Teaching Students with Disabilities Masters | Birth-Grade 6

Program Overview

Mercy University's Teaching Students with Disabilities Masters program equips educators with the knowledge and certifications to effectively teach young children with special needs. The program offers triple certification in special education and early childhood education, covering topics such as assessment, instructional methods, and collaboration. Graduates are prepared for careers as special education teachers in public schools, with opportunities for higher salaries and meeting the growing demand for qualified educators in this field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Teaching Students with Disabilities Masters program at Mercy University prepares experienced educators and those new to the field for teaching young children with special needs.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to effectively teach students with disabilities in public schools.
• Program Description: The program leads to triple certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities, Birth - Grade 2; Teaching Students with Disabilities, Grades 1 - 6; and Early Childhood Education.
It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of special education, including foundations, assessment, instructional methods, and collaboration.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a range of topics, including:
• Foundations of Special Education
• Educational Psychology
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Instructional Methods and Materials
• Collaboration and Teaming
• Special Needs Law and Ethics
• Course Schedule: The program is typically completed in 48 credits, with courses offered in a hybrid format that combines online instruction and fieldwork experiences.
• Modules: The program consists of the following modules:
• Foundations of Special Education
• Assessment and Intervention
• Instructional Methods and Materials
• Collaboration and Communication
• Professional Development and Ethics

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a combination of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Fieldwork observations
• Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their:
• Knowledge of special education principles and practices
• Ability to apply theories to practice
• Skills in assessment, instruction, and collaboration
• Professionalism and ethical conduct

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group work
• Simulations
• Fieldwork experiences
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty who are experts in the field of special education.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates unique approaches to teaching, such as:
• Triple certification, which allows graduates to teach in a range of settings
• Online course completion, which provides flexibility for students with busy schedules
• National accreditation, which enhances the credibility of the program and its graduates

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as:
• Special education elementary school teacher
• Special education preschool teacher
• General education birth – second grade teacher
• Opportunities: Graduates are eligible for higher salaries compared to those in private schools.
• Outcomes: The program prepares graduates to meet the growing demand for qualified special education teachers in public schools.