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.

M.Ed. Special Education Required Courses (36 credits)

• 18 credits in Special Education (select from courses listed below)
• 12 credits in electives
• GED 558 - Educator as Researcher Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 699 - Capstone Seminar in Graduate Education Credits: 3 cr.

Students working towards a concentration may select courses from below (excluding Practicum) and may transfer up to 9 credits with permission of advisor.

• GED 508 - Current Topics in Special Education Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 581 - Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 612 - Math and Diversity Credits: 3 cr.
• 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 Intensive Special Needs Credits: 2 cr.
• GED 645 - Assistive Technology: Creating Access Credits: 1 cr.
• GED 661 - Special Education Practicum and Seminar: Part 1 Credits: 4 cr.
• GED 662 - Special Education Practicum and Seminar: Part 2 Credits: 4 cr.

• GED 661 and 662 are only offered to students in the special educator licensure program.

• The grade level for specific endorsement is based on the placement level for direct service internship.