Special Education: Initial Licensure Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, PreK–8 or 5–12 (Graduate Certificate)

Degree Requirements

Graduate Certificate in Moderate Disabilities with Initial Licensure (27 cr.)

This certificate fulfills the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements for initial licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities. The certificate offers matriculated students a 27-credit sequence of coursework, including 75 hours of monitored prepracticum, field-based experience and a minimum semester-long supervised practicum (including at least 75 hours in an inclusive setting). The initial license is valid for five years. The courses in this certificate program are also part of the MEd leading to successive licensures in moderate disabilities.

For teachers who currently hold an initial licensure in elementary education, the courses in this certificate program fulfill requirements for professional licensure in elementary education and initial licensure in moderate disabilities, resulting in dual licensure.

Required courses include

For PreK-8 License:

For 5-12 License:

Special Ed. Admission Requirements

The Special Education Program will recommend admission for those applicants who present evidence of their ability to do graduate work with distinction. Such evidence will include:

A letter of intent, clearly explaining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study in the field of moderate disabilities.
A curriculum vitae
A distinguished undergraduate transcript, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Scores on the communications and literacy portion of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Out-of-state applicants may submit scores from either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination. Please note: While MTEL scores are required, the MAT and/or GRE is waived if the student already holds a graduate degree in a related field.
Three letters of recommendation submitted by persons who are knowledgeable about teaching students with disabilities, who have worked closely with the applicant, and who have direct knowledge of the applicant’s teaching skills and academic performance.
A writing sample indicating the applicant’s ability to write in a clear, concise, and professional manner. This sample may be in the form of a recent term paper. Applicants should not submit an Individualized Education Program (IEP), an evaluation report, a lesson plan, or curriculum unit. The College of Education and Human Development has as its basic goal that the students who graduate are thoughtful and responsive educators, committed to change for social justice. Please ensure that your writing sample demonstrates how you and your work match such a description. Your writing sample should also exemplify the experiences or values in your life that match this philosophy. NOTE: This writing sample is in addition to the statement of intent requirement for moderate disabilities.