Special Education, Students with Disabilities - All Grades

The purpose of the Special Education Master's program, Students with Disabilities – All Grades is to prepare candidates who already hold a Bachelor's degree in education or related fields for positions as special education teachers, and to fulfill the New York State licensure requirements for certification as a special education teacher. The program focuses on preparing teacher candidates for teaching in inclusive P-12 settings, providing an emphasis on accommodating the needs of all learner and providing access to high quality instruction in the general education curriculum for all learners. Additionally, the program prepares teacher candidates for teaching in self-contained special education settings, through differentiation for all students in order to meet individual educational needs, as per students’ IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). 

The program prepares teacher candidates for special education positions, as well as co-teaching opportunities, in urban schools and community-based organizations with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The curriculum is aligned with the New York State content-area requirements for programs preparing special educators. The pedagogical content of the courses integrates current evidence-based pedagogical practices for diverse student populations with theory. Extensive field-based experiences, in collaboration and partnership with Bronx-based schools and community based organizations are a central component throughout this program. Candidates develop their skills and capacities as special educators through both school-based experiences with mentor teachers, college supervisors, educational staff, parents, and students. The courses emphasize critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving. 

The new special education program is committed to preparing teacher candidates who demonstrate understanding of students’ varied social-emotional, instructional, and linguistic needs, a willingness to collaborate within the school team and community, and a conviction that all children can learn. The program is also aligned with the School of Education's Lehman Urban Transformative Education conceptual framework, whose mission is to facilitate the development of competent, caring, and qualified educators who are well prepared for teaching in diverse urban settings. 

The program offers two subplans: Subplan one can be completed in the hybrid modality, while subplan two can be completed fully online. Both subplans have the identical program and completion requirements. The fully online option (subplan 2) provides greater flexibility for candidates while maintaining the same rigorous academic standards as the hybrid program (subplan 1).  Both programs of study can be completed in approximately 3 years.