UW Bothell launches first online course

Published: June 24, 2015

UW Bothell launches its first fully online course this week with a year-long certificate in special education. While hybrid courses (classroom and online instruction) have been offered for some time, this is the university’s first course to be offered exclusively online.

The program, which allows practicing teachers to earn a certificate in special education, is a partnership between the UW Bothell School of Educational Studies and the University of Washington’s division of Professional and Continuing Education.

The sequence is geared towards general education teachers, says School of Educational Studies Dean Brad Portin. “This course will help teachers better meet the needs of special education students in regular classrooms,” Portin says. Classes generally have a number of students with special needs, Portin notes. “This course will equip teachers to serve all students better.”

The inaugural class has eight students from all over the state of Washington. “We have a lot of interest, especially from students who can cannot easily come to Seattle,” Portin says.

The 14-month course will include modules on assessment, planning, and curricula development. It will be led by Jason Naranjo, an assistant professor in the School of Educational Studies. Naranjo says there is a “desperate need” for teachers and administrators who have a deep understanding of special education.

The course begins June 26. More information can be found on the UW Professional and Continuing Education website.