Academic Programs Overview | Degree Programs | Course Descriptions
Academic Calendar | Schedule of Classes | Graduate School Catalogue
Diane Newman, Director: 212-875-4547
Master of Science in Education: 36 credits
Master of Education: 36 credits
This 36-credit program in Childhood Special Education is designed for individuals who currently hold provisional or initial New York State certification in general education at the Childhood or Elementary level. Graduates of this master's program are prepared to earn initial certification in special education. This program provides teachers and prospective teachers with preparation to work with the children in grades 1 through 6 who need creative strategies for learning in today's inclusive or special education settings. If this is your second master's degree, you will earn the advanced Master of Education (Ed. M.) degree.
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.
You will learn 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
Individuals with New York State provisional certification in nursery through 6th grade, or initial certification in Childhood General Education, will be qualified for New York State initial certification in Childhood Special Education, grades 1 through 6, leading to professional certification after completing all New York State requirements, including three years of teaching in the certification area.
Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement
You will gain teaching experience and intensive advisory support through supervised fieldwork/advisement in an inclusive or special education setting at the appropriate grade level. If you are not currently working in an elementary school inclusive or special education 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. Working teachers and assistants in childhood settings may do their Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement in their workplace. Those who are not in inclusive or special education settings will need to have an additional three-credit practicum/student teaching experience during the summer.
Throughout your supervised fieldwork/advisement period, 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 term. Supervision and advisement is central to your professional growth and development as you become a successful educator.
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 Education program must have a valid New York State provisional certification in general education (nursery through 6th grade), or an initial certification in Childhood General Education.
Further information
More Childhood Education programs (grades 1 to 6):