Special Education, Special Needs Education

Enormous Need for Special Education Teachers
There are over 6 million special education students in the U.S., according to the NEA. These children have a wide array of disabilities: autism, mental retardation, physical disabilities, speech or hearing disabilities, learning disabilities, and more. Special education teachers play a vital and indispensable role in these students' daily lives and future potential. Unfortunately, there has been and continues to be a a severe shortage of special education teachers. The shortage results from high turnover, retirement, and increase in diagnoses.
>> See DOE's Teacher Shortage Areas Full Listing

Special Education Overview
Special education is one of the most in-demand fields of education in our country. The National Education Association (NEA) estimates there are more than 6 million special education students in the United States. Special education students present a wide variety of learning disabilities including autism, language or speech impairments, auditory processing disorders, or physical impairments that impact classroom performance or participation, such as hearing or vision impairments. Some states, such as Tennessee, also classify academically gifted or talented students as special education students because of their need for increased rigor and challenge in the classroom.

A small number of special education teachers work with students with severe cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. These teachers focus primarily on life skills (such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and self-grooming) and basic literacy and mathematics. The majority of special education teachers work with children with mild to moderate disabilities and classroom teachers to modify the curriculum and assist with the selection of teaching and assessment methods most advantageous for the student. Most special education teachers instruct students at the preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school level, although some work with infants and toddlers.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that all individuals determined to have learning or physical disabilities be taught in the “least restrictive method possible.” This has caused a paradigm shift in the field of education. Only individuals with severe disabilities are taught outside the main classroom. Those with moderate disabilities often receive what is known as “pull-out services” where a special education teacher will pull student(s) out of the regular classroom to work on basic or remedial skills. Individuals with mild disabilities will receive assistance in the regular classroom or the classroom teacher may merely consult with the special education teacher to modify lessons, projects, or assessments.

Special education teachers work in a variety of settings. Some have their own classrooms and teach only special education students; others work as special education resource teachers and offer individualized help to students in general education classrooms; still others teach together with general education teachers in classes including both general and special education students. Some teachers work with special education students for several hours a day in a resource room, separate from their general education classroom. Considerably fewer special education teachers work in residential facilities or tutor students in homebound or hospital environments.

Special Education Teacher Qualifications
Special education teachers are required to be licensed by their state department of education. Teachers can accomplish this with a bachelor’s degree or by pursuing a graduate-level certificate program or masters degree in special education. Because of the high demand for special education teachers, most states have approved alternative certification routes.

Special education assistants are also in high demand. Most states require teaching assistants working in special education to have completed college coursework, usually the equivalent of an associate’s degree, in special education.

Individuals studying early childhood education will cover topics such as:

• Child Growth and Development
• Assessment Methodologies
• Adaptive Technology
• Instructional Strategies

Most States require a prospective teacher to pass a professional assessment test. Some States have reciprocity agreements allowing special education teachers to transfer their licenses from one State to another, but many others still require that experienced teachers reapply and pass licensing requirements to work in the State.

Special Education Career Advancement
Special education teachers can advance their careers. They can become supervisors or administrators. They also may earn advanced degrees and become instructors in colleges that prepare others to teach special education. In some school systems, highly experienced teachers can become mentors to less experienced teachers.

Special Education Teacher Career Outlook
Job opportunities for special education teachers is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of special education teachers needed is expected to increase by 17 percent (81,000 jobs) from 2008 to 2018.

University of Cincinnati has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Top National University and Top Public School. UC's School of Education was also ranked among the national top graduate schools for education.

Special Education
Master of Education

NCATE Accredited
Among Nation's Top Graduate Schools of Education

The NCATE accredited Master of Science Special Education Teaching curriculum, developed around national special education standards, is designed to help you effectively teach children who have a variety of learning disabilities and come from diverse populations. You will study the latest strategies, practices, and techniques for teaching children with learning disabilities, and participate in field experiences that will allow you to apply your skills in real-life situations. People likely to be interested in this specialization include licensed teachers and special education teachers seeking a license in special education teaching with an endorsement in learning disabilities.

