Adolescent Special Education for Content Teachers Advanced Graduate Certificate

This program prepares certified grade 7 - 12 content area teachers to become knowledgeable regarding best practices in special education so they can serve those learners with the greatest needs. Students will become familiar with research-validated components of effective assessment, instruction, and behavior management. The program meets the academic requirements for initial and professional certification for Students with Disabilities Generalist (grades 7 - 12).

Teaching is a profession. Certificate students have professional responsibilities to their students, their peers, their classmates and instructors, and to society at large. Students in the program will be working with children and other professionals in educational contexts, including, schools, community centers, and other sites of learning. Their professional responsibilities include following through on commitments made to children and schools, being appropriately prepared and on time for all interactions/lessons, maintaining confidentiality and respect, and interacting with all stakeholders/participants in a professional manner. Professional interactions include everything from dressing appropriately for the situation to maintaining appropriate language both in talking with and talking about others. Failure to meet professional responsibilities can result in a student’s academic dismissal from the program.

Admission Requirements

• N.Y. State certification (initial or professional) as a classroom teacher (7 - 12) in one of the following areas: mathematics, social studies, English, biology, physics, earth science or chemistry, or a language other than English
• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or from an institution authorized by the Board of Regents to confer degrees
• Appropriate required course distributions:
  • General Core in Liberal Arts and Sciences: 30 semester hours (including coursework in artistic expression, communication, information retrieval, humanities, Language other than English, written expression)
  • Content Core: 30 semester hours in Liberal Arts and Sciences including 6 semester hours in each of the following areas - English Language Arts; Concepts in Historical and Social Sciences; Scientific Processes; Mathematical processes
  • Pedagogical Cores: 21 semester hours including Human Development and Learning; Teaching Students with Disabilities; Foundations of Education; Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment; 6 semester hours in Teaching Literacy and 6 semester hours of coursework at Adolescent Level - Grades 7 - 12.
• Completion of DASA (Dignity for All Students Acts) training
• A 3.0 or better (out of a 4.0) quality grade point average
• Three letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant's teaching or academic work
• GRE test scores
• A compelling written statement of intent or reason for pursuing the advanced certificate in special education

Degree Requirements (15 credits, 5 courses)

• E Spe 562    Characteristics of & Methods for Teaching Exceptional Secondary Students in Inclusive Settings (3)
• E Spe 653    Managing School and Classroom-wide Student Behavior to Promote Efficient and Effective Instruction (3)
• E Spe 655    Assessment of Students with Disabilities (3)
• E Spe 658    Curriculum and Instruction for Adolescents with Disabilities: Collaboration, Strategies, and Co-Teaching (3)
• E Spe 580    Practicum: Teaching Students with Diverse Learning Needs (3)

Additional Program/NYSED Requirements:

• Needs of Students with Autism Training

As an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department, there may be additional certification requirements applicable. These requirements may include, but are not limited to additional workshops. Certification procedures and requirements are outlined on the School of Education’s Teacher Certification website (https://www.albany.edu/education/teacher_certification.php).