Teacher of Students with Disabilities

The teacher of Students with Disabilities program prepares students to work with learners who have various disabling conditions, including those who have multiple and severe disabilities. This program is offered through the weekend quarter schedule. Students are required to hold at least initial certification in another area prior to enrolling in the SWD program. Completion of the MS in Education Students with Disabilities program qualifies students for dual certification in Students with Disabilities together with the student’s prior area of certification: Early Childhood, Childhood, Middle Childhood, or Adolescence (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Math, Physics, Social Studies or World Languages). Students who successfully complete the entire SWD program are recommended for certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities as well as the annotation/extension in Severe/Multiple Disabilities. This is a 36-39 credit program (including additional credentialing for severe and multiple disabilities).

Students who are seeking certification in Students with Disabilities who currently hold a certification in another area (e.g. Childhood—Gr 1-6 or Early Childhood—B- Grade 2) who are not pursuing a full Masters degree but who are seeking certification in Students with Disabilities may take 12-15 credits to qualify for certification through individual transcript evaluation by the NYS Education Department. Additionally, students who already hold certification in Students with Disabilities but who wish to pursue the extension/annotation in Severe/Multiple Disabilities which qualifies them to teach Birth-21 may complete 9-12 credits of specialized coursework to meet those requirements.

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