Special education is a high-need area, offering increased job security and demand for qualified teachers. UHWO’s program equips educators with the skills and knowledge to serve in diverse special education settings, including inclusion classrooms, resource rooms, and fully self-contained environments. Best of all, the licensure can be completed in just one year, providing a fast track to advancing your career and making a meaningful impact in education.
Explore the eligibility requirements to see how you can take the next step in your teaching career.
If you are interested in the Add-a-Field pathway or would like Dr. Mahiko to contact you with more details, please submit an inquiry below.
Field experience is a critical component for you to gain hands-on experiences designed to set you up for success in teaching students with disabilities. Our program prepares you to teach in all three special education settings—inclusion, resource, and self-contained classrooms—giving you valuable insights into working with students with a variety of needs.
SPED 326 - 45 hours (inclusion or resource)
SPED 470: 60 hours (fully self-contained)
SPED 490: 450 hours (inclusion)
Being paired with a seasoned special education mentor in the classroom is an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience and insight. By working alongside mentors in various settings—such as inclusion, resource, and self-contained classrooms—you’ll not only deepen your understanding of special education practices but also explore the diverse needs of students. This mentorship experience helps many candidates clarify their preferences for specific teaching environments and prepares them to excel in any special education career path. It’s a transformative way to bridge theory with practice and build confidence as an educator.
The Add-a-Field pathway goes beyond the classroom, offering students unique opportunities to connect with community resources that play a crucial role in supporting families of children with disabilities. Through our program, students participate in site visits to vital organizations like the Assistive Technology Resource Center, the Hoʻopono Center for the Blind, and Assets School, which serves students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and gifted and talented learners.
These experiences provide firsthand insight into the wide range of services and support systems available, equipping future educators with the knowledge and tools to guide families effectively. By fostering these community connections, the Add-a-Field pathway prepares educators to make a meaningful impact both in their classrooms and within their communities.