The Butler University College of Education recently created several certificate programs, which can be used for up to 12 credit hours in a graduate program should candidates decide to pursue graduate work.
Accelerated Alternative Program/Certificate for Initial Licensure in Mild Interventions
There is a nationwide shortage of qualified teachers in special education. To enter this challenging field, join Butler’s Graduate Initial Licensure Program in Special Education. In one year, you can become licensed to teach students in special education needing mild intervention in preschool through grade 12. Our non-degree program is for adults with bachelor’s degrees in education or other subjects. It is an effective alternate route to licensing for individuals now working as job coaches or instructional aids and assistants, as well as those who want to transition to a rewarding education career.
Mild Interventions Courses include:
Foundations of Effective Reading Instruction, Assistive Technology, Communication and Collaboration with Stakeholders in Special Education, Foundations of Teaching Children with Differences, Assessment of Students with Special Needs, Behavior Management for Inclusive Classrooms, Special Education Law, Characteristics of Children Needing Mild Intervention, Strategies for Teaching Children Needing Mild Intervention, Practicum Teaching and Portfolio Development, Literacy Elective.
Graduate Initial Licensure Program/Certificate
The Graduate Initial Licensure Program (GILP) is a 31-hour program consisting of 24 hours of graduate level coursework and seven hours of a clinical capstone experience. The program follows a cohort model in which each student proceeds through the program with a consistent peer group. Students have the option to complete this program independently to obtain a teaching license for grades 5–12 in their content area of expertise or may continue on to complete the Master’s in Effective Teaching and Leadership (METL).
Hinkle Academy for Wellness and Sport Leadership Certificate
The Hinkle Academy is a graduate-level, 12-credit-hour certificate program. Designed by members of Butler’s Department of Athletics, College of Education, and Health and Recreation Complex, the Hinkle Academy uses the Butler Way ethos as a foundation for studying effective leadership. It will prepare you to empower team commitment and excellence in your organization and community. You will connect with recognized Indianapolis leaders in sport and wellness and with professional experiences and help design your own apprenticeship. Completing this one-year, graduate-level hybrid certificate program can take you one-third of the way towards a Butler Master’s in Effective Teaching and Leadership degree or towards another graduate degree programs pending approval.
International Baccalaureate Teaching and Learning Certificate
Interested in teaching in an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, or other global education settings? In one year, you can prepare for certification in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP, instruction for ages 3-12) or the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP, instruction for ages 11-16). Course credits can be applied to the elective requirement of the Master’s in Effective Teaching and Leadership degree at Butler.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certificate
Butler University offers a graduate non-degree program specifically designed to build on the master’s in School Counseling, providing the coursework required for the State of Indiana License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). This 12-credit hour certificate program provides the three content-based classes and the advanced internship that align with state requirements for the LMHC. The program is designed to dovetail with the 48 credit hour master’s in School Counseling, but admission is not limited to school counselors. Classes can be taken individually, according to availability. * With demand for mental health workers on this rise, the LMHC certificate opens the door to many interesting job opportunities.
Teachers of the Visually Impaired Certificate
This graduate non-degree program designed to offer candidates greater depth of instruction, more hands-on work with visually impaired students, and greater contact with successful blind adults as role models. The program consists of a series of nine courses totaling 19 credit hours. This program can be an add-on to an existing undergraduate or graduate license. Students must complete an introduction to special education course before they begin the Teachers of the Visually Impaired (VI) program. The program prerequisites are classes currently required in our Elementary Education major (ED490, Assessment of Students with Special Needs, and ED492, Special Education Law).
The courses offered during the fall and spring semesters will be taught as hybrid classes with a blend of online and face-to-face instruction. The summer courses will be taught at a location that includes children who are visually impaired, e.g., at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired during summer enrichment programs.
Teachers of the Visually Impaired Courses include:
Eye Conditions, Beginning Braille, Low Vision Instructional Adaptations, Adapted Materials for Visually Impaired, Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired Learners, Literacy for Visually Impaired Learners, Orientation and Mobility for Visually Impaired Learners, Philosophy of Visual Impairment, Practicum with Learners with Visual Impairments.