CU Denver’s Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development with a special education licensure program equips undergraduate students to become teachers who identify and champion the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, using impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms.

CU Denver believes that the most in-demand teaching career is also the most fulfilling. Every child deserves a highly qualified teacher in their classroom. We help put you there.

A unique feature of this pathway is that students can add the Colorado Department of Education's elementary endorsement to their credentials. Students leave with the Special Education license and Elementary Education endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education. Graduates are prepared to teach Special Education and K- 6, making you highly employable and desirable to schools.
 
CU Denver is a top education school with internationally recognized faculty members known for innovation and research. The program's faculty offers experience in literacy, social and emotional growth, gifted learners, students with learning disabilities, and building a diverse workforce. They prepare students for success in any classroom. The school is a top-ranked program, according to U.S. News and World Report.
 
Students are surrounded by other committed, innovative, and compassionate peers who crave a deeper level of preparedness. This culture fosters an environment that encourages teachers to give their best to every student, every day.

Students in this program will:

In this pathway you will:

• Gain knowledge about emotional/behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities.
• Learn to plan assessment-informed instruction for educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds.
• Develop a deep understanding of the diverse ways children learn and develop within their families and communities and in schools.
• Bring a relevant and engaging curriculum to standards-based teaching.
• Gain the skills for effective classroom organization and management.

Many schools promise a teacher residency with experiential learning under a teacher mentor. Few can deliver one as well-supported and prepared as ours. For more than 30 years, the program has worked with area schools to create a proven residency program. This partnership supports students' development as they work with teams of dedicated practicing teachers, teacher leaders, and university faculty in the school.
 
Due to our urban location and partnerships across Colorado, as well as our emphasis on teaching in diverse contexts, our graduates lead and make a difference in all classrooms. In the first year, students will be placed in a partner school. In the final year, the student's experience culminates in a full-time student teaching residency. This allows students to experience life as a teacher firsthand.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD)

SEHD attracts students who are passionate about careers in teaching and school leadership. The program matches their passion with an education rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches, and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities, and the world.