Special Education courses can help you learn individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior management strategies, inclusive classroom practices, and assessment techniques tailored for diverse learners. You can build skills in adapting curriculum, fostering communication with families, and implementing interventions that support students with varying needs. Many courses introduce tools like assistive technology, data tracking software, and collaborative platforms that enhance teaching effectiveness and promote student engagement.

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Communication Disorders, Neurology, School Psychology, Patient Evaluation, Disabilities, Special Education, Pediatrics, Child Development, Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Occupational Therapy, Psychological Evaluations
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, School Psychology, Case Studies, Student Support and Services, Mental Health, Health Promotion, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Crisis Intervention, Data Collection
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Cape Town
Skills you'll gain: Disabilities, Visual Impairment Education, Developmental Disabilities, Special Education, Instructional Strategies, Student Support and Services, Educational Materials, Teaching, Social Justice, Pedagogy, Differentiated Instruction, Instructional Design, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Diversity Awareness, Curriculum Development, Working With Children
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Glasgow
Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Pedagogy, Differentiated Instruction, Special Education, Disabilities, Cultural Diversity, Instructional Strategies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Higher Education, Curriculum Development, Student-Centred Learning, Student Engagement
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

MedCerts
Skills you'll gain: Positive Behavior Support, Speech Therapy, Behavior Management, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Education and Training, Communication Strategies, Social Skills, Interpersonal Communications, Mental and Behavioral Health, Teaching, Communication, Learning Theory, Child Development, Classroom Management, Training Programs, Instructional Strategies, Developmental Disabilities, Proactivity, Data Collection, Learning Strategies
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Vanderbilt University
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Creative Problem-Solving, Responsible AI, AI Personalization, Data Synthesis, AI Product Strategy, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Innovation, Brainstorming, OpenAI, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, Lesson Planning
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Cape Town
Skills you'll gain: Lifelong Learning, Family Support, Disabilities, Working With Children, Caregiving, Training Programs, Human Learning, Patient Education and Support, Special Education, Child Development, Advocacy, Curriculum Planning, Care Coordination, Instructional Strategies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, Nutrition Education, Community Health, School Psychology, Chronic Diseases, Case Studies, Student Support and Services, Nutrition and Diet, Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Parent Communication, Care Management, Communication Disorders, Neurology, Child Health, Behavioral Health
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Teaching, Social Justice, Emotional Intelligence, Social Skills, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Higher Education, Behavior Management, Classroom Management, Cultural Responsiveness, Curriculum Planning, School Psychology, Empowerment, Personal Development, Childhood Education and Development, Program Evaluation, Advocacy, Professional Development, Growth Mindedness, Mindfulness
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University at Buffalo
Skills you'll gain: Classroom Management, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Psychiatric Assessments, Parent Communication, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Working With Children, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Treatment Planning, Diagnostic Tests, Child Development, Planning, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Instructional Design, Education Software and Technology, Parent Communication, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Learning Management Systems, Student Support and Services, Course Development, Collaborative Software, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, Blended Learning, Pedagogy, Educational Materials, Teaching, Virtual Environment, Data Management, Collaboration, Planning
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Deep Teaching Solutions
Skills you'll gain: Lesson Planning, Critical Thinking, Classroom Management, Stress Management, Instructional Strategies, Teaching, Education and Training, Student Engagement, Differentiated Instruction, Learning Strategies, Pedagogy, Lecturing, Human Learning, Learning Theory, Special Education, Stress First Aid, Time Management, Education Software and Technology, Discussion Facilitation, Learning Management Systems
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Special education refers to tailored educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities or learning differences. It is crucial because it ensures that all students, regardless of their challenges, have access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. By providing specialized support, educators can help these students develop essential skills, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.‎
A variety of rewarding careers exist in special education. You might consider roles such as special education teacher, educational consultant, behavior analyst, or school psychologist. Additionally, positions in advocacy, administration, and support services are available. Each of these roles plays a vital part in creating inclusive environments that support the learning and development of students with diverse needs.‎
To succeed in special education, you should develop a range of skills. Key competencies include patience, empathy, strong communication abilities, and adaptability. Understanding various disabilities and learning strategies is also essential. Furthermore, skills in behavior management, collaboration with families and professionals, and the use of assistive technology can significantly enhance your effectiveness in this field.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in special education. For instance, the course on Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School offers insights into effective strategies for supporting students. Additionally, exploring various specializations can provide a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of special education.‎
Yes. You can start learning special education on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in special education, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning special education can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that focus on the principles and practices of special education. Engage with communities and forums to share experiences and insights. Additionally, consider volunteering or working in educational settings to gain practical experience and apply what you learn in real-world scenarios.‎
Typical topics covered in special education courses include understanding different disabilities, instructional strategies, behavior management techniques, and legal frameworks governing special education. Courses may also address collaboration with families, assessment methods, and the use of technology to support learning.‎
For training and upskilling employees in special education, courses like Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School are particularly beneficial. These courses equip educators and professionals with the necessary skills to create inclusive learning environments and effectively support students with diverse needs.‎