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    • Special Education

    Special Education Courses Online

    Study special education for supporting students with disabilities. Learn about instructional strategies, individualized education plans, and inclusive practices.

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    Explore the Special Education Course Catalog

    • U

      University of Colorado System

      Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School

      Skills you'll gain: Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, School Psychology, School Counseling, Student Support and Services, Social and Human Services, Mental Health, Preventative Care, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Mental and Behavioral Health, Crisis Intervention, Trauma Care, Data Collection

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      873 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Colorado System

      Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School

      Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, School Psychology, Patient Evaluation, Disabilities, Special Education, Classroom Management, Pediatrics, Mental and Behavioral Health, Care Management, Child Development, Mental Health, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Psychological Evaluations

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support

      Skills you'll gain: Disabilities, Visual Impairment Education, Developmental Disabilities, Special Education, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Instructional Strategies, Student Support and Services, Teaching, Social Justice, Differentiated Instruction, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Working With Children, Advocacy

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      788 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Unlock Access to 10,000+ courses with a subscription.

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    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability: Circles of Care and Education

      Skills you'll gain: Developmental Disabilities, Disabilities, Working With Children, Caregiving, Training Programs, Teaching, Human Learning, Special Education, Child Development, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Community Mental Health Services, Advocacy, Care Coordination, Learning Strategies, Instructional Strategies, Curriculum Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      179 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University at Buffalo

      ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students

      Skills you'll gain: Psychological Evaluations, Classroom Management, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Parent Communication, Mental and Behavioral Health, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Working With Children, Pediatrics, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Treatment Planning, Child Development, Disabilities

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Psychological First Aid

      Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Emergency Response, Trauma Care, Emergency Services, Psychological Evaluations, Interpersonal Communications, Mental Health, Patient Education And Counseling, Stress Management, Patient Referral

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      20K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Glasgow

      Diversity and Inclusion in Education

      Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Pedagogy, Differentiated Instruction, Teaching, Special Education, Disabilities, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Curriculum Development, Student-Centred Learning, Student Engagement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      325 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Colorado System

      School Health for Children and Adolescents

      Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, Nutrition Education, Community Health, School Psychology, Chronic Diseases, Student Support and Services, Nutrition and Diet, School Counseling, Public Health, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Care Management, Child Health, Patient Evaluation, Care Coordination, Disabilities, Medical Emergency, Social and Human Services

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Washington

      Business English Communication Skills

      Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Negotiation, Proposal Writing, Presentations, Sales Presentation, Persuasive Communication, Event Planning, Business Writing, Peer Review, Business Communication, Taking Meeting Minutes, Public Speaking, Business Planning, Business Correspondence, Microsoft PowerPoint, Meeting Facilitation, Verbal Communication Skills, Professional Networking, English Language, Communication

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.7K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      R

      Relay Graduate School of Education

      Teaching Character and Creating Positive Classrooms

      Skills you'll gain: Student Engagement, Positivity, Teaching, Education and Training, Classroom Management, Pedagogy, Curriculum Planning, Lesson Planning, Personal Attributes, Working With Children, Course Development, Growth Mindedness, Childhood Education and Development, Optimism, Research, Empowerment, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Persistence, Rapport Building

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      942 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher

      Skills you'll gain: Disabilities, Special Education, Cultural Responsiveness, Diversity Awareness, Child Development, Teaching, Classroom Management, Parent Communication, Instructional Strategies, Non-Verbal Communication

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      407 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • V

      Vanderbilt University

      Generative AI for Educators & Teachers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Creative Problem-Solving, AI Personalization, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Innovation, Brainstorming, OpenAI, Game Design, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, Education Software and Technology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular special education courses

    • Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School: University of Colorado System
    • Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School: University of Colorado System
    • Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support : University of Cape Town
    • Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability: Circles of Care and Education: University of Cape Town
    • ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students: University at Buffalo
    • Psychological First Aid: Johns Hopkins University
    • Diversity and Inclusion in Education: University of Glasgow
    • School Health for Children and Adolescents: University of Colorado System
    • Business English Communication Skills: University of Washington
    • Teaching Character and Creating Positive Classrooms : Relay Graduate School of Education

    Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education

    Special Education is the practice of teaching students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs. It’s often applied to teaching those with intellectual, mental, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, physical, and learning disabilities. It also applies to teaching students with special talents or abilities.

    In an education climate where just 17 percent of general-education teachers feel “very well prepared” to teach children with issues like ADHD and dyslexia, the need for quality Special Education skills and knowledge is very important. Teachers who focus on Special Education play an important role in advancing the confidence and success of special-needs students.‎

    There are a wide variety of opportunities available for learners interested in Special Education, from teaching to jobs in healthcare and government. Some roles include Special Education Teachers, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant, Special Education Program Coordinator, Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, Early Intervention Special Educator, Lobbyist, and related specializations.‎

    Courses on Special Education offered through Coursera provide learners with fundamental information on how various common disabilities affect areas of learning, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD); hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities; ADHD and other learning disabilities; and more.

    Lessons in these courses are administered via lectures, readings, quizzes, reflections, and discussions.‎

    An interest in people with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities is the main prerequisite to starting to learn special education. Many people who want to work in special education already have some experience in the field of education, whether they've worked as a teacher, teaching assistant, or daycare worker. You can also gain some experience by volunteering to work with children, particularly children who have special needs. Special education teachers and specialists typically work with children of all ages, ranging from preschool through high school.‎

    People who work in special education need to be patient and even-tempered. Because you'll be working with children or adults with special needs, they may be slower or quicker than average to accomplish tasks. Creativity is also important. Children with special needs may not do well with traditional teaching methods, so you'll need to find unique ways to deliver information. You'll also need to be compassionate and accepting since you'll be working with people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Like any type of teacher or person who works with children, you'll need to be organized, intuitive, and able to adapt to any situation. It's also important to have a calming presence. Many children, including those with special needs, are overwhelmed by the classroom environment and being away from home. Those who work in a school environment need to be willing to collaborate with a team as well. You'll be working with other teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents to make sure all children receive the best possible education.‎

    Anyone who wants to work with people with special needs and is interested in working in a school setting may be suited to learn about special education. Even if you have a child in your own family with special needs, learning about special education may help you better understand them and even help them advance despite any disabilities. If you've ever thought about becoming an advocate for people with special needs, learning special education and applying it to your career or volunteer work can help you go further. If you're already a teacher or teaching assistant, and you're looking for a way to specialize or advance your career, learning special education can help add new skills to your resume and potentially find more advanced jobs in your field.‎

    Online Special Education courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Special Education skills. Choose from a wide range of Special Education courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Special Education, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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