Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Course Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Graduate Teacher Licensure in Special Education K-12


Also see
Graduate Teacher Licensure in Early Childhood/Special Education  
Graduate Teacher Licensure in Education  
Graduate Teacher Licensure Progression  
Special Education - Comprehensive, M.A.T.  
Early Childhood Education/Special Education, M.A.T.  
Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.  

This program is designed for candidates who want a master of arts in Special Education with initial Special Education teacher licensure. Candidates interested in teaching at the elementary level are encouraged to pass the Praxis II tests in elementary education. To become recognized as “highly qualified” in a content area, special education teachers at the middle and secondary levels need to have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree (typically 30 credits) in Mathematics, English, or a science, or pass the Praxis II test in one of these content areas.

Program Outcomes

The candidate will:

  • Understand the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and cognitive aspects of development
  • Understand and apply learning theories as they relate to a holistic curriculum
  • Evaluate learning and behavior of students
  • Identify classroom organization and management techniques to enhance learning
  • Understand historical, social, cultural, and political forces influencing public education and the role of a teacher in the resulting issues
  • Accrue and use in-depth knowledge of professional literature
  • Become a lifelong independent learner and reflective practitioner
  • Demonstrate responsibility, initiative and sensitivity in working with all children in education-related settings
  • Teach all children effectively in a constructivist and collaborative manner using best practice

Other Opportunities In Education


Laboratory Schools


The School of Education benefits from two laboratory schools. The Gengras Center, an on campus school for students with significant disabilities, and the School for Young Children, an early childhood school nearby, offer students pre-professional opportunities in working with teachers, children, and families.

Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society


Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education has been active at USJ since 2009. The society has a long-standing commitment to “recognizing excellence and fostering mutual cooperative support, and professional growth for educational professionals.” Letters of invitation are sent in March to students eligible for membership informing them of an April orientation meeting and an initiation ceremony in the spring.

Partnerships


The School of Education has partnerships with several school districts and agencies, which provide candidates the opportunity to interact with K-12 students under faculty supervision. Longstanding partnerships include: Bloomfield School District, Connecticut Department of Children and Family Services, and West Hartford Schools. Candidates are provided authentic opportunities to assess, teach and collaborate with others.

Internships


Pre K-12 Schools


The University of Saint Joseph provides opportunities for students completing graduate studies or licensure courses to serve as interns in public school classrooms during the school year. The participating schools provide 18 graduate credits that the intern may apply to tuition costs at the University of Saint Joseph. In addition, a small stipend is provided for books and materials each semester. Contact the director of student teaching and clinical experiences for more information.