SAVANNAH — Armstrong Atlantic State University’s College of Education announces a new academic program for special education teachers — the Special Education Transition Specialist Endorsement — that will be offered entirely online. It is the only program in Georgia that addresses a priority in public school systems: the transition of special education students from school to a post-school environment.

The program will provide participants the skills to work with other teachers, families and communities to prepare children with learning, mental, emotional or physical disabilities to enter a post-secondary school or the workforce.

The new program, which begins in January and consists of four online graduate-level courses, will add a Special Education Transition Specialist endorsement to a special education teacher’s T-4 certificate.

“The transition specialist will help schools achieve two goals — reduce the number of dropouts and increase the number of special education graduates prepared to successfully transition from high school to training or a job,” said Patricia Wachholz, dean of the college of education.

Program participants will learn to help teachers plan for the future of their special education students and be proactive in supporting students to be successful in whatever setting is most appropriate after high school graduation, including independent living.

“With the current and projected emphasis on special education in schools, there will be an increasing need for special education teachers with transition backgrounds,” Wachholz said.

For more information about the Special Education Transition Specialist Endorsement, contact Greg Dziuban at (912) 344-2568 or greg.dziuban@armstrong.edu.