• Candidates have the option to take the courses toward certification only or for Alvernia University graduate credits
  • Grad Credit pricing: Additional $575 per course
• Certification only: $8,000 (Covers all 7 courses, field experience, and student teaching seminar) 
• Certification + graduate credit: $12,025

To enroll, applicants must: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (any field) 

• Have access to students with Individualized Education Plans in a classroom setting 

• Ability to student teach within place of employment 

Competency is demonstrated through: 

• Coursework, projects, and observations 

• Performance rubrics aligned to PDE standards 

• Mentored coaching and feedback 

Upon completion, apprentices take: 

• Praxis 5511 – Fundamental Subjects 

• Praxis 5355 – Special Education 

After passing both, candidates are eligible for Instructional I Special Education PK–12 Certification in Pennsylvania. 

• Certification only: $8,500 
• Certification + graduate credit: $12,525
• Funding Sources: CTRA grant funding, district tuition reimbursement, CCIU-sponsored tuition for eligible staff, additional grant funding when available 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in any area 

• Are currently employed in educational assistant or paraprofessional roles 

• Are employed by CCIU or referred by one of the following districts: 

  • Avon Grove School District
  • Downingtown Area School District 
  • Phoenixville Area School District 
  • Tredyffrin/Easttown School District 

Apprentices complete 288 hours of coursework across six key classes: 

1. Special Education Process, Disability Categories, and Case Law 

2. IEP Development, Collaboration, and Progress Monitoring 

3. Transition Planning and Services 

4. Inclusive Environments and Instructional Practices 

5. Diversity, Safety/Wellness, and Trauma-Informed Practices 

6. Structured Literacy 

• Year 1: Work as an Instructional Assistant while completing four courses and 1,230 hours of on-the-job training  

• Year 2: Complete final two courses with 650 on-the-job training hours and transition to a 12-week student teaching placement 

Competency is demonstrated through: 

• Coursework, projects, and observations 

• Performance rubrics aligned to PDE standards 

• Mentored coaching and feedback 

Upon completion, apprentices take: 

• Praxis 5511 – Fundamental Subjects 

• Praxis 5355 – Special Education 

After passing both, apprentices are eligible for Instructional I Special Education PK–12 Certification in Pennsylvania. 

Throughout the 12-month program, Intern Teachers will complete: 

• Three Job-Embedded Projects 

• Monthly Structured Observations (with pre- and post-meetings) 

• Weekly Mentorship Meetings 

• 5 Hours/Month of Synchronous Instruction 

• 3 online courses in Diversity, Structured Literacy, and Transition

• Digital Portfolio Submission 

• Mid-Year and End-of-Year Reflections 

Fall: Mid-August – November 

• Topics: Assessment, Multi-Tiered Supports, Evaluation Reports, Special Education Law 

• Project: Instructional Strategies & Interventions 

• Focus: Diversity Module 

Winter: December – February 

• Topics: Progress Monitoring, Behavior Supports, Classroom Management 

• Project: IEP Compliance & Case Management 

• Focus: Structured Literacy Module 

Spring: March – Mid-June 

• Topics: Universal Design for Learning, Professional Ethics, Family Collaboration 

• Project: Parent Resource Guide 

• Focus: Transition Module 

• Culmination: Portfolio Submission & Final Reflection 

• Candidates have the option to take the 3 online courses for 9 graduate credits in partnership with Alvernia University
  • Grad Credit pricing: Additional $575 per course
• Certification only: $9,500 (Incudes all courses, instruction, coaching, and program support, billed over 5 payments)
• Certification + graduate credit: $11,225