Graduate Teacher Licensure in Special Education

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Teacher Licensure Program of Study — Special Education Grades K-12

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 examinations in elementary education and Foundations of Reading Test that recognizes them as “highly qualified” in elementary education content according to the “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) legislation. 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 examination in one of these content areas.

Program Outcomes for Special Education Teacher Licensure

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