Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education
This program is a 39-credit track within Sacred Heart University (SHU)'s existing Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), leading to institutional recommendation for initial Connecticut licensure in Special Education, PK-12 (165). The program is designed to exemplify the distinguishing features of SHU's clinically rich teacher preparation, while simultaneously addressing special education-specific competencies such that graduates will be ready to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities in Connecticut on day one. Like SHU's other teacher preparation program, the Special Education track of the MAT will be rooted in practice-based teacher education, including practice-based experiences provided in our residency program. This proposed track was designed in response to a direct need from partnering districts in SHU's residency program to recruit and retain a diverse workforce of highly effective special educators. Program content courses will be offered online and clinical experiences and accompanying seminars will be offered in person to meet the needs of working professionals (i.e., paraeducators) in districts seeking initial teaching licensure. Co-designed with residency districts, this program is streamlined to remove barriers and serve district personnel needs to attract and retain talent from pool of applicants who are later deciders to entering the teaching workforce.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 6
Minimum Grade Required: B
Degree Requirements
This 39-credit course of study must be completed within six years of the date of completion of the first course. Candidates will be required to pass Praxis II in Special Education (5543) and Foundations of Reading (190) to be recommended for initial licensure in special education in Connecticut.
Summer I - 6 credits
| ED 569 | Introduction to Exceptionalities | 3 |
| EDS 550 | Assistive Technology: SWD | 1 |
| EDS 570 | Multitiered Systems of Supports | 2 |
Summer II - 6 credits
| EDS 571 | Literacy of the Special Learner | 3 |
| EDS 573 | Program and Educational Planning for Student with Disabilities | 3 |
Fall - 9 credits
| EDS 560 | Teacher Residency and Seminar | 3 |
| EDS 540 | Methods in STEM: Stdnts w Disabilities | 3 |
| EDS 572 | Identification & Evaluation of Students with Disabilities | 3 |
Spring - 9 credits
| EDS 590 | Student Teaching/Seminar High Incidence | 3 |
| EDS 591 | Student Teaching/Seminar Low Incidences | 3 |
| EDS 574 | Advanced Curriculum for Students with Disabilities | 3 |
Summer I (Post) - 3 credits
| ED 523 | Culturally Sustaining Education | 3 |
Summer II (Post) - 6 credits