Special Education

Moderate Disabilities (Prek-8, 5-12)
Severe Disabilities (All Levels)
Moderate and Severe
Individually Designed Program (Moderate or Severe)
Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate

The Special Education programs at Lesley University provide teachers with the skills to give those with learning or developmental disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential as learners. Below are links to our programs, which include licensure-only programs, Master's degree programs, Master's programs leading to initial licensure, and a 15-credit Advanced Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Those already holding Master's degrees may also choose the 12-credit option for professional licensure. Programs are offered on and off campus, as well as through the Collaborative Internship Programs, in which students complete a 14-month, field-based Master's program leading to initial licensure.

The Moderate Disabilities programs prepare teachers to work with students with disabilities in the least restrictive environments in public and private schools, clinical settings, and collaborative programs. The major goals of the programs, as with all of the special education programs, are:

• to educate reflective practitioners and inspire lifelong learning
• to develop and enhance the expertise of teachers in serving diverse populations within a collaborative framework, and
• to model in one's teaching the connection between current theories and practice being developed in course content.

Strategies for effective inclusive schooling and nondiscriminatory assessment, new technologies, transitional planning, and bilingual perspectives are addressed in distinct courses as well as in themes integrated throughout the programs. The goals of the program are met through coursework, field-based assignments, and closely supervised practica and internship experiences.

The Severe Disabilities programs are designed to prepare professionals in the field of developmental disabilities. The program emphasizes functional curriculum, applied academics, vocational strategies, and school and community inclusion. Threaded throughout the program are themes of diversity, community and family collaboration, technology, and multiculturalism.

The Individually Designed program is an individually-structured program for students who either already have a moderate or severe disabilities license, or are not seeking a license, who would like to design an advanced-level special education program. It offers students the opportunity to pursue studies most conducive to their personal and professional growth.

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning September 1, 2009, all new applicants seeking admission to an initial license program must submit evidence of having taken, or registered for, the Communication and Literacy Skills Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Effective Fall, 2010, all students seeking a first initial license must pass all portions of the MTEL(s) required for their licensure program to be eligible for student teaching or practicum.

Programs of Study

• Initial License Only: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
• Initial License Only: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12)
• Initial License Only: Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All Levels)
• M. Ed. Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
• M. Ed. Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12)
• M. Ed. Leading to Initial Teacher License as Elementary Teacher (1-6) and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
• M. Ed. Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Levels: All)
• M. Ed. Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) and Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Levels: All)
• M. Ed. Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12) and Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Levels: All)
• M. Ed. Special Education, Moderate or Severe Disabilities/Individually Designed Program 
• M.Ed. in Special Education for General Educators
• M.Ed. Special Education 
• Advanced Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

12-credit Option for Professional Licensure (Post-Master's)

For those who already hold Master's degrees, 12 credits of graduate credit in the subject matter knowledge of the initial license can be used to meet part of the requirements for the professional license in that field. This is an individual option listed in the Massachusetts state regulations and not an approved program. Those interested in taking advantage of this option should consult with an Assistant Director of Academic Advising in the School of Education before enrolling in courses.