IMPACT Program

Instructional Model to Prepare Adept and Certified Teachers

Alternative Certification Program in Special Education
College of Education
University of North Texas

WHAT IS IMPACT?

• A one-to-two-year rigorous alternative route to special education certification
• A collaboration among UNT faculty and partnering school districts who agree to hire and support IMPACT candidates and their schools

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

• Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Meet criteria for acceptance into the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies

Other Requirements

• Complete an IMPACT Application Form
• Participate in a satisfactory interview with IMPACT faculty
• Complete an Application to Teacher Education during advising
• Sign a Letter of Agreement to abide by policies and procedures of IMPACT

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?

• Candidates may enter at the beginning of any academic semester
• Coursework consists of eighteen hours of classroom instruction and six hours of practicum/mentorship hours with required seminars
• Candidates must be employed as a Teacher of Record during the practicum/mentorship semesters to continue in the program
• Most coursework can be counted toward graduate credit
• Distance learning formats are available to make learning convenient
• Candidates are eligible for a one-year Probationary Certificate while working in the schools
• Candidates are provided with a qualified mentor while working in the schools
• University supervision is provided during the practicum semesters

WHAT DOES THE COURSEWORK LOOK LIKE?

Maymester / Summer
EDSP 5710: Special Education Programs and Practices (3) (Maymester)
EDSP 5510: Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
EDSP 5330: Classroom and Behavioral Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners. (3 hours)
EDSP 5240: Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators and Professionals (3 hours)

Fall
EDSP 5740: Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Reading (3 hours)
EDSP 5430: *Advanced Practicum and Mentorship in Special Education (3 hours)

Spring
EDSP 5750: Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Math and the Content Areas (3 hours)
EDSP 5430: *Advanced Practicum and Mentorship in Special Education

*Candidates must be employed as a Teacher of Record to complete these courses.

WHAT COSTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH IMPACT?

• $25 application fee to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies
• $29 application fee to Teacher Education
• $50 application fee for Probationary Certificate
• Books, tuition, and fees for 24 hours of university coursework
• ExCET Examination Fees

HOW DO I GET ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM?

1. Apply to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies
2. Complete IMPACT Application Form
3. Provide evidence of satisfactory score on either the TASP or GRE
4. After notification of acceptance into the Graduate School:
   • Schedule a meeting with an IMPACT faculty advisor
   • Make application to Teacher Education

*Application Forms may be found here

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT IMPACT?

• Look for more information on the IMPACT web pages
• Contact IMPACT Faculty Advisors

  Dr. Mary Estes
  Mary.Estes@unt.edu
  940-565-2579

• Contact IMPACT Program Specialist
  

  Brandon Bush
  Brandon.Bush@unt.edu
  940-369-8447