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Dyslexia Certificate Online Language-based Learning Disability Support

Geremy Laboy, who earned his degree from SNHU, sitting on a porch step holding his framed diploma on his knee with a vertical welcome sign in the background.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 5

Total credits 15

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Program Overview Why get a graduate certificate in language-based learning disabilities?

Because learning differently requires teaching differently, Southern New Hampshire University's Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities was developed in partnership with the renowned Landmark School to help you better support students with language-based learning disabilities.

The certificate is also ideal for parents, to help them understand and advocate for a child who has been diagnosed with an LBLD.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Identifying students with LBLD
  • Responding to students with LBLD
  • Use  of appropriate instructional models
  • How to help students advocate for themselves
  • Best practices for student support
  • Identifying resources
Zepure Kurumlian, who earned her degree from SNHU, sitting on a blue couch in her living room typing on her laptop and looking at an open book on the couch next to her.

Courses & Curriculum Online classes that help you help your students

In just 15 credits (5 courses), you'll gain insight into the minds of students who struggle to process written and verbal language to be able to help them gain self-confidence and become more proficient and successful students.

Courses were built by Landmark educators in conjunction with SNHU instructional design professionals. Each course is taught by Landmark faculty and offers practical and effective strategies that will help you reach and empower your students with LBLD.

Degree Courses

Online Courses

You'll complete 5 courses that focus on how students with LBLD process information, express knowledge, respond well to appropriate instructional models and exemplars, and learn to self-advocate for their own learning.

Note: This graduate certificate does not lead to initial teacher licensure or administrator endorsement.

Courses may include:

Course ID: SPED 610
Students with language-based learning disabilities often struggle with the cognitive and self-regulating tasks associated with executive function. These tasks range from organizing time, materials, information; preparing for work, managing frustration, accessing memory and self-monitoring one's progress and work. This course introduces educators to research-based strategies that increase and improve executive function through the use of effective study skills. While the course will explore relevant research on language-based learning disabilities and executive function, the emphasis will be placed on the practical teaching skills drawn from Landmark's Six Teaching Principles. These principles, which will be integrated throughout the course, encourage teachers to provide structured opportunities for students to achieve success, use multiple instructional modalities, create skill-based micro unit tasks, ensure student skill automatization through practice and review, provide models, and include the student in the learning process.
Course ID: SPED 630
This course focuses on the strategies and skills for supporting expressive language skills for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, primarily for writing. The course introduces the concepts of scaffolding the writing process, using a hierarchy of skills to build appropriate foundational skills sets, and understanding the hidden demands of writing for students with language-based learning disabilities. Students in this course will draw from relevant research on expressive language arts to develop practical teaching strategies for their own learning environments.
Course ID: SPED 635
This course provides an overview of effective reading interventions drawn from research-based practice for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Students in the course will integrate appropriate assessment strategies, engage with the current research analyses on reading and language-based learning disabilities (LBLD), and develop practical strategies for supporting students in developing the phonemic awareness, sound-symbol relationships, and decoding patterns that improve reading fluency.
Course ID: SPED 640
Creating a supportive, effective, and well-structured language-based classroom is a key strategy for supporting students with language-based learning disabilities, though the principles apply to effective instruction for a variety of students. This course will provide an in-depth analysis of teaching principles and academic planning strategies implemented successfully as well as other K-12 language-based environments. Emphasis will be placed on the establishment of proper classroom resources as well as how to arrange them within the physical classroom space.
Course ID: SPED 650
Students with language-based learning disabilities often exhibit deficits in social skills, therefore a structured approach to developing proficiency in essential social and emotional competencies becomes an important part of a teachers' skill set. This course focuses on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as an essential piece in student development. This course will also provide an overview of the concept of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) derived from evidenced based instruction and research. Emphasis will be placed on developing individual strategies for students and establishing a classroom culture based on SEL practices.

Visit the course catalog to view the full Dyslexia Certificate curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025

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What does an online course look like?

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  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
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After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

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SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.

Online certificate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 15-credit certificate
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$9,555
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$7,050

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

*Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Career Outlook What can I do with a certificate in dyslexia studies?

As learning disabilities are identified earlier, more special education programs are added to schools and other organizations. This is predicted to cause an increase in demand for teachers certified to work in the field of special education.

The online Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities Graduate Certificate, in partnership with Landmark School, is designed for teachers and educators already leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. The certificate program is also ideal for those interested in becoming a language-based learning disability (LBLD) or dyslexia specialist.

Occupations

The dyslexia certificate online is an ideal credential for people in the following professions:

Work with students who have visual or auditory impairments, are on the autism spectrum or have other emotional disorders.

Choose books and materials to include in the library collection to support students of all levels of reading and learning ability.

Help with exhibit design to incorporate sensory learning and other features inclusive to students of all levels of learning ability.

