Online Master's Degree in
Teaching (Special Education)
Take your paraeducator experience to the next level!
The Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education 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 high-incidence learning needs.
Our program is designed to prepare educators to make a meaningful impact in inclusive classrooms and support the diverse learning needs of all students in a 6-12 setting.
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 through this innovative program designed for special education para-educators.
Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education) Admission Requirements:
Admissions criteria for the Teaching (Special Education) Master's 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.
Successful completion of the Teacher Work Sample and Portfolio.
Unique Class Topics in the Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education) 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.- Characteristics of Students with High-Incidence Learning Needs: Investigate the unique characteristics and learning profiles of students with high-incidence disabilities, equipping educators with insights and strategies to support their academic and social-emotional development.
- Behavior Analysis and Management: Explore principles of behavior analysis and intervention strategies, empowering you to assess, analyze, and manage challenging behaviors effectively in educational settings.
- Assessment in Special Education: Examine assessment practices and techniques for evaluating student progress and determining individualized educational goals and interventions for students with disabilities.
- Individualized Education Programming: Guides you in the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, emphasizing collaboration with families and stakeholders to address students' unique needs.
- Practicum I: High-Incidence Learning Needs: Gain hands-on practicum experiences working with students with high-incidence disabilities, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge and instructional strategies in authentic educational settings.
- Teaching Secondary Students with High-Incidence Learning Needs: Focus on effective instructional strategies and accommodations for teaching secondary students with high-incidence disabilities, promoting academic success and transition to post-secondary settings.
- Partnerships with Families of Exceptional Children and Youth: Explore 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: Prepares you for 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: Address 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.
- Advanced Educational Psychology: Dive into advanced theories and research in educational psychology, enabling you to analyze and apply psychological principles to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote optimal student learning outcomes.
- Disciplinary and Digital Literacies: Explore disciplinary literacy practices and digital literacy skills, equipping you with strategies to integrate literacy instruction across content areas and navigate digital learning environments effectively.
- Literacy Development and Instruction (3+): Examine advanced literacy development theories and evidence-based instructional strategies for students in grades three and above, empowering you to foster proficient reading and writing skills across content areas.
Jobs of Teaching (Special Education) 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.