In this course, you will deepen your professional expertise and leadership capacity in Special Education within your department, school, and board. Building on your learning in Special Education, Part 1 and Part 2, this Specialist course prepares you to lead ethically, collaboratively, and responsively in complex special education contexts. You will examine how legislation, policy, research, and professional standards inform inclusive practice while considering the lived experiences, identities, and well-being of learners and their families. You will also explore how teacher leaders influence school-wide systems, mentor colleagues, collaborate with families and community partners, and advocate for accessible and inclusive learning environments. The course prepares you to contribute to continuous improvement in special education across diverse learning communities, with an emphasis on reflective practice, professional judgement, and ongoing leadership development.
Program Information
What you’ll learn and do in Special Education Specialist:
- Analyze ethical and professional responsibilities associated with teacher leadership in special education.
- Evaluate legislation, policies, and procedures to inform inclusive and equitable special education practices.
- Apply research and inquiry to lead evidence-informed improvement in special education programs.
- Examine systemic barriers and inequities affecting learners with special education needs.
- Weave Indigenous perspectives into leadership decisions and practices.
- Assess inclusive systems that support learner well-being, safety, and belonging.
- Collaborate with colleagues, families, and community partners to strengthen special education services.
- Design leadership strategies that support transitions and pathways for learners with diverse needs.
- Reflect on professional identity and capacity as a specialist teacher and leader in special education.
Prerequisites
- OCT MEMBERSHIP showing completion of Part 2
CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FORM
Signed by a Supervisory Official* from your School Board confirming that you have two years (388 days) of teaching experience since becoming a certified teacher, one year (194 days) of which is in the subject area of this course.
Note: A new form is always required for a Specialist course as experience is course/subject specific.”
Materials
There are no additional resources required for this course.
Technology
- Laptop/PC: Windows 10 or higher or equivalent operating system with recommended 8 GB of RAM and at least 16 GB of free hard disk space and Wi-Fi capabilities.
- Access to reliable high-speed broadband internet access (Cable, DSL, LTE) with a minimum bandwidth of 15 Mbps is recommended.
- Included integrated webcam and microphone recommended.
This is an asynchronous, cohort based, instructor-led course with defined start date, end date and specific module due dates. Learners are not expected to be online at a certain time of day, but they are expected to work through the material alongside other learners. Learners should expect to spend 16-18 hours on coursework throughout each week to stay on track.
To successfully complete your program, you will complete all components of the program. Your progress will be continuously evaluated using a variety of formative and/or summative assessments to receive a final mark. Information about these assessment methods will be provided in the Learning Management System on the first day of the program.
| Course Detail | Course Info |
|---|---|
| Course Code | EDUC 9N599 |
| Course Name | Special Education, Specialist |
| Category | Three-Part AQs |
| Price | $725 |
| Delivery Mode | ASY - Asynchronous Online |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Registration | Find upcoming dates and class times. |
| OSAP Eligible | Yes |
In partnership with
This program is available in the following terms:
| EDUC 9N599 | Spring | Late Spring | Summer | Late Summer | Fall | Late Fall | Fall-Winter | Winter | Late Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0. Availability | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1. Start Date | Mar 23, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | Jun 22, 2026 | Jul 20, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 | Oct 19, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | Jan 18, 2027 | Feb 22, 2027 |
| 2. End Date | May 17, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 | Aug 16, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | Jan 24, 2027 | Mar 14, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 |
| 3. Withdraw deadline 100% | March 29, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | June 28, 2026 | July 26, 2026 | September 20, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | November 22, 2026 | January 24, 2027 | February 28, 2027 |
| 4. Withdraw deadline 50% | April 12, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | July 12, 2026 | August 9, 2026 | October 4, 2026 | November 8, 2026 | December 6, 2026 | February 7, 2027 | March 14, 2027 |
A complete listing of important dates for each academic term.