MA in Teaching, Preliminary Education Specialist with Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential

This Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with special education credential prepares teachers to become successful, well-rounded instructors for students with mild/moderate disabilities, grades K- 12 and up to age 22.

Expand Your Special Education Skills with Your MAT

The MAT with Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, Mild to Moderate Support Needs prepares you to teach and meet the varied needs of students with disabilities. Graduates will be prepared to design engaging lessons, create differentiated instruction, manage a classroom and implement educational assessments. Mild to moderate credential courses and fieldwork experiences are aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Teacher Performance Expectations and reflect current research in education and best practices. Candidates will be required to complete at least two sessions of supervised field experiences in public schools.

As a MAT Special Education student, you will:

  • Use theories of learning and brain research to enhance teaching and student learning.
  • Design differentiated instruction based on the needs of students.
  • Use a variety of assessment data to inform instruction.
  • Evaluate curriculum design and curricular decisions as they relate to meeting the diverse needs of students.
  • Apply subject matter pedagogical skills in authentic settings and continually reflect on and evaluate the effects of decisions.
  • Create an action research proposal that seeks to solve a personal educational dilemma.

Next Session

Summer I (Apr 29, 2024)

Estimated Tuition

Ways to Learn

Online

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Maximize Your Time

Our MAT combines a master’s degree and a Preliminary Education Specialist credential into one program to help you gain the knowledge you need to become the teacher that you always wanted to be.

CTC Approved

UMass Global’s MAT and credentials are recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Teaching Tools for Today and Tomorrow

Our MAT utilizes technology to help you differentiate your instruction and adapt to the ever-changing tools, platforms and resources. Create engaging lesson plans that you can utilize inside the classroom.


WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.

What can you do with a Preliminary ED.S., Mild/Moderate Credential

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    Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself. 
    Leonard W.
    MA in Special Education, Behavior Analysis
    Amy J.
    I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education.  I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.
    Amy J.
    MA, Special Education

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants to the teaching credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Official transcripts showing a conferred Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
    California Only

    Successful completion of this program leads to state licensure, which is limited to the state of California and approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

    Letter of Good Standing

    Applicants transferring from another institution's teaching credential program must supply a letter from that institution's Education Department attesting to the applicant's good standing in the program. The letter should be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or someone in a similar position

    Prior to Admission

    Subject matter competency must be fulfilled to qualify for enrollment in student teaching or internship. Candidates must sign an intent to satisfy the subject matter competency requirement through one of the following: CSET exam; subject matter preparation program; approved coursework aligned with subject matter domains; or approved academic degree.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CREDENTIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Master of Arts in Teaching with Special Education Credential Curriculum

    Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) while launching your special education career! This program equips you with core teaching skills, allowing you to become intern-eligible after just 4 classes. Begin teaching as the teacher of record in a classroom while you seamlessly complete online coursework for both your credential and MAT. With just three additional courses, you'll graduate with your master's degree. Our program offers embedded support to guide you through state credential requirements. Specialized courses delve into essential areas for special education teachers, including communication, behavior support, and creating Individualized Education Plans.
    • Code Course Name Credits
      Introductory Courses

       

      EDUU 510* Introduction to Teaching

      3

      EDUU 511* Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling

      3

      EDUU 516* Introduction to Planning and Assessment 3
      EDMU 520* Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms I 3
      *Candidates may be eligible for internships after completing the above 4 courses

       

      EDUU 512 The Art & Craft of Teaching

      3

      EDMU 521

      or EDSU 532

      Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms II

      Effective Literacy Instruction for Single Subject Candidates

      3
      Emphasis Courses

       

      EDUU 517 Communication, Health, and Mobility

      3

      EDUU 602 Positive Behavior Supports

      3

      EDUU 655 Individualized Education Plan Development and Special Education Law

      3

      EDUU 663 Advanced Methods In Special Education

      3

      EDUU 664 Advanced Assessment in Special Education

      3

      EDUU 662 Collaboration and Co-Teaching 3
      Subtotal

      36

    • Code Course Name Credits
      EDUU 681 Cultural Diversity, Equity, & Global Perspectives in Education

      3

      EDUU 682 Paradigms, Practices, & Policies in Education

      3

      EDUU 683 Capstone: Exploring Problems of Practice in Education

      3

      Master's in Teaching Core Subtotal

      9

    • Code Course Name Credits
      Student Teaching    
      EDTU 550 Student Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs

      3

      EDUU 576 Education Specialist Student Teaching Seminar A

      2

      EDTU 551 Student Teaching II: Mild to Moderate Support Needs

      3

      EDUU 577 Education Specialist Student Teaching Seminar B

      2

      or    
      Internship  
      EDTU 565-A Support Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)

      2

      EDTU 565-B Support Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)

      2

      EDTU 565-C Support Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)

      2

      EDTU 566-A Support Teaching II: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)

      2

      EDUU 580 Education Specialist Intern Seminar A

      2

      EDUU 581 Education Specialist Intern Seminar B

      2

      Clinical Practice Subtotal

      Clinical Practice credits vary depending on whether the candidate is a student teacher or intern.

       10-12
       Total Credits  55-57

    Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn more about special education and strategies that can prepare you for the classroom.

    Special Education

    What are key characteristics of a special education teacher?

    There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:

    • They are active listeners
    • They have strong social perception skills
    • They understand how to support different learning styles
    • They’re adept at complex problem solving
    • They are service oriented

    Find out more about these qualities and explore if this helping profession is right for you.  

    What is the difference between special education and inclusive education?

    Historically, students with disabilities were taught separately from the other students, hence the term "special education." That is no longer the case. Today, schools strive to deliver "inclusive education," where special education services are delivered in the general education environment. "All means all" is the philosophy where all students can learn together in the same classroom. Get strategies for fostering inclusive learning

    What is an IEP?

    IEP stands for “Individualized Education Program.” Once a child has been evaluated and their eligibility for services is confirmed, the IEP serves as the roadmap for success based on the student’s unique needs. Special Educators work with a team that includes parents, administrators, and other related service providers to develop the IEP and document.

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