Special Education Concentration Information

The goal of the Graduate Program in Special Education is to prepare competent and caring professionals who are able to make connections and create meaning in all aspects of their work. The licensure program offers experiences for students to collaborate with other adults and take on the responsibilities of a special educator for a school year. Hallmarks of the program are the case study approach, the strong emphasis on practicum experiences, and the training in collaboration.

Master of Education or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies programs may lead to Vermont teacher licensure or endorsement as Special Educator. Students may also design a M.Ed. or a C.A.G.S. program with a concentration in general special education.  Students may choose 18 credits in Special Education electives or may add the Special Educator additional endorsement.  After the Special Educator license, students may also pursue an additional endorsement for Consulting Teacher.  A Master’s is required for the Consulting Teacher endorsement.

Special Education Endorsement Required Courses (26 credits)

You may be required to take GED 613 Mathematics in the K-8 Classroom and/or GED 522 Teaching Literacy in the Elementary Classroom if you have not had a similar course. Two years of teaching experience is also required.

Students with an initial Vermont teaching license working towards a Special Educator endorsement take the following courses:

• GED 631 - Development, Learning, Behavior and Individual Differences Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 632 - Assessment of Students within General and Special Education Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 633 - Legal and Professional Issues in Special Education Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 640 - Language and Learning Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 643 - Instruction of K-6 Students with Learning Challenges in Language Arts Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 644 - Approaches to Teaching Students with Special Needs Credits: 2 cr.
• GED 645 - Assistive Technology: Creating Access Credits: 1 cr.
• GED 661 - Instructional Programs for Students with Disabilities Credits: 4 cr.
• GED 662 - Evaluating Programs for Students with Disabilities Credits: 4 cr.

• The grade level for specific endorsement is based on the placement level for direct service practicum (GED 661 and 662).

Complete the M.Ed. in Special Education

To complete the M.Ed. in Special Education, students will select four credits in electives in addition to these two required courses:

• GED 558 - Educator as Researcher Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 699 - Capstone Seminar in Graduate Education Credits: 3 cr.