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Master of Arts
Teaching English and Teaching Students with Disabilities
Grades 7–12, Initial Certification

This New York State dual-certification degree prepares you to teach English and special education for grades 7–12, with an optional certificate extension to teach grades 5–6. Learn pedagogical theories and methods that address the needs of students with disabilities and other learning challenges; build a strong foundation in English, literacy, and language arts; and acquire valuable classroom experience.

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Degree Details

Official Degree Title

Master of Arts in Teaching English and Teaching Students with Disabilities, Grades 7-12, Initial Certification

Licensure or Certification
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
42
Start Date
Fall
Application Deadline

Throughout your program of study, you’ll double your credentials and expand your career options by learning:

  • Literacy methods in the inclusive classroom
  • Teaching methods for English and the language arts
  • Teaching methods and approaches to individualizing instruction for students identified with disabilities or other learning challenges
  • Educational technology
  • Language and literacy acquisition and development
  • Understanding the psychological and educational assessments of students with disabilities
  • How to design an effective curriculum in English for all types of learners
  • How to advocate for students' needs and educational rights
  • Effective classroom management for all students
  • How to work collaboratively with parents

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.

Questions 

If you have any additional questions about our degree, please feel free to contact program directors Katie Newhouse at newhouse@nyu.edu for Special Education Sarah W. Beck at sarah.beck@nyu.edu for English Education.

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