Program Code 0802
(Qualifying for Initial/Professional Certification)
Aim of the Program
The aim of this program is to provide professional training in the fields of both regular and Special Education. To achieve this aim, the program is designed to assist prospective educators to qualify for initial certification in Childhood and Special Education by providing a concentrated core curriculum of courses that combines the aims and objectives of the MSEd programs in Special and Childhood Education.
Program Description
This program is designed for college graduates possessing an appropriate liberal arts baccalaureate degree who have not had formal training in professional education and who wish to prepare for a career in Childhood and/or Special Education. The program requires a minimum of 49 credits, which includes a supervised student teaching experience in area cooperating schools.
Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be recommended for New York State initial certification in Childhood Education (grades 1-6) and Students with Disabilities (grades 1-6). The candidate shall submit evidence of having achieved a satisfactory level of performance on the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, namely the Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST), Educating All Students (EAS) and content specialty test(s) (CST) in the area of the certificate. Additionally, the candidate must submit evidence of a passing score on edTPA, an electronic portfolio assessment. The initial certificate shall be valid for five years from its effective date. For the professional certificate, the candidate shall successfully complete three years of teaching experience, one of which must be under the guidance of a mentor teacher.
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