ESE480A — Student Teaching Alternative: Mild to Moderate Special Education K-8
This ESE (Education Special Education) capstone course provides student teachers with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their special education program in a real-world grades K-8 classroom setting. Candidates in ESE480A are in the Alternative program and are serving on a teaching contract in a special education K-8 setting. With support from an on-site certified special education teacher and the ESE480A instructor, student teachers will engage in the practical implementation of instructional strategies, assessment techniques, classroom management, and collaboration practices aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children CEC Initial Preparation Standards. This immersive experience is designed to prepare student teachers for a successful career in special education, supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities. Prerequisite(s): Baccalaureate Degree and formal acceptance to the Central Arizona College state approved Post-Baccalaureate Special Education Program and capstone readiness approval are required before enrolling in this course. Prior to ESE480A, students will complete ESE390B to include 45 hours of field experience under the auspice of a special education mentor teacher in grades 9-12. Students will enroll in this course the final 12 weeks of the program, completing 12 weeks of student teaching in grades K-8. This is the capstone experience required by the post baccalaureate program and must be completed to be eligible for Institutional Recommendation for state teaching certification.