The University of Tennessee at Martin is proud to offer a structured, non-credit bearing Special Education Add-On Academy in support of the Tennessee Department of Education’s 2025–26 SPED Add-On Endorsement initiative. This opportunity is designed specifically for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state to nominate current educators who wish to expand their licensure with a Special Education Add-On Endorsement in either K–8 or 6–12. Specific program details, including enrollment windows, are provided below to assist LEAs and interested educators in planning their participation.
Endorsement options: 144- SPED Interventionist K-8 or 145 - SPED Interventionist 6-12
This is a Non-Credit Bearing program
What are the costs of each endorsement listed above?
The total cost per student is $962. All costs for this option are for payment to the instructors for content delivery and to cover the cost of Praxis vouchers for tests required for licensure. The EPP will require candidates to complete content in a SPED Academy (bootcamp type format) delivered in an online, asynchronous format over 10 weeks per term. The EPP can serve up to 30 students per term using this model. There is a minimum of 22 students per term cohort to guarantee course prep and delivery of SPED Academy.
* Students will be expected to register for Praxis exam prior to end of academy.
Participants must earn 80% on all modules and pass all required Praxis exams to be recommended for the endorsement.
Professional Development Points (PDP)
All participants will receive a certificate providing CEU credits and Professional Development Points upon completion of the SPED Academy which may be used to meet district requirements for annual professional development training and/or licensure renewal. The online SPED Academy modules are aligned with currently approved SPED Interventionist K-8 and 6-12 SAP’s.
What are the enrollment windows for each course found above?
UTM will offer the SPED Add-On Academy once a term. Students can complete endorsement requirements in 10 weeks and take required Praxis exam.
Fall 2025
September 8th - October 10th (5 weeks) - Literacy focus
October 13th - November 14th (5 weeks) - SPED focus
Spring 2026
January 26th - February 27th (5 weeks) - Literacy focus
March 3rd - April 3rd (5 weeks) - SPED focus
How to Register
LEA’s wishing to nominate current or aspiring teachers for participation in the UT Martin SPED Add-On Academy should complete the nomination form linked below. The form requires LEAs to submit details on the number of interested candidates within the respective district. Upon submission, the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or designee will follow up to initiate the required contract for payment, collect the names and contact information of nominee's, and provide additional details regarding the admission process. Please note that all nominations for Fall 2025 must be submitted by August 15th.
Contacts
For additional information about this SPED Add-On Academy please contact:
Mrs. Staci Fuqua, Director
Educator Preparation Program
Sfuqua2@utm.edu or 731-881-7686
Dr. Clinton Smith, Department Chair
Department of Educational Studies
csmit279@utm.edu or 731-881-7210
Mr. Cayce Wainscott, Administrative Specialist
Department of Educational Studies
cwainsco@utm.edu or 731-881-7210