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Inclusion/Special Education Teachers

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

Guaranteed 65% scholarship

Online learning options

Teach the school year following enrollment

Program overview

Few careers give people the opportunity to impact individuals and their communities like teaching. Can you think of a specific teacher who made a difference in your life? Would you like to become that kind of teacher?

Students with disabilities have unique needs and challenges, and deserve teachers who are prepared to help them thrive and grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Warner will prepare you to become an innovative inclusion teacher, committed and able to help students with disabilities succeed. If you want to complete the master’s program leading to initial teaching certification full-time in 15 months, you must start the program in the summer.  

Key program features

  • Meets all coursework and internship requirements for both initial and professional teaching certification: In addition, you will need to pass the required state exams, and complete the teaching requirements for professional certification.
  • Shortest program: Preservice teachers can complete even dual certification programs in 15 months of full-time study (if starting in summer); certified teachers seeking additional certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities may require less time.
  • Focus on disabilities: All options include five courses specific to teaching students with disabilities as well as internships conducted in inclusive settings (taken concurrently with methods courses).
  • Commitment to inclusive education: Preparing teachers to serve students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
  • Focus on teaching all students: Includes courses on diversity and English language learners; these required courses may be transferred in for certified teachers.
  • Option to add specializations: With only a few additional credits required, you can pursue additional state certifications or advanced certificates that can strengthen your effectiveness with diverse learners and make you more marketable.

Prerequisites (as required by NYS)

  • Only for teaching at the secondary level (grades 7-12): A minimum of 6 credits of coursework in each of the four core content areas (i.e., English, math, science & technology, and social studies).
  • Undergraduate degree in a liberal art (BA) or science (BS).

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Guaranteed 65% tuition savings

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships

Partnerships with area colleges

Questions?

Degree & certification options

I want to obtain a master's degree leading to initial and professional New York State teaching certifications in teaching students with disabilities.

MS in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Generalist (7-12)

I want to obtain a master's degree leading to a professional certification in teaching students with disabilities.

  • Additional prerequisites: initial certification in early childhood education

MS in Inclusion Adolescent Education: Generalist

MS in Professional Study: Generalist (Secondary Inclusion)

MS in Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities

To add an additional content area certification, refer to that content area page.

I want to obtain a master's degree leading to a professional certification in my original subject area and my professional certification in teaching students with disabilities.

  • Additional prerequisites: initial certification in a subject area other than teaching students with disabilities and 30 credits in teaching students with disabilities

MS in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Generalist (7-12)

I want to learn how to teach students with disabilities, but I am not seeking a New York State teaching certification.

  • For those interested in teaching students with disabilities in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools (e.g., independent, private or charter schools; community colleges; professional or technical schools; colleges and universities outside of the United States; or other more informal settings

MS in Inclusion and Special Education (Non Teacher Certification)

I want to add teaching students with disabilities as a second New York State certification.

  • Additional prerequisites: a master’s degree; can be completed concurrently

Advanced Certificate in Inclusion Adolescence Education: Generalist (7-12)

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

University of Rochester Teacher Residency Programs

ROC Urban Teaching Fellows Program and Monroe Regional Teacher Residency Consortium are a paid teacher residency programs designed to collaboratively prepare and sustain skilled teachers to effectively serve the varied needs of students, families, and school communities.

  • 1 year paid teacher residency while studying
  • $15,000 toward tuition
  • Earn your Master's in Teaching with Initial Certification
Teacher and young student smiling in classroom

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Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related degrees

  • Doctoral Programs Focusing on Inclusion/Special Education
  • GRADE Program for Undergraduate Applicants

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