Known for its affordability and exceptional student support, LU Online is consistently ranked among the top 10 online universities by the Online Education Database, for its high retention and graduation rates.

Special Education
Master of Arts in Teaching

NCATE Accredited
Reciprocity with Other States
No Prior Teaching Experience Required

Liberty University's Master of Arts in Teaching, with a specialization in Special Education is specifically geared toward individuals with no prior teaching experience who are interested in gaining initial teaching licensure in special education. Along with core courses in this program, you will study behavior management, educational assessment and intervention, collaboration for special transitions, and build strategies for successful inclusive classrooms. In addition, you will complete your student teaching requirement in the area in which you are seeking licensure. A three-credit hour student teaching internship is required, and on-campus intensives may be required. This program is approved through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and is a state-approved program for initial licensure (reciprocity with other states) or endorsements. As the world's largest evangelical university, Liberty University incorporates core Christian values into all of their degree offerings in order to provide all students a thorough academic and spiritually enriching program of study.

Special Education
Master of Education in Teaching & Learning

NCATE Accredited
Reciprocity with Other States

Liberty University's Master of Education - Teaching and Learning program with a concentration in special education prepares you for teaching in Christian, public and private schools. You will master skills to become an effective teacher, focusing on special education. Courses provide specialized preparation for individuals seeking credentials for a K-12 school position or those with a desire to further their education and pursue either an Ed.S. or Ed.D. A three-credit hour student teaching internship is a required part of the M.Ed. program, and on-campus intensives may be required. This program is approved through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and is a state-approved program for advanced licensure (reciprocity with other states) or endorsements.

WGU is the only exclusively online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its online teaching degree programs. Chosen as an NEA Academy Partner for it's quality and value. Top quality education that is among the lowest in cost online.

Special Education
Bachelor of Arts

NCATE Accredited
For Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Leads to Teacher Licensure

The B.A. in Special Education (PK-12) teaches the content knowledge and effective teaching skills to become a special education instructor for students with mild to moderate disabilities. This degree is a cross-categorical model for initial certification. You'll become a highly qualified educator prepared to make a difference with those who need it most. In some states, the program will lead to dual licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Special Education
Master of Science

NCATE Accredited
For Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Benefit from NEA Academy Partnership

The M.S. in Special Education (PK-12) will enhance your teaching talents and enable you to teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. You will become an endorsed special education teacher with the instructional design skills to make a difference.

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Drexel University's School of Education as one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools.”

Special Education
Master of Science

Top Ranked Graduate School for Education
Specializations Available, Including Autism

As a leader in online education and special education certification, Drexel's Master of Science in Special Education (SPED) is designed to train highly qualified professionals to expand educational horizons for all students in need. It is a certification-driven program with the goal of preparing teachers with the skills and knowledge to advance learning for all students with disabilities. The SPED program is a flexible, online program of study. Coursework builds on the essentials of special education, from its history and a study of inclusive classrooms, to literacy and content skill development for individuals at-risk, leading to an opportunity to create expertise in specific areas through a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Technologies for Special Education
• Language & Cultural Issues
• Customized Study, for individuals who already possess special education certification

As an experiential degree that provides in-depth theory regarding disabilities connected to actual educational practice, a variety of field experiences are built into the program's core certification curriculum. Field experiences are an essential part of the coursework. Students apply what they learn in a real classroom setting and develop a professional model for teaching that will benefit them throughout their career.

PA Applicants: The SPED program prepares students for the required special education certification needed in the state of Pennsylvania. It provides an opportunity for an add-on teaching certificate in the area of Special Education. Candidates must meet the prerequisite requirements and must have been issued a prior PA instructional I or Instruction II teaching certificate. Out-of-state teachers are welcome to participate in the SPED program as non-certification students.

Capella University is proud to offer NCATE accredited programs for educators. Over 5,000 adults have chosen to enroll in Capella's K-12 specializations.

