Online Master's Degree in
Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6)
Take your paraeducator experience to the next level!
The Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education (MAT-SPED) Elementary alternative licensure program is designed specifically for those with a non-teaching bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience working as a paraeducator with elementary students with high incidence learning needs.
This online, innovative program allows you to earn a Kansas teaching license in High Incidence Special Education, Grades K-6.
Expert Faculty
Learn from seasoned educators and professionals who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the online classroom. Benefit from their guidance as you further explore your education.
Hands-On Experience
Gain hand-on experience with students that have high incidence learning needs under the direction of university personnel and a licensed/certified special education teacher.
Career Advancement
Expand your career possibilities by earning your licence to teach special education in a high incidence, elementary setting through this innovative program designed for special education para-educators.
Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) Admission Requirements:
Admissions criteria for the Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) will include the following:- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an official transcript received by PSU
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00
- Successful completion of the professional disposition assessment
- Completion of a background check
- Writing sample
- Two recommendation forms
- Verification of at least one year of experience as a para-educator in a special education setting.
Unique Class Topics in the Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) Degree Program
Through a comprehensive curriculum paraeducators will be equipped with specialized knowledge and skills to support students and make a meaningful impact in inclusive classrooms.
- Advanced Educational Psychology: Explore advanced theories and research in educational psychology, examining the cognitive, social, and emotional factors that influence learning and development, and equipping educators with practical strategies to promote learning.
- Literacy Development and Instruction (K-2): Focus on literacy development in young learners, emphasizing evidence-based instructional practices and strategies to teach foundational reading and writing skills to students..
- Literacy Development and Instruction (3+): Address literacy instruction for students in grades three and above, emphasizing comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and writing skills to support continued literacy growth and achievement.
- Characteristics of Students with High-Incidence Learning Needs: Examine the unique characteristics and educational needs of students with high-incidence disabilities, providing you with insights and strategies to support their academic and social-emotional development.
- Behavior Analysis and Management: Explore principles of behavior analysis and behavior management techniques, equipping you with strategies to assess, intervene, and support students with challenging behaviors in educational settings.
- Assessment in Special Education: Focus on assessment practices and procedures in special education, preparing you to administer, interpret, and utilize assessment data to inform instructional decision-making and support student learning.
- Individualized Education Programming: Guides you in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, emphasizing collaboration with families and stakeholders to create personalized educational plans.
- Practicum I: High-Incidence Learning Needs: Gain hands-on practicum experiences working with students with high-incidence disabilities under the supervision of experienced educators, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world educational settings.
- Teaching Elementary Students with High-Incidence Learning Needs: Focus on effective instructional strategies and accommodations for teaching elementary students with high-incidence disabilities, promoting inclusive practices and academic success.
- Partnerships with Families of Exceptional Children and Youth: Examine the importance of family involvement in special education, providing you with strategies to establish collaborative partnerships with families to support student learning and well-being.
- The Professional Special Educator: Explore the roles and responsibilities of special educators, emphasizing professionalism, ethical practices, and ongoing professional development to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
- General Education Curriculum for Students with High Incidence Disabilities: Learn strategies for adapting and modifying the general education curriculum to meet the needs of students with high-incidence disabilities, promoting access to the general education curriculum and meaningful participation in classroom activities.
Jobs of Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) Master's Graduates
- Special Education Teacher: Work as a special education teacher in elementary schools, providing specialized instruction and support to students with high-incidence disabilities.
- Resource Room Teacher: Serve as a resource room teacher, working with small groups of students with disabilities to provide targeted interventions, support academic skills development, and reinforce classroom learning.
- Inclusion Teacher: Collaborate with general education teachers to co-teach in inclusive classrooms, providing support and accommodations to students with disabilities while fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.