Help design the educational courses and programs that are fun, educational and accessible to all students.

Help students of all ages and learning ability develop study skills, academic skills in writing and math, or even life skills.

Plan classes, teach lessons and assess student needs and progress – individually, in small groups or in a classroom setting.

$65,910

Median annual salary for special education teachers in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the online dyslexia certificate

Teachers can become the biggest support to students outside of their family. Having a teacher trained in the most up-to-date learning science and strategies regarding dyslexia can make a huge difference in the learning experience of a child who is struggling.

Our curriculum uses the Landmark School’s Six Teaching Principles™. These principles form the foundation of our teaching approach to help every student succeed, not just students who struggle with language.

The Six Teaching Principles™ are:

  1. Provide opportunities for our students to experience success
  2. Use multisensory approaches to teaching
  3. Use micro-units and structured tasks for every student
  4. Ensure automatization through practice and review
  5. Provide models for our students to use as a guide
  6. Include our students in the learning process

Students with dyslexia need systematic intervention and appropriate accommodations. By embracing these principles as the foundation for teaching, every teacher can help students feel included and empowered with the learning process.

These skills are grounded in patience and support, with an optimistic outlook and plan to provide students with coaching and strategies that they can apply to any learning situation.

Teachers and other educators, including parents, who wish to work with students who have language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) may be interested in earning a credential specific to this area.

Demonstrating the ability to have a meaningful impact on student learning as a whole, but also with helping students identified as having LBLDs is a rewarding path. You'll be able to assist students in their structured learning, as well as with social skills, executive function and even confidence.

A dyslexia specialist certificate is a professional credential tailored for special education teachers who want the specific knowledge and pedagogy involved in helping teach LBLD students with reading, spelling, writing and handwriting skills.

To achieve this credential, coursework in theory, research and pedagogy is necessary. The Southern New Hampshire University Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language-Based Learning Disabilities provides the instruction needed to move forward in this richly rewarding area of education practice.

"This certificate is beneficial for teachers because it presents many strategies they can employ immediately in their classrooms to help students develop better academic skills," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU.

And with approximately 15% to 20% of the population having a language-based learning disability, the need for this credential and commitment to learning is great.3

Not only can you earn a dyslexia certificate online, but you can earn one from an accredited, highly regarded university.

Most learners who are interested in learning more about dyslexia and LBLDs are already working and teaching in the field. They have full-time jobs, as well as lives, families and other challenges to their time that can make earning an additional credential difficult in a practical sense. Online education is a wonderful solution.

Online learning means that you get to learn on your schedule, as you wish. With the Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language Based Learning Disabilities at Southern New Hampshire University, you can complete the 5-course certificate in about a year, or even less.

"A certificate takes a shorter period of time to complete and can quickly deliver practical skills and ideas that teachers need to help students in today's diverse classrooms," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU.

Our professional admission counselors and academic advisors can help ensure that you are able to take the courses you need when you need them. Our faculty is made up of professionals working in the field. In addition to top-notch instruction, they provide networking opportunities as well as professional advice to how best to apply your newfound specialized learning to assist students of all ages.

Most people, even non-teachers, are familiar with the term “dyslexia.” What many people don’t know, however, is just how prevalent language-based learning disabilities are among students of all ages.

Approximately 15%-20% of Americans have a language-based learning disability, according to the International Dyslexia Association.3

To address this need, the dyslexia training certification online program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides a suite of 5 courses that are specific to supporting students who encompass the spectrum of language-based learning disabilities (LBLD).

Dyslexia is one of them, but as a professional teacher, you know that learning disabilities affect student learning in myriad ways. Students with LBLD often struggle with social skills, executive function and negative feelings towards learning as a result of their challenges. If you are a certified teacher interested in expanding your toolkit, the Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language-Based Learning Disabilities could be just what you need.

Five courses means you can finish in just about a year. It’s possible to take a little more and or a little less time, depending on your schedule and your needs.

"The courses will help teachers better understand how dyslexia causes classroom struggles for their students and how to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of their students," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU.

The courses are designed by Landmark School teachers, in partnership with SNHU. The Landmark instructors not only work in the field of LBLD, but have been for most of their careers. We offer this certificate program to you as a deep dive into the research and practical teaching strategies and skills you will need to help students of all types of LBLD succeed in the classroom and in life.

The Landmark School has been in the business of helping students with LBLD succeed since the early 1970s. Thanks to this exciting partnership, the dyslexia certification can help teachers learn new ways to enhance their classroom instruction and how to best address the diverse learning needs of children of all ages.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Landmark School, Six Teaching Principles, on the internet, at https://www.landmarkschool.org/our-approach/six-teaching-principles (viewed March 22, 2024)

2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

3International Dyslexia Association, on the internet, at https://dyslexiaida.org/frequently-asked-questions-2/ (viewed March 22, 2024)