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Temporary Authorization Certificate - Special Education

TACSpEd.pngThe Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC) is a Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification route. The UMSL College of Education offers online coursework that meets the requirements for secondary education and special education certification. At UMSL, we also offer advisor support through each step of the TAC plan.

The TAC route to certification is for those who have been hired by a school to teach the subject in which they have a degree, or to teach special education. The TAC agreement is between the teacher, the hiring district/school, and DESE.

Requirements

  • Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university in the subject area to be taught or a closely related field (applications for a special education temporary authorization must possess a baccalaureate or higher degree) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Submission of a joint application verifying contracted employment with a Missouri public school district or accredited non-public school.

Official DESE information regarding the TAC can be found at: DESE TAC Requirements

Sample Plan of Courses

Upon Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approval of your TAC plan, provide a copy of your certificate and plan to your UMSL advisor.

If you are transferring into the Transition to Teaching Program with a previous Plan of Courses, contact your DESE Certification Supervisor in writing for determination of competencies met and needed. Provide your revised plan to your UMSL academic advisor.

Course Title Credit hours Requirement
Fall
ELE ED 6338 Literacy Assessment for Guided Instruction 3, online Methods of Teaching Reading
SPEC ED 6412 Psychology of the Exceptional Child 3, online Psychology of the Exceptional Child
Spring
ELE ED 6246 Teaching Math in the Elementary School 3, online Methods of Teaching Mathematics
SPEC ED 6325 Advanced Standards in Classroom and Behavior Management 3, online Behavioral Management Techniques
Summer
ED PSY 6222 Advanced Studies in Child and Adolescent Development 3, online Psychological Development of the Child and Adolescent
ED PSY 6030 Instruction, Learning, and Assessment 3, online Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement to include Intelligence Testing
Fall
SPEC ED 6443 Characteristics and Education of Students with Learning Disabilities 3, online Methods of Teaching Students with Cross Categorical Disabilities
SPEC ED 6315 Understanding and Implementing Speech and Language Interventions to Assist Children with Special Needs 3, online Speech and Language Development of the Exceptional Child
Spring
ELE ED 6448 Diagnosis and Remediation in Math Disabilities 3, online Methods of Teaching Remedial Mathematics
SPEC ED 6346 Reading Instruction and Intervention 3, online Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities
Summer
SPEC ED 6342 Transition Education for Adult Life 3, online Transition Processes, including Career Education or Career Readiness
ED PSY 6545 Consultation in Schools and Other Settings 3, online Counseling Techniques or Collaboration with Family, School and Community
Fall
TCH ED 6010 Examining History, Community, and Social Justice in Education 3, online Cultural Diversity

Missouri Content Assessments

  • 050 Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education
  • 063 Test of Professional Knowledge Secondary