The M.Ed. degree in Special Education provides learning opportunities for classroom teachers to better manage resources for students with disabilities. It offers the content-certified teacher an additional Pennsylvania state certification in special education, either in grades PreK-8 or grades 7-12. The degree also provides already certified special educators with the additional Autism Spectrum Disorder state endorsement.
Graduate degree candidates enrolled in the program receive one-on-one advising, attend small classes, collaborate with practitioners and administrators in local school districts, and develop close relationships with faculty who have diverse experiences in K-12 schools. Degree candidates are engaged in innovative programs, partnerships within the school communities, and student organizations and volunteer opportunities. The program includes a practicum requirement, which involves a research project in special education involving 90 hours of field-based, directed study experiences under the supervision of a mentor.
The initial teacher preparation and advanced educator programs in the School of Education and Social Sciences have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Contact Information
Bruce A. Golmic, Ed.D.
Coordinator, M.Ed. in Special Education
golmic@rmu.edu
412-397-5464
Vicki J. Donne, D.Ed.
Department Head, Education
donne@rmu.edu
412-397-5465
- Additional Program Details
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Consisting of education alumni, teachers, and school administrators, the Education Advisory Board provides advice and input on the curriculum and program requirements to help keep RMU at the cutting edge of teacher education.
Enrolled Students
An enrolled student is admitted to a teacher preparation program but has not completed the program during the academic year. Demographic information on enrolled students is here:
All student teachers complete a Teacher Work Sample (TWS) assignment, which demonstrates professional competencies, skills, and knowledge acquired during the teacher education program. The Aggregate Teacher Work Sample Ratings are here:
Program Completers
An individual who completed the program during the academic year is a program completer and not an enrolled student. Information on program completers are here:
Students must demonstrate professional competency knowledge by passing the Praxis or PECT exam in the content/discipline area. To see information on the Praxis II and PECT results for program completers from 2012-2017, click here.
Each student teacher is formally observed at least three times to assess their preparedness for the classroom. Written evaluations by the University Supervisor are scored using the PDE 430 Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge. Program completers' PDE 430 ratings are here:
Sample Courses:
These are some of the classes for students in this academic program:
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School of Education and Social Sciences
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