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Transform from a paraprofessional to a K-12 certified teacher with a bachelor's degree in Exceptional Child Education.

As a paraprofessional, you’ve seen how education can change lives. Your daily interactions have shown you the power of personalized learning. This degree builds on your experience, strengthening your skills and offering insights to enhance the difference you make for your students. You'll be even better equipped to support and advocate for students with diverse needs.

What Makes SEMO's Paraprofessional Pathway Unique:

Our pathways for paras program prepares you for the classroom through coursework on campus and fieldwork within schools. Be prepared and certified to teach and work with students with exceptional learning needs in K-12.

  • Classes are 100% online and recorded to view on your schedule
  • You will earn college credit for the work you are doing as a para
  • Financial assistance is available
  • A dedicated academic advisor
  • Continue working while you earn your degree, even during student teaching

What Can You Do with a Degree for Paraprofessionals in Exceptional Child: Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical?

As a paraprofessional, earning a degree in Exceptional Child Education: Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical will elevate your career, allowing you to become a certified teacher. The degree prepares you to become a special education teacher,  a resource specialist, an IEP coordinator, or a behavior specialist. This degree also opens doors to roles like educational consultant, where you can guide schools and families. It empowers you to make an even greater impact on students with diverse needs.

Education Careers Outlook

  • Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical continues to be one of the highest teacher shortage areas in Missouri.
  • Our alumni report feeling well-prepared by Southeast Missouri State University on our annual survey of first-year teachers.
  • Principals report Exceptional Child Education graduates are well-prepared as beginning teachers on our annual survey about first-year teachers.

Exceptional Child Education: Pathway for ParaprofessionalsDegree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Outcomes & Careers 

  • $68k 

    Elementary Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an elementary school teacher is $68,000. 

  • $67k

    Middle School Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a middle school teacher is $67,790. 

  • $74k

    Special Education Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a special education teacher is $74,310. 

Paraprofessional Pathway

Degree Map

As an exceptional child education: mild/moderate cross-categorical major, you’ll learn to meet the rigor of teacher education in a supportive environment with faculty who have extensive classroom experience themselves. The 120 credit hours, including the general education requirements. SEMO will work with you to find the most direct pathway and allow your experience to benefit you.

Required Courses

  • CF233 Creative Thoughts and Expression in Children (3) 
  • ED280 Introduction to Education as a Profession (3) 
  • ED506 Education Law and Society (3) 
  • EF400 Student Teaching Seminar (3) 
  • EL274 Diversity in American Schools (3) 
  • EL300 Instructional and Assistive Technology in a Universally Designed Learning Environment (3) 
  • EL316 Emergent and Early Literacy (3) 
  • EL354 Meeting the Needs of Struggling Readers (3) 
  • EL355 Content and Disciplinary Literacy (3) 
  • EL420 Assessment and Data Analysis (3) 
  • EX302 Language Acquisition of the Exception Child (3) 
  • EX304 Classroom and Behavior Management (3) 
  • EX305 Content Area Teaching: Learning and Transitioning for Secondary Students with Exceptionalities (3) 
  • EX312 Diagnosis and Remediation of Math Difficulties (3) 
  • EX317 Assessment and Techniques of Teaching Children with Exceptionalities (3) 
  • EX373 Strategies and Techniques with a Learning Theory Base for Teaching Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical (3) 
  • EX480 Exceptional Child Education Student Teaching (12) 
  • EX490 Certification Exam Seminar (1) 
  • EX507 Families and the Child with Exceptionalities (3) 
  • LI243 Children’s Literature (3) 
  • MA128 Numbers and Operations for Educators (4) 

Choose one course:

  • EX309 Field Experience in the Education of Students with Exceptionalities in Middle/Secondary Setting 
  • EX409 Advance Field Experience in the Education of Student with Exceptionalities in Elementary Setting (3) 

Choose one course:

  • EX311 Introduction to Children with Exceptionalities 
  • EX390 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child (3) 

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

Year One

Fall Semester 1 (12 hours)
  • EX311 or EX390 (3)
  • EL 300 (3)
  • EX302 (3)
  • EX304 (3)
Spring Semester 1 (13 hours)
  • EL316 (3)
  • EX312 (3)
  • MA128 (4)
  • LI243 (3)
Summer Semester 1 (15 hours)
  • ED280 (3)
  • EL274 (3)
  • CF233 (3)

Year Two

Fall Semester 2 (16 hours)
  • EL420 (3)
  • EX373 (3)
  • EX490 (1)
  • EX305 (3)
  • EL354 (3)
  • EX309 or EX409 (3)
Spring Semester 2 (16 hours)
  • EX480 (12)
  • EF400 (3)
  • ED506 (3)
Summer Semester 2 (9)
  • EX317 (3)
  • EX507 (3)
  • EX355 (3)

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri’s opened the door to a more educated workforce. We want to help you walk through it. If you’re an adult learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It’s a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.

Admissions Requirements

The requirements for admission vary depending on how you plan to enter Southeast. We must consider your educational background, the extent of your prior education, and your desired degree or program. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the Admissions Requirements or speak to an Admissions Counselor to learn more.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Phone
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701