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Diane Newman, Director: 212-875-4547
Master of Science in Education: 52 credits
This 52-credit dual certification program in Childhood Special and General Education provides teachers and prospective teachers with the broad preparation they need to work with the wide range of learners in grades 1 through 6 who may be in today's general, inclusive, or special education settings.
Through close observation of your students, you will learn to identify and address emerging special needs. Based on your observations, you can then tailor your teaching approach to the needs of each student, creating a classroom that values, validates and nurtures children and difference.
With an emphasis on rich and engaging curriculum development across all subject areas (math, science, reading, social studies and the arts), you will discover how to create learning environments that accommodate children's abilities and disabilities. You will learn classroom management techniques that will allow you to reach and engage all learners, while developing safe and nurturing relationships with children and their parents.
You will learn to work collaboratively with parents and other educators to devise an educational plan that supports the whole child. Special attention will be paid to learning to work in urban settings.
Certification in Education
You will earn initial and professional New York State certification in Childhood General Education and in Childhood Special Education, allowing you to work with children in grades 1 through 6 in general education, special education and inclusion settings.
Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement
During one academic year, while you take courses, you will gain teaching experience and intensive advisory support through supervised fieldwork/advisement. If you are not currently working in an elementary school setting, you will do your student teaching with placements both at the grades 1 through 3 level and at the grades 4 through 6 level, and in general and special education settings. Working teachers and assistants (in approved settings) who stay with a particular grade in the age range may use their own classroom as their primary site for college-supervised teaching, but they will also need additional college-supervised field experiences or student teaching with children of diverse populations and other ages within the certification range. This requirement will be met through the Practicum taken during the summer.
Throughout your year of supervised fieldwork/advisement, your advisor will visit you in your setting each month. You will meet individually twice a month with your Bank Street advisor, and you will gather with a small, supportive peer group once a week throughout the fall and spring.
Integrative Master's Project
Before graduating, you will complete an independent study (master's thesis), directed essay or portfolio. Your choice will depend on your own goals and learning style. This project allows you to pursue an area of particular interest to you, or to weave together the threads and understandings of your Bank Street graduate experience.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the Childhood Special and General Education Dual Certification program need a strong background in the liberal arts and sciences.
Further information
More Childhood Education programs (grades 1 to 6):