Education is not a preparation for life.
Education is life itself.
-- John Dewey

This intensive program is designed to allow highly qualified individuals to change careers and become teachers. In a carefully designed sequence of courses and field experiences, individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, and certifications required to successfully teach in childhood education (1-6), special education, and literacy settings.

After a summer of introductory courses, students devote their first academic year to coursework in special education, educational psychology and reading. At the same time, they participate in a year-long practicum , working with one or two students in an after-school setting. This practicum was developed for the Special Education and Literacy II program students. It is housed in a local elementary school, and co-taught by two faculty members. A first literacy practicum requirement is also met during this year.

In their second summer, students in the Special Education and Literacy (II) program complete a student teaching experience in childhood education (1-6), as well as several courses. This prepares them for their special education Internship, taken in the fall of the second year in the program. During the final semester, students complete the Capstone Practicum in Literacy. Students take a full load of courses during year 2, along with these internship and practicum experiences.

What Graduates say about the Program in Special Education and Literacy (II)?

"While going through that program I was wondering if it would be worth it in the end....all the pressure and hard work and it was. I do feel prepared to take on the profession. I am even helping one of the full time teachers that was just hired ahead of me with converting running record scores…. hahah!!! Thanks so much again!"

Program Requirements
Full Time Study (67 credits)
Evening course work and field experiences during the school day (possible assignment to on-line courses)
Study begins in June and continues for 2 calendar years, including summers

Appropriate Applicants are Individuals…
without teaching certification
with teaching certification in areas other than childhood education
with an undergraduate average of 3.0 or better
with a major or minor/concentration in the liberal arts or sciences - Click Here for more information
having an appropriate distribution of undergraduate liberal arts courses - Click Here for more information

Certifications Earned: Initial and Professional Certifications in
Childhood Education (1-6)
Teaching Students with Disabilities at the Childhood Level (1-6)
Literacy (Birth-Grade 6)

Application Deadline: See graduate admissions

How to Apply

• Complete the application at http://www.albany.edu/graduate/application_forms.php
• Submit transcript and 3 letters of recommendation, including at least one that speaks to your interaction skills with children and/or adults
• Complete the Departmental Statement of Purpose and Questionnaire (Special Education Data Sheet and Written Statement) at http://www.albany.edu/graduate/departmentforms.php