Childhood Special Education, Grades 1-6, Professional Certification

Overview

At the Childhood Special Education, Grades 1-6, Professional Certification MA program from New York University, students will complete one semester of classroom observation and two semesters of student teaching in special education settings. Through student teaching, you will be encouraged to reflect on, question, and refine your knowledge and skills as you work with children at different age levels and with diverse needs and abilities. 

The Integrated Seminar in Childhood Special Education links theory and practice. In this collaborative seminar, you will have the opportunity to share, analyze, and extend your professional experiences, including your collaborations with other professionals and parents.

Through general and specialized pedagogical courses, you’ll learn:

• Strategies to adapt curricula, learning environments, and assessments to address the different intellectual, emotional, and behavioral needs of students 
• Approaches for working with children with emotional/behavioral disabilities, including educating children with severe/multiple disabilities

Career Opportunities

This program is open to participants who have a bachelor's degree and who hold certification or are eligible for certification in childhood education. Upon completion, you are eligible for New York State professional teaching certification in special education at the childhood level, or grades 1–6, as well as prepared for careers including:

• Teacher in general, inclusive, and special education settings in public and private elementary schools

• Special education teacher in hospitals, day-treatment centers, and other clinical settings, and in group homes and agencies such as the Young Adult Institute 

• Charter school administrator or developer in specialized education services