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Special Education in New Hampshire
In terms of its ability to meet the needs of students through special education services, New Hampshire falls short, earning a ranking of “Needs Assistance” from the U.S. Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 15.3 percent of New Hampshire’s students have Individualized Education Programs, significantly above the national average of 13 percent. Over 2,400 special educators work in its 494 public and 15 charter schools, which are divided into 180 school districts. The state also has 306 private schools. The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) and its Bureau of Special Education administrate the state’s services to students with special needs.
Licensure Requirements
For Undergraduates
At the undergraduate level, candidates can pursue a bachelor’s degree program that includes NHDOE-approved teacher preparation coursework and fieldwork. Browse the the NDDOE’s list of approved programs to locate those that offer specialization or endorsements in areas of special education.
For Graduates
Graduates can opt to complete teacher preparation coursework in a certification-only program or, if they already have a general education credential, they can pursue a special education endorsement area for their credential. Those who choose to enter a master’s or doctorate program should check with the NHDOE’s educator certification procedures to confirm that their course of study includes the required pedagogical coursework, core content coursework and fieldwork to qualify them for New Hampshire educator or special educator licensure. Having a graduate degree qualifies teachers for a higher salary.
Types of Licenses
The NHDOE’s Bureau of Credentialing issues an educator license to individuals who verify their qualifications through one of five Alternatives for Certification:
- Alternative 1: For those who graduated from an NHDOE-approved teacher certification program.
- Alternative 2: For those who graduated from an approved, accredited teacher preparation program in any other state, worked as a certified teacher for three years or have completed a program that offers alternative certification.
- Alternative 3: For those who demonstrate professional competency via an alternative means of comparable experience and examinations.
- Alternative 4: For those who meet amended certification requirements in a designated teacher shortage area. Candidates who pursue this path can begin teaching while they meet the full requirements for licensure.
- Alternative 5: For those who secure an elementary or secondary teaching job in a subject in which they have a bachelor’s degree or at least 30 credits. The hiring school agrees to provide on-the-job training for such candidates.
Reciprocity
For NHDOE’s policies regarding reciprocity, see alternatives 2 through 5 above. Candidates who earned their degrees and credentials at international institutions must send official records to a
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