Special Education Teaching
Master of Science

NCATE Accredited
Includes Learning Disabled (LD) Endorsement Courses

The Master of Science Special Education Teaching curriculum, developed around national special education standards, is designed to help you effectively teach children who have a variety of learning disabilities and come from diverse populations. You will study the latest strategies, practices, and techniques for teaching children with learning disabilities, and participate in field experiences that will allow you to apply your skills in real-life situations. People likely to be interested in this specialization include licensed teachers and special education teachers seeking a license in special education teaching with an endorsement in learning disabilities.

• Special Education Leadership - PhD

The Princeton Review ranked GU as one of the best universities in the Midwest.

Graceland's online Master of Education was recently honored with the prestigious USDLA Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming.

Mild / Moderate Special Education
Master of Education

NCATE Accredited
Aligned with the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards

The Master in Education - Mild/ Moderate Special Education is designed to enhance the teaching skills of K-12 Mild/Moderate Special Education teachers, or for teachers who have mild/ moderate students within their non-special education classroom. It is a curricular and instructional methodologies based degree with a diagnostic testing course to administer and use results for individual and classroom instruction. Either a K-6 or 7-12 emphasis is available. Program topics, learning experiences and outcomes are based on the five core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This program can be typically completed in two years. This degree does lead to Iowa or Missouri licensure. Other states may also accept this for licensure. Each student should check with their own state to determine requirements and acceptance.

Differentiated Instruction
Master's Level Certificate

Based on Theories of Dr. Carol Tomlinson

This program consists of 15 semester hours based on the philosophy and theories of Dr. Carol Tomlinson. Addressing the issue of response to intervention (RTI), this program provides a thorough introduction to differentiated instruction. Dr. Tomlinson, who appears as a video instructor in several of the program's courses, is a world-renowned expert in differentiated instruction and assessment strategies and techniques. Dr. Tomlinson is author of The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms and Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching. The program provides meaningful course of study regardless of subject area certification and is open to all licensed K-12 teachers who are currently teaching.

• Differentiated Instruction - MEd

For the third consecutive year, Northcentral University has been awarded the designation of Military Friendly School for the third straight year by G.I. Jobs.

Special Education
Master of Education

100% Online, No Residency Requirement
Monthly Start Dates

The special education specialization prepares educators to address the needs of students with disabilities and gifted abilities by preparing such students to develop, implement and assess specially designed curriculum. Attention is given to teaching methods and strategies that illustrate an advocacy for these student groups. The specialization can be customized to meet the student's unique professional and personal goals, and allows the student to concentrate their coursework on the advanced and the disabled student, or select a single focus.

Chosen as an NEA Academy Partner for it's quality and value. Walden University offers the No. 1 Largest Online Graduate Program in Education By Enrollment (U.S. News & World Report). WU's School of Education is currently a candidate for accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Special Education (Non-Licensure)
(Grades K-12)
Master of Science in Education

Nation's Largest Graduate Program in Education
Benefit from NEA Academy Partnership

If you are an experienced special educator with the desire to enhance your skills by incorporating the latest developments in the field into your program, this specialization offers a path to continuing professional achievement. Walden's M.S. in Education with a Special Education specialization synthesizes the most current research in the arenas of neuroscience, assessment, and scientifically based interventions so that you can determine best practices for student learning.

• Design and implement curricula to facilitate standards-based learning of individuals with disabilities.
• Assemble and evaluate data about individuals with disabilities in order to make effective decisions related to special education programs.
• Employ assistive technology to promote higher levels of student engagement and learning.
• Establish and foster a culturally responsive classroom that supports learning at all levels.

• Special Education Endorsement Program - Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12)
• Special Education Endorsement Program - Learning Disabilities (K-12)
• Special Education Endorsement Program with M.S. in Special Education - Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12)
• Special Education Endorsement Program with M.S. in Special Education - Learning Disabilities (K-12)
• Teacher Preparation Program with M.A. in Teaching - Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Teacher Preparation Program with M.A. in Teaching - Special Education, Learning Disabilities

The "America's Best Colleges" 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report has ranked Saint Joseph's University # 8 in top regional universities (north).

