Join a community dedicated to helping all students succeed
At the University of Minnesota, our faculty, staff, and students are committed to engaging in meaningful research—and to bridging research and practice—to improve the lives of children and families in diverse contexts, and to have a lasting impact on teacher education, leadership, and policy. NXT GEN Teach uses a cohort model, which means as a student and, later an alum, you’ll become part of a community of passionate and knowledgeable special educators located throughout the state of Minnesota.
Start your journey
Undergraduate degree and teaching licensure
Our undergraduate programs are designed for those working full-time who are looking to finish their bachelor's degree and earn their teaching license.
BS with academic and behavioral strategist (ABS) licensure
Earn your bachelor's of science (BS) in special education and academic and behavioral strategist (ABS) teaching license, through online course options. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to be licensed to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities in K-12 school systems and age 18-22 transition programs. Dual licensure in ABS and EBD is possible with minimal courseload additions.
BS with early childhood special education (ECSE) licensure
Earn your bachelor's of science (BS) in special education and early childhood special education (ECSE) teaching license, through online course options. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to be licensed to teach infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with delays/disabilities in a wide variety of home, community, and school settings.
Graduate degree with teaching licensure
Our programs are taught online and in the evening with in-person field experiences in your community. All are designed for working professionals.
Academic and behavioral strategist (ABS) MEd and licensure
Earn your master's of education (MEd) in special education and academic and behavioral strategist (ABS) teaching license, through online course options. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to be licensed to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities in K-12 school systems and age 18-22 transition programs.
Early childhood special education (ECSE) MEd and licensure
Earn your master's of education (MEd) in special education and early childhood special education (ECSE) teaching license, through online course options. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to be licensed to teach infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with delays/disabilities in a wide variety of home, community, and school settings.
Contact us
Residency vs. apprenticeship
To qualify for a residency or apprenticeship program as defined by the state of Minnesota, you cannot be the current teacher of record.
NXT GEN Teach Apprenticeship
What is an apprenticeship/residency?
- Intentionally individualized program plans
- Para to Teacher Pathway - for Grad and Undergrad
- Two year program
- Yearlong Student Teaching
- Supported throughout: access to Recruiter/Grant Guru, Academic Navigator, Success Navigator to connect coursework to day to day
- Job Embedded Assignments
- Cohort Model
- Coursework online - two nights a week
- Earn a Tier 3 License upon completion
- ABS/ECSE - EBD with one course - ASD Certificate and DHH to come!
- #10 in the nation for SPED graduate programs
For more information about Residency and Apprenticeship, click here
Attend a Find Your Fit info session!
Want to learn more about our different program offerings? Join an upcoming Find Your Fit info session! Click here to register.
April 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 13, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
June 3, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Contact us
Complete our form to connect with NXT GEN Teach Apprenticeship Recruiter Eddie Rodriguez.