Program Overview

MEd in PreK-12 Special Education Program

The Master of Education (MEd) in PreK-12 Special Education is a 33-credit program designed to prepare highly skilled and progressive teachers in special education.

Program Overview

This program addresses the challenges of today's schools and prepares students to teach effectively in pre-kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school settings. Upon graduation, students will be eligible for the Instructional I Special Education PreK-12 teaching certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and will also receive a Master of Education (MEd) degree.

Program Facts

• Degree Type: Master of Education (MEd) in PreK-12 Special Education
• Enrollment Term: Summer (late June)
• Format: In-Person
• Credits: 33
• Application Deadline: March 1
• Admissions Requirements: GRE exam not required
• Duration: One year
• Time Commitment: Full-Time

Program Description

The program meets the latest regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the special education PreK-12 teacher certification. Through a comprehensive curriculum and student teaching experience, students will learn how to deliver evidence-based instructional methods for school-age children with disabilities. This includes high leverage instructional practices to improve learning outcomes for all students, developing and implementing individual education plans, and understanding applicable laws and policies.

Lead with Integrity

The goal of the program is to help students develop into principled teachers who are committed to equity, justice, and innovation, and strive to support student, family, and community success.

State Teaching Certification

The program satisfies the requirements for the Instructional I Special Education PreK-12 teaching certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, pending:

1. Earning a passing score on the following ETS exams: Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354) and Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511)
2. Completing the Pennsylvania Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430)
3. Demonstrating satisfactory performance in courses and required field experiences

Degree Requirements

Completion of coursework, fall practicum experience, full-time student teaching (spring), and a comprehensive exam.

Prerequisites

Two prerequisite courses (which can also be taken as co-requisites):

• Foundations of Special Education (3 credits)
• Teaching English Language Learners (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

Program requirements include:

• Bachelors degree in any area of study Additionally, applicants must complete the School of Education online admissions application that will include:
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Goal statement
• Contact information for three professional references
• Academic transcript

Curriculum

The MEd in PreK-12 Special Education is a 33-credit program that leads to state certification for special education teachers. Students will complete courses in high- and low-incidence disabilities, behavioral support strategies, literacy curriculum development, and educational research methods. Additionally, students will complete a student teaching and practicum experience.

Career Pathways

Special education is a high-need sector within education that provides strong employment prospects in a variety of settings, including:

• Special education teacher in grades PreK-12
• Special education teachers in co-taught, inclusive or self-contained learning models
• Special education teachers in public, charter and approved private schools
• Special education careers in private organizational settings
• Future roles in school administration

Program Faculty

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Sheila J. Conway, Associate Professor of Practice
• Ghirmay Alazar, Visiting Assistant Professor
• Douglas E. Kostewicz, Associate Professor
• Rachel E. Robertson, Associate Professor
• Phillandra Smith, Assistant Professor
• JoVonne Tabb, Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice
• Kaylee Wynkoop, Visiting Assistant Professor