In Florida, according to State Board of Education rules, four endorsement
areas are available for exceptional student education (ESE): severe/profound
disabilities, orientation and mobility for visually impaired, prekindergarten (PreK)
disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. Subject area tests are not available for endorsements.
An endorsement can be added to a current teaching certificate by taking approved
coursework and applying to the Bureau of Educator Certification. The orientation and mobility endorsement is currently required
for teachers of students with visual impairments. Endorsements in the areas of PreK disabilities and autism spectrum disorders will be required by July 1, 2011.
Select from one of the following disabilities to view a list of Florida’s
public universities offering coursework that can be used towards earning an
endorsement in that area.
Click the 'Overview Chart' button to view or print a chart showing Florida's
public universities and community colleges offering ESE endorsements.
The
Virtual ESE Online Program is a collaborative
effort among the universities in Florida to provide coursework for ESE endorsements
through an online delivery system. Faculty from across the state of Florida
offer courses through the Internet. For additional information, visit http://virtualese.florida-ese.org/.