UMass Boston’s Transition Leadership Certificate focuses on the transition from high school to adult life for young people with a wide range of disabilities. It’s designed for teachers and those with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, School Guidance, School Adjustment Counseling, or School Social Work seeking a secondary license, as well as those seeking initial licensure to work with special populations.
Gain the skills necessary to focus on employment, college preparation, and independent living skills for students with disabilities, ages 14-22, as well as the leadership skills needed to help influence state and national policy around transition and disability. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to excel in a new role, that of a transition specialist, and find employment in secondary schools, transition programs, and college programs that support transition-aged students with disabilities.
The University of Massachusetts Boston Transition Leadership Program is an accredited transition specialist training program approved by the Division of Career Development and Transition of the Council for Exceptional Children and an approved program of study for the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Transition Specialist Endorsement. Individuals who have successfully completed this accredited DCDT transition preparation program are eligible to apply for a national DCDT transition specialist certification. Individuals in Massachusetts are also eligible to apply for the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Transition Specialist Endorsement.
The School for Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD) certificate in transition leadership meets the needs of professionals working in fields that require transition leadership skills, such as at a state agency or in an Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment program. Our certificate program is an excellent way for educators and non-educators to broaden their abilities and to place their work in a wider context.
Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now .
Informational Webinar — Applicants meet with the program directors to learn about the certificate and determine their eligibility and interest in applying. Contact Program Coordinator Maria Paiewonsky to learn about the date(s) of the webinar: maria.paiewonsky@umb.edu, 617.287.7697.
Transcripts — Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required.
Two Letters of Recommendation — Letters should come from people who are knowledgeable about supporting students with disabilities, who have worked closely with you, and who have direct knowledge of your transition skills and academic performance.
License Information — Submit documentation showing that you are an initially licensed special educator, school guidance counselor, school adjustment counselor, school social worker, or vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Statement of Interest and Intent (Required Writing Sample) — This sample should show your ability to write in a clear, concise, and professional manner. It may be in the form of a recent term paper. Please do NOT submit an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or evaluation report. We are seeking applicants who are thoughtful and responsive educators, committed to social justice. Your writing sample should demonstrate how you and your work match that description. An academic writing sample is required.
Financial Aid:
Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.
Fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu
Contact:
For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu.
Focus Areas:
Outcomes & Careers
At the end of this 18-month program, you’ll be awarded a graduate certificate in Transition Leadership. The university will review your completed program of study and recommend you to the MA Department of Secondary and Elementary Education for the Transition Specialist Endorsement. The endorsement will demonstrate your expertise in the field on your resume, as well as in interviews and workplace evaluations.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to work in a new and growing role, that of a transition specialist. Graduates of the transition leadership certificate program can expect to hone their skills and find employment opportunities in a variety of settings, such as school transition programs, college-based transition programs, vocational rehabilitation offices, and youth workforce centers.
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