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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

Questions?

Certification options

Choose a certification to earn in addition to your degree.
What certification do you need? Learn more

Initial & Professional Certification

57 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences in inclusive settings); leading to New York State certification in both Early Childhood Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood. Coursework for the master's degree in early childhood education and an advanced certificate in inclusion early childhood education (birth to grade 2)

57 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences in inclusive settings); leading to New York State certification in both Childhood Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Childhood. Coursework for the master's degree in childhood education and an advanced certificate in inclusion childhood education (grades 1-6)

48-51 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences in inclusive settings); leading to New York State certification in both Adolescence Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Adolescence as a specialist in the chosen subject areas. See your selected content area for primary program and add the disabilities specialization. Coursework for the advanced certificate in inclusion adolescence education: generalist (grades 7-12).

48 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences in inclusive settings); leading to New York State certification in both Adolescent Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Adolescence as a Generalist. Coursework for the master’s degree in teaching students with disabilities: generalist (grades 7 to 12)

Professional Certification Only

(30 credits): Most flexible option, with 12 credits of electives, besides the requirement to take our elementary methods courses in math, ELA, science and social studies; electives can be chosen strategically. Coursework for the master's degree in professional study: generalist (inclusive childhood education).  

(30 credits): You can complete this program with only a total of 12 trips to campus in the summer, by choosing online options for electives and core courses and by taking blended courses that link content and pedagogy, meeting only once a week in July-mid August. Coursework for the master's degree in professional study: distance option

(31 credits): Includes course sequence and field experiences required to obtain NYS Annotation for Teaching Students with Severe and/or Multiple Disabilities. Coursework for the master's degree in teaching students with significant disabilities

Non-Certification

A more flexible 30-credit master’s program not leading to NYS certification, for those interested in teaching students with disabilities in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools. These could include: independent, private or charter schools; community colleges; professional or technical schools; colleges and universities outside of the United States; or a variety of other, more informal settings. Coursework for the master's degree in inclusion and special education (non-certification)

Advanced Certificates

Advanced Certificates in Inclusion and Disabilities

Fastest path; as few as 12 credits, including specialization courses plus 100 field experience hours and one student teaching experience in an inclusive setting. Field and student teaching experience is integrated into your content certification program if you are pursuing dual certification. Coursework for the: 

 

Opportunities for additional specializations

  • Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching Leadership
  • Advanced Certificate in Digitally Rich Teaching
  • Advanced Certificate in Elementary Mathematics Specialist
  • Advanced Certificate in Early Intervention (certifying in Students with Disabilities B-Grades 2)
  • Advanced Certificate Literacies
  • Advanced Certificate in TESOL

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
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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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