Skip to main content

Online Master's Degree in
Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6)

special education major psu 480w

Take your paraeducator experience to the next level!

The Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education (MAT-SPED) Elementary licensure program is designed specifically for those with a non-teaching bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience working as a paraeducator with elementary students with high incidence learning needs. 

This online, innovative program allows you to earn a Kansas teaching license in High Incidence Special Education, Grades K-6. 

Expert Faculty

Learn from seasoned educators and professionals who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the online classroom. Benefit from their guidance as you further explore your education. 

Hands-On Experience

Gain hand-on experience with students that have high incidence learning needs under the direction of university personnel and a licensed/certified special education teacher.

Career Advancement

Expand your career possibilities by earning your licence to teach special education in a high incidence, elementary setting through this innovative program designed for special education para-educators.

Master's of Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) Admission Requirements:

Admissions criteria for the Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) will include the following:
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an official transcript received by PSU
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00
  • Successful completion of the professional disposition assessment
  • Completion of a background check
  • Writing sample
  • Two recommendation forms
  • Verification of at least one year of experience as a para-educator in a special education setting.

Unique Class Topics in the Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) Master's

Through a comprehensive curriculum paraeducators will be equipped with specialized knowledge and skills to support students and make a meaningful impact in inclusive classrooms.

  • Advanced Educational Psychology: Explore advanced theories and research in educational psychology, examining the cognitive, social, and emotional factors that influence learning and development, and equipping educators with practical strategies to promote learning.
  • Literacy Development and Instruction (K-2): Focus on literacy development in young learners, emphasizing evidence-based instructional practices and strategies to teach foundational reading and writing skills to students..
  • Literacy Development and Instruction (3+): Address literacy instruction for students in grades three and above, emphasizing comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and writing skills to support continued literacy growth and achievement.
  • Characteristics of Students with High-Incidence Learning Needs: Examine the unique characteristics and educational needs of students with high-incidence disabilities, providing you with insights and strategies to support their academic and social-emotional development.
  • Behavior Analysis and Management: Explore principles of behavior analysis and behavior management techniques, equipping you with strategies to assess, intervene, and support students with challenging behaviors in educational settings.
  • Assessment in Special Education: Focus on assessment practices and procedures in special education, preparing you to administer, interpret, and utilize assessment data to inform instructional decision-making and support student learning.
  • Individualized Education Programming: Guides you in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, emphasizing collaboration with families and stakeholders to create personalized educational plans.
  • Practicum I: High-Incidence Learning Needs: Gain hands-on practicum experiences working with students with high-incidence disabilities under the supervision of experienced educators, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world educational settings.
  • Teaching Elementary Students with High-Incidence Learning Needs: Focus on effective instructional strategies and accommodations for teaching elementary students with high-incidence disabilities, promoting inclusive practices and academic success.
  • Partnerships with Families of Exceptional Children and Youth: Examine the importance of family involvement in special education, providing you with strategies to establish collaborative partnerships with families to support student learning and well-being.
  • The Professional Special Educator: Explore the roles and responsibilities of special educators, emphasizing professionalism, ethical practices, and ongoing professional development to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
  • General Education Curriculum for Students with High Incidence Disabilities: Learn strategies for adapting and modifying the general education curriculum to meet the needs of students with high-incidence disabilities, promoting access to the general education curriculum and meaningful participation in classroom activities.

Jobs of Teaching (Special Education High-Incidence K-6) Master's Graduates

  • Special Education Teacher: Work as a special education teacher in elementary schools, providing specialized instruction and support to students with high-incidence disabilities.
  • Resource Room Teacher: Serve as a resource room teacher, working with small groups of students with disabilities to provide targeted interventions, support academic skills development, and reinforce classroom learning.
  • Inclusion Teacher: Collaborate with general education teachers to co-teach in inclusive classrooms, providing support and accommodations to students with disabilities while fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Additional information
for the Department of Teaching and Leadership

Catalog – see program guides