Teaching Children with Disabilities (7-12) Generalist, Master of Science in Education

Program Overview

St. John's University's Teaching Children with Disabilities (7-12) Generalist program prepares future teachers to effectively address the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The program combines general education core courses with specialized courses in special education, including curriculum adaptation, behavior analysis, and assessment. Graduates are eligible for New York State certification as teachers of students with disabilities and can pursue careers in special education, general education, and inclusive education settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Teaching Children with Disabilities (7-12) Generalist, Master of Science in Education program at St. John's University aims to prepare future teachers with a comprehensive understanding of content, pedagogical knowledge, inclusive perspectives, and instructional skills to effectively address the diverse social, cultural, and educational needs of their students. The program curriculum is meticulously designed to cultivate essential skills, attitudes, and abilities, equipping graduates with the expertise to identify and remediate learning and behavioral disorders in students with a wide range of disabilities.

Outline:

• General Education Core Courses (9 Credits):
• EDU 3215: Research & Practice of Teaching Writing/English Language Arts in General & Inclusive Education, 5-12
• EDU 9003: Literacy Development for the First and Second Language Learners (10 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 7267: Technology for Literacy Based Applications in Content Area Learning in Regular and Special Education Settings OR EDU 3280: Digital Literacy and Learning
• Special Education Core Courses (24 Credits):
• EDU 9704: Research in Collaborative Partnerships and Strategic Instruction for General, Special and Inclusive Educational Settings: Adolescent (10 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 9706: Curriculum Adaptation and Modification Planning for Exceptional Students: Adolescent (10 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 9711: Education and Accommodating Needs for Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12 (15 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 9719: Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports, K-12 (15 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 9726: Curriculum and Instruction Design for Individuals with Exceptionalities: Math, Science, and Social Studies- Adolescent (15 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 9742: Formal and Informal Educational Assessment of Individuals with Exceptionalities- Adolescent (prerequisite: EDU 9711) (20 Hrs.
Fieldwork)
• EDU 9744: Curriculum and Instructional design for teaching Literacy to Individuals with Exceptionalities- Adolescent (20 Hrs.
Field work)
• EDU 9705: Practicum in Special Education-(150 Hrs.)
– Adolescent Must be taken in your final Semester. Must have completed all Special Education Coursework and CST- Students with Disabilities
• Optional Courses To Obtain A Middle School Extension (6 credits):
• EDU 7106: Understanding socio-emotional, cultural and cognitive aspects of middle school/adolescent learners in general and Inclusive settings

Teaching:

The program employs a blend of teaching methods to facilitate student learning and enhance their understanding of the subject matter. These methods include lectures, discussions, group projects, and practical field experiences. The faculty members involved in the program possess extensive experience as school and community-based professionals, actively engaged in school-based research and service activities. They regularly present at national and international special education conferences and have published in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for New York State initial certification as a teacher of students with disabilities, provided they have successfully completed all required external tests, training modules, workshops, and teaching experiences. They will be qualified for various career opportunities, including:

• Special Education Teacher, Gr 7-12
• General Education Teacher, Gr 7-12
• Inclusive Education Teacher, Gr 7-12
• Resource Room Teacher
• Coordinator
• Advocate
• Consultant
• Professional Development
• Special Education Itinerant Teacher