DATSE is a self-directed program, where you can take courses in the order that works best for you. All courses are offered online, with several summer course offerings. In order to qualify for certification, you should be teaching on a provisional certificate in a special education classroom, or working as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom by the time you take your methods course, which is usually taken a year into the program.

You are encouraged to begin teaching on a provisional certificate a year into the program, if not sooner. This gives you valuable teaching experience as you complete the program.

You will get to take several courses designed to help you understand and incorporate diverse experiences in your classrooms.

Drury prides itself on being and maintaining certification from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). It is important to the Drury School of Education and Child Development that they provide the best education for our preservice teachers. The School of Education and Child Development administers a yearly survey to alumni that allows for feedback and continuous improvement of the program. Additionally, Drury analyzes data collected by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and uses it to create new classes, update current classes, and continue to offer the best teacher education it possibly can.