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Master's for Inclusion/Special Education Teachers

Applications open September 1, 2023

Guaranteed 50% 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.  

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

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships guaranteed 50% tuition savings

Questions?

Certification options

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

Initial 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.

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.

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.

48 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences in inclusive settings); leading only to New York State certification in both Adolescent Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Adolescence as a Generalist.

Professional Certification

(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.

(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.

(31 credits): Includes course sequence and field experiences required to obtain NYS Annotation for Teaching Students with Severe and/or Multiple Disabilities.

Non-Certification

MS in Early Childhood Education -  On it's own or combined with advanced certificates. If you are interested in working with young children (birth to 5 year-old), in a variety of contexts such as daycare or private pre-school programs.

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.

Applications

Applications open September 1, 2023

ROC Urban Teaching Fellows Program

A paid teacher residency program designed to prepare teachers for the Rochester City School District.
 

  • 1 year paid teacher residency while studying
  • 2 years of employment following graduation
  • $10,000 toward your tuition
Teacher standing in front of class pointing to papers mounted on the chalkboard

Contact admissions

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Receive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.

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Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a highly discounted price. Some credits also apply toward degree requirements.

Related certificates and degrees

Related Advanced Certificates

Opportunities for additional specializations with minimum additional credits required.

  • NYS Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching and Leadership
  • Advanced Certificate in Digitally-Rich Teaching
  • NYS Certification in TESOL
  • Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities (10 credits)

Related degrees

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

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