The M.S.Ed in Special Education program is open to individuals who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and hold initial certification in childhood education.

 Applicants without a valid teaching certificate may apply for admission to the program but will be required to take additional courses if accepted, as well as extend their student teaching practicum if they wish to pursue certification.

PLO 1: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to recognize the range of individual differences in how students learn and customize instruction to accommodate such diversity.  

PLO 2: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to develop culturally responsive curriculum and instruction that draws on linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as family background and community values as assets that can be used to promote learning.

PLO 3: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to maintain an inclusive learning environment that promotes positive social interactions, acceptance, collaboration, mutual respect, multicultural awareness, an appreciation of diversity, and a concern for others.

PLO 4: Teacher candidates demonstrate an understanding of the central concepts, principles, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplinary areas that they teach and create meaningful learning experiences to ensure learner mastery of the content.

PLO 5: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to make content knowledge relevant to learners by connecting it to local, state, national, and global issues.

PLO 6: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to align lessons with NYS curricular standards for college readiness and successful performance on state-mandated tests.

PLO 7: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to use a variety of instructional strategies to engage, motivate; promote critical thinking, self-directed learning, creativity, and collaborative problem solving to extend learners’ understanding of the content areas.

PLO 8: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to integrate new technologies across content areas to deliver instruction in meaningful ways and add value to the overall learning experience.

PLO 9: Teacher candidates demonstrate an understanding of the uses, strengths, and limitations of various forms of assessment practices to document learner progress and adjust instruction as needed.

PLO 10: Teacher candidates support the academic, social, and emotional development of all students through dispositions such as acceptance, empathy, caring, fairness, student advocacy, and the belief that all students can learn.

PLO 11: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to be self-reflective and use this knowledge to seek critical feedback, enhance their repertoire of teaching skills, and pursue professional development opportunities in the best interest of learners.

PLO 12: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to foster positive interactions and collaborate with progressional colleagues and school personnel in support of student learning, development, and well-being.

This program prepares teacher candidates to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments that recognize and support diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds. 

Candidates develop strong content knowledge and learn to design standards-based instruction aligned with New York State learning standards while connecting classroom learning to local, national, and global issues. The curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, innovative instructional strategies, and the integration of technology to enhance student engagement and critical thinking.

 Candidates also learn to use a variety of assessment methods to monitor student progress and guide instruction, while supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of all learners. Throughout the program, students cultivate reflective teaching practices and collaborate with educators and school communities to continuously improve teaching and learning.

♿ Special Education Teacher (All Grades)
• Teach and support students with diverse learning, developmental, and behavioral needs across grade levels
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Adapt instruction and materials to support student success in inclusive or specialized settings

📚 Inclusion or Resource Room Teacher
• Work alongside general education teachers in inclusive classrooms
• Provide targeted small-group or individualized instruction
• Support students in building academic, social, and organizational skills

🧠 Learning Specialist or Intervention Teacher
• Provide specialized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, or behavioral support
• Assess student progress and develop strategies for improvement
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and families to support student learning

📊 Special Education Coordinator or Case Manager
• Manage IEP development and compliance with state and federal regulations
• Coordinate services for students with disabilities
• Support teachers in implementing effective special education strategies

🏫 School Leader or Instructional Specialist (with experience)
• Support teachers in creating inclusive learning environments
• Lead professional development related to special education practices
• Help schools strengthen programs that support diverse learners