Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 2, 2021) – Beginning in Summer 2021, West Virginia University at Parkersburg began offering a special education specialization to Elementary Education students and alumni. This opportunity has now expanded and is being offered to anyone with a teaching degree.

During the July 2021 West Virginia Board of Education meeting, WVU Parkersburg’s special education specialization was approved to be offered to any other individuals with teaching degrees interested in getting the certificate. Prior to this, WVU Parkersburg students and alumni were the only one’s eligible for these courses.

“This is a great opportunity for current teachers to gain an additional certification in Multi-Categorical K-12 Special Education. I consider this a win for our students and teachers,” said Dr. David Lancaster, Education Division chairperson and professor.

The certification is a total of 15 credit hours, with an additional 80 hours of field placement. Students who have completed the Elementary Education program at WVU Parkersburg will only need to take nine credit hours, with 20 hours of field placement.

“There is a great need for Special Education teachers, so we’re excited to be offering this certification to teachers, in order to fill those roles,” Dr. Lancaster said.

Anyone interested in obtaining this certificate can sign up for classes for the Fall 2021 semester.

For more information on the new special education specialization, contact Bobbi Marshall at rmarsha7@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 442. To discuss a future in the Elementary Education program, contact Dr. David Lancaster at dlancas1@wvup.edu or 304-424-8314. Visit wvup.edu/education to learn more about the WVU Parkersburg Education Division.