Do you want to be certified as a special education teacher? Are you wanting to empower students and other learners with disabilities and exceptionalities across a variety of settings, contexts and curricula?
Our Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program in special education meet D.C.’s certification requirements, which are reciprocal with most states, for special education teachers.
By joining our program in special education, you will gain a core of knowledge, skills and field-based experiences designed to develop your ability to impact student learning across a wide range of situations and at various educational levels. Come learn and practice the science and art of teaching in Trinity’s classrooms and local schools so that you can effectively teach children and youth with special needs in a range of special education settings.
EDCC 530 Education of Exceptional Children and YouthSurveys major areas of exceptionality and legislated standards for special education and related services for students with special needs. Topics include inclusive education and collaboration between special educators, regular educators, related service providers, volunteers and parents. Also individual education programs (IEP) are examined in relation to students' needs and learning styles. The field experiences and observations are integral components of this course.
3 creditsEDCC 541 Foundations of Education and the Art of Teaching and LearningExamines current theory and practice in the processes of teaching and learning. These processes are embedded in human development, learning and motivational theories, and learning assessment. The social/cultural factors that have an impact on teaching and learning are also studied. This course will focus on topics of interest for educational psychologists as well as teachers and other professionals working with students. The course reviews theories of learning and styles of teaching from the most traditional to the latest innovations in the field. Classroom management techniques and strategies are studied and teacher candidates are required to analyze these and develop a classroom management plan. Field observations are a component of this course.
3 creditsEDTE 629 Teaching Students with High Incidence DisabilitiesParticular attention will be paid to the role of educators/individuals working with children identified as having learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral d isabilit ies, speech and language disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, autism, and those presenting with learning/emotional difficulties. Educational approaches developed to meet the special needs of these students will be discussed. Field observations/visits are an integral component of the course. Formerly EDTE 629, Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530, and EDCC 541EDTE 630 Human Relations and Career Education in Special EducationThis course examines contemporary trends and issues in career education and various strategies and methods established to provide for, and to improve the delivery of, appropriate educational and vocational services for students with disabilities as well as personal/social adjustment. A major focus is on the importance of transition planning. Parent/family and professional collaboration in multicultural settings is stressed. The field experience and practica assignments are integral components of this course. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530, and EDCC 541EDTE 634 Teaching Students with Significant DisabilitiesThis course provides an in-depth examination of the theory and research associated with the etiological, psychological, and social factors related to students with signif icant di sabilities (including intellectual disabilities, autism, and multiple disabilities). Curriculum development, materials and resources, and teaching strategies and methodologies for students with significant disabilities are introduced, with an emphasis on inclusive settings. Includes field component. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
Formerly EDTE 634, Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, 530, and 541EDTE 636 Psychology of Exceptional Children and YouthSurveys research and theory of the psychosocial development of exceptional children and youth. The relationship between normal psychosocial development and the psychosocial development of exceptional children and youth is explored. The field experience is an integral component of this course. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530 and EDCC 541EDTE 637 Preparation of Individualized Learning PrescriptionsFocuses on the skills and knowledge necessary for the development of individualized educational programs for students having special needs. Emphasizes evaluating commercially prepared materials and designing curricular materials to meet the needs of individual students. The field experience is an integral component of this course. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530, EDCC 541, and EDCC 605.
Co-requisites: EDTE 629 and EDTE 630EDTE 675 Student Teaching in Special EducationProvides students with a semester-long, full-time teaching internship in a special education setting under the guidance and supervision of a teacher and college supervisor. Internship is designed to provide a graduated, incremental learning experience in the classroom and other learning environments. In addition to planning student learning experiences, the teaching intern is engaged in active research. Professional development seminars are held in conjunction with the teaching internship. Formerly EDU 597G Supervised Teaching Internship in Special Education. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Completion of all core and specialization courses and a 1ualifying score on comprehensive examination in Special Education.
Co-requisites: EDTE 689
Trinity’s M.A.T. in special education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.) and nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (C.E.C.). This degree is a state-approved teacher preparation program that prepares individuals for teacher licensure in Special Education (grades K-12) granted by the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (O.S.S.E.).
Connect with Trinity: Interested in attending Trinity? Please visit our Office of Admissions.