Special Education
Master of Science

Top Ranked University
Based on RTI
Specializations Available

Saint Joseph University's Online Master of Science in Special Education is based on Response to Intervention (RTI) leading to a Master of Science in Education degree. The program is designed for individuals holding Level 1 early childhood, elementary teaching certification or secondary teaching certification who are seeking to become highly qualified with a certification in Special Education (pre-K through 12th grade). In addition this degree is well suited for teachers certified in Special Education who are seeking an advanced degree and general educators who are seeking a Master's degree based on state-of-the-art, research-based theory and instructional practice for meeting the diverse needs of their student population.

Special Education
with Autism Specialization
Master of Science

Top Ranked University
Specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorders
ideal for Educators, Social Services Professionals, & Parents

If you are an experienced special educator with the desire to enhance your skills by incorporating the latest developments in the field into your program, this specialization offers a path to continuing professional achievement. Walden's M.S. in Education with a Special Education specialization synthesizes the most current research in the arenas of neuroscience, assessment, and scientifically based interventions so that you can determine best practices for student learning.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialization--available as part of our online Master's in Special Education degree--gives students the advanced education to provide early intervention, special education, and habilitation services to children and adults with ASD.

The Autism specialization will help you:

• Build a thorough base in the foundations, principles, ethics, values, and methods of best practices in ASD education
• Focus on specific strategies and techniques to address socialization skills for individuals with ASD
• Gain an in-depth understanding of and ability to apply various behavior management approaches

The Autism specialization offers a valuable educational program not just for special educators, social workers, and other educational and social service agency and related service professionals who interact with individuals with ASD, but also for parents of children with autism. Additionally, the online format is convenient for those who wish to work full time while gaining these skills and knowledge.

The ASD Specialization adds an extra bonus to your Special Education certification, allowing candidates to attain their Master's degree with a Special Education certification and an additional specialty area in Autism Spectrum Disorder--this makes for highly qualified special education teachers, especially, for those working with students with ASD

Special Education
with Wilson Reading Certification
Master of Science

If you are an experienced special educator with the desire to enhance your skills by incorporating the latest developments in the field into your program, this specialization offers a path to continuing professional achievement. Walden's M.S. in Education with a Special Education specialization synthesizes the most current research in the arenas of neuroscience, assessment, and scientifically based interventions so that you can determine best practices for student learning.

Through the Master's in Education, you can also specialize in the Wilson Reading System. Earn your Wilson Reading Certificate based on successful completion of the applicable coursework. The Special Education Program at Saint Joseph's University is the only online degree program that allows you to earn your Master's degree in Education and complete your Wilson Reading System Certificate program. Our online Wilson Reading System Certification provides teachers with the skills needed to help students become fluent, independent readers, using multi-sensory, structured language programs and strategies to teach reading and spelling successfully.

Special Education
Certificate

The 2012 edition of "America's Best Colleges" from U.S. News & World Report once again ranked the University of New England in the top tier of universities in the North that offer "a full range of undergraduate and master's programs.”

Inclusion Education
Master of Science in Education

The University of New England's Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Inclusion Education provides K-12 classroom teachers and administrators critical theory and practice related to special education inclusion. This program offers you the opportunity to study, reflect, and improve professional practice based on the most recent educational research related to instructional and leadership strategies. It is designed for full-time professional teachers to build confidence and enhance professional skills. The Master of Science in Education programs are 30 credits: a 15-credit core curriculum and a 15-credit concentration area.

The Inclusion Education specialization seeks to illuminate the benefits of teaching in an inclusion setting. Program objectives impart a new outlook on assistive technologies for disabled learners, special education law, alternative assessment methods and a holistic approach to teaching all learners in one environment to maximize their learning opportunities.

Inclusion Education
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

At University of New England the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Inclusion Education is designed for those regular educators, both teachers and administrators, who desire to have more milieus with respect to inclusion practices and concerns. This program explores methods and strategies for teaching all students in inclusion settings with a special course on the range and use of assistive technologies. Furthermore, formal and informal procedures for evaluating special needs students will be reviewed with a focus always on utilizing the results to inform and plan instruction. Finally, the capability to relate special education law to your location and a seminar to integrate all your learning concludes this concentration. Total course hours is 15.