Preparing Educators of Students with Autism (PESA) Certificate

Special Education

Preparing Educators of Students with Autism Certificate (Online)

Through the Preparing Educators of Students with Autism (PESA) certificate courses, you will examine the core traits of autism and develop a knowledgebase of effective interventions. This will allow you to design engaging educational environments where autistic learners can thrive, both academically and socially.

The curriculum covers contemporary issues in autism, with a focus on

  • Social communication
  • Diagnostic assessment
  • Understanding behavior

The PESA certificate consists of four online courses that can be completed from anywhere in the world. People who enroll in these classes include educators, school psychologists and counselors, family members, and anyone interested in learning more about autism. Classes may be taken individually, or you can enroll in PESA and complete all four courses to earn the certificate.

For students in graduate degree programs at IU, PESA courses can be used to fulfill your elective credits or put toward a minor in Special Education. (School of Education graduate students can opt-in to the certificate without going through the full application process.)

Please note that the PESA certificate does not grant a teaching license or confer a degree (although these courses can count toward licensure and graduate degree requirements).

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Hurwitz
PESA Certificate Director
shurwitz@iu.edu