Master of Arts

Teaching English and Teaching Students with Disabilities

Grades 7–12, Initial Certification

This dual-certification MA combines content courses and core pedagogy classes with fieldwork and supervised student teaching. You will complete two semesters of student teaching at New York City schools, in special and inclusive settings for students with disabilities, as well as in middle and high school English language arts classrooms, putting theory and subject content knowledge into practice. You'll receive feedback from cooperating teachers and NYU faculty as you develop and refine your teaching techniques.

You'll be prepared to teach students in grades 7–12 and grades 5–6 without special needs, as well as those with a variety of learning challenges, including:

• Autism
• Attention difficulties
• Learning disabilities
• Emotional and behavioral disabilities

Across the country, schools are experiencing a consistent shortage of special education teachers – particularly those with content-area expertise needed from high school teachers. You’ll graduate from this program eligible for dual New York State certification in English and Special Education for grades 7–12, with an option to pursue a certificate extension to also teach grades 5–6. You’ll be sought after by employers for your ability to teach students of all backgrounds, with and without learning challenges like autism, dyslexia, and attention difficulties.

Learn more about teacher certification and our degree's accreditation.