Frequently Asked Questions:
Special Education Credential Pathway
As Outlined in the 2024-25 SERP
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Last updated: June 26, 2025
3. Who has access to this program?
4. I am already in a credential program. Can I get reimbursed?
5. Where will I be placed and when will I find out for sure?
6. Can I work on a temporary credential?
Isn’t the SERP a retirement incentive? What does this have to do with Special Education credentials?
As a way to avoid layoffs, San Diego Unified offered a Supplementary Early Retirement Plan (SERP) in the 2024-25 school year. Both SDEA and the District recognized that this could add to the critical lack of Special Education staff, with many Ed Specialists eligible for retirement. Section 6.0 of the SERP agreement was a way to address current and future needs for new Special Education staff.
What is the timeline for this credential? When would I actually have a contract in a SpEd position?
Unit members participating in the Special Education credential pathway are required to begin serving in a contracted, site-based Special Education position starting in the 2025-26 school year as they work toward their preliminary and cleared credential. (Section 6.5 of the agreement.)
Who has access to this program?
Unit members are eligible, including educators who already have another credential and want to add a SPED credential and Visiting Teachers. If more members are interested than there are funds available, see section 6.6 of the agreement to see the order of priority.
I am already in a credential program. Can I get reimbursed?
Section 6.2.2 of the agreement specifies what programs qualify for reimbursement. If you meet all requirements, you can qualify if you are newly enrolling in a program “through this Agreement” (so after the agreement was signed in November 2024) and beginning coursework in 2024-25 or 2025-26 academic years.
Intent is to grow the pool.
Where will I be placed and when will I find out for sure?
Placement is based on the number of known vacancies in the specific Education Specialist credential for the 2024/2025 school year as of May 15, 2025. The District will notify SDEA of the total number of known vacancies at that time. (Section 6.2.1)
Can I work on a temporary credential?
There are different types of temporary credentials for educators working while earning their credential.
- STSP (Short-term Staffing Permit credential) - This can only be used once in entire career (This is the only option if you have a credential in an area outside SpEd, or if you don't have any credential).
- SELAP (SpEd Limited Assignment Permit) - This is limited to 3 years in your entire career. It may not be used for SpEd if you have General Ed credentials (a multiple subject, etc.) but could be used for members with a Mild/Mod credential who want to add a Mod/Severe credential, for example.
What do I do if I am interested?
Please complete the interest form no later than June 30, 2025. (You will need to be logged into your San Diego Unified email.)
How do I submit for reimbursement?
Individuals who are approved to participate will receive a job aid outlining specific steps to submit for reimbursement.
Who do I contact to find out more about my eligibility?
Please contact Candace Hunter-Clark, Special Education Compliance Officer with SDUSD, at chunter-clark@sandi.net. For questions regarding your contractual rights as a union member, reach out to the SDEA office. (Email typo fixed 6/11/2025)
What programs can I enroll in?
See this list of local programs that offer Special Education credentialing programs.
Are materials also paid for?
If accepted as part of this agreement, members can get books and other necessary materials reimbursed as well as tuition. See Section 6.2 of the agreement. (Added 6/26/2025)