS)
Paraeducator to Teacher Scholarship Information Sheet (PETTS)
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Administrative Rules
R277-303: Educator Preparation Programs
Contact Us
If you have additional questions or would like further information and guidance, please use the applicable email.
General APPEL-SpEd Questions:
APPEL-SpEd Mentor Questions:
APPEL-SpEd Paraprofessionals Questions:
Special Education Licensing Questions:
sped-licensing@schools.utah.gov
Contacts:
Kathy Webb
Personnel Preparation/Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (801) 538-7688 | E-mail
Jennifer Mortensen
Personnel Preparation Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7892 | E-mail
Sydnee Seager
Personnel Preparation Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7609 | E